Greatest American? (All Over on Page Eight)

[Jeremy Ackerman-Yost]

I'm certainly not familiar with the details of military structure (or lack thereof) in that time period, Storm Raven, as I've always been interested in political and social issues more than military detail. But what you're saying lines up nicely with my own research. Laying significant blame (as Capt. Tagon did) for the sacking of Washington on Jefferson's doorstep strikes me as hyperbolic at best, and gross misrepresentation at worst.

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Well...I don't think Washington was sacked during WWII, so its probably not about FDR. But then again...one never knows.

Hey, you never know what someone might believe happened... (Not implying you would Canis.)

 

[Storm Raven]

I'm certainly not familiar with the details of military structure (or lack thereof) in that time period, Storm Raven, as I've always been interested in political and social issues more than military detail. But what you're saying lines up nicely with my own research. Laying significant blame (as Capt. Tagon did) for the sacking of Washington on Jefferson's doorstep strikes me as hyperbolic at best, and gross misrepresentation at worst.

I'd lay most of the blame for the sacking on John Armstrong, the Secretary of War at the outset of the conflict, and who botched the call-up of the Maryland militia. Madison deserves a fair amount of the blame too, for handing command of the defense of the region over to a political crony (Winder).

 

[Gentlegamer]

Jefferson was not President during the Second War of American Independence.

 

[Phoenix]

No William Katt? Shame I say...shame...

 

[danbuter]

I voted for Ben Franklin. Though I would have voted for Teddy Roosevelt if he was listed.
And some of the people on that list really shouldn't be on it.

 

[Mark]

I voted for Ben Franklin.

So did I.

And some of the people on that list really shouldn't be on it.

I agree.

 

[Templetroll]

George Washington. he handed over the power of the Presidency peacefully and went home. He set the standard. The next best was Lincoln. They are worthy of respect forever.

 

[Dinkeldog]

I'd lay most of the blame for the sacking on John Armstrong, the Secretary of War at the outset of the conflict, and who botched the call-up of the Maryland militia. Madison deserves a fair amount of the blame too, for handing command of the defense of the region over to a political crony (Winder).

These are hardly mistakes that weren't repeated over and over--even Lincoln and Washington made several of the same (consider Bull Run I, for example). In fact, in terms of turning war into the horrific endeavor we know now, Lincoln may be the most guilty, supporting the likes of Sherman and Grant, after supporting some incredible incompetents to prosecute the war.

 

[Brother Shatterstone]

Lincoln may be the most guilty, supporting the likes of Sherman and Grant, after supporting some incredible incompetents to prosecute the war.

Their incompetence, like Burnside, and then there’s doing what needs to be done… All Grant, followed by Sherman, offered the South the easy peace that ended the war and didn't lead to guerilla warfare. (This easy peace was deeply upsetting to congress but was what Lincoln, and they, wanted.)

If their happened been Lee and Grant at Appomattox Courthouse the world would be a very different place and it would be a happy place. (IMHO)