Harry & Bess Truman.

[John Schmidt]

Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He  probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.

The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri . His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.

When he retired from office in 1952 his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.

After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.

When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me.. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale."

Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."

As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.

Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth.  Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale.

Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed: "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician.  And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference! They make a lot of noise but they really don't have much to do with what goes on inside."

I say dig him up and clone him!

[vanavyman]

Hi John,

  Couldn't agree with you more. I read quite a bit about President Harry Truman when I was on active duty in the U.S. Navy.  I was part of the Commissioning crew on the USS Harry S. Truman (CVN-75).  He was a great American and most don't know anything about him.  Very humble man that could show most politicians what it really means to server your country and it's citizens.

Thanks for reminding me that there use to be great Politicians and Americans.  Maybe there will be again.  Really hard to stay positive in these times.  We sure could use another Humble man from Missouri. 

Dan Adams
U.S. Navy Chief Retired

[motomama]

I actually grew up in Independence, Missouri just a few blocks from the Truman home.  It was not unusual to see Harry Truman (with his cane in hand) out for a walk.  He did this daily.  The secret service would always accompany him on his walks.  

Both he and Bess did their own grocery shopping at a local Milgrim's store.  They would go in to the store, grab their own cart and do their shopping as the secret service followed behind them.  Up until Bess passed away, she continued to do her shopping at Milgrim's.  When she was unable to do the shopping herself, she would send her nurses to do it for her.  When President Truman passed away, nearly the entire city of Independence shut down for his funeral.

Bess's brother, George Wallace,  had a house right next door and the properties connected.  Harry's cousin lived across the street and she was a delightful woman.  I visited with her a few times.  I also had the awesome opportunity to rake the leaves in the yard of the Truman home, as well as the Wallace's home when I was a kid.

My mother was one of Bess Truman's private nurses for several years.  When any dignitaries would travel through Independence, it was expected of them to stop and visit Mrs. Truman.  Due to that, my mother has met many dignitaries and we were able to meet a few of them, as well.  When Mrs. Truman passed, my mother was "invited" to attend the funeral, where she met 4 of the first ladies.

I can remember going in to the Truman home the first time, and I was just fascinated with the president's library.  (He had very, very poor vision, and due to that was never able to participate in any athletics.  So, as a young child, he took up reading.)  His library in the house, not only had every book shelf overflowing with books, but there were stacks of books, nearly to the ceiling all over the room.  It was awesome!

Well, that's it for my trip down memory lane.  I hope I didn't bore you all too much!

[solo1]

I agree 100%.  Harry said the Buck Stops Here and meant it.   A very humble man who understood our Republic.  I think he was the best Democratic president that our nation had.

He led a moral and responsible life, in and out of the White House.  His only bad habit was to walk the legs off of the SS men who guarded him!

[Oss]

+3

The man had personal integrity

Something lacking in "leadership" today

[The emperor has no clothes]

I actually grew up in Independence, Missouri just a few blocks from the Truman home.  It was not unusual to see Harry Truman (with his cane in hand) out for a walk.  He did this daily.  The secret service would always accompany him on his walks.  

Both he and Bess did their own grocery shopping at a local Milgrim's store.  They would go in to the store, grab their own cart and do their shopping as the secret service followed behind them.  Up until Bess passed away, she continued to do her shopping at Milgrim's.  When she was unable to do the shopping herself, she would send her nurses to do it for her.  When President Truman passed away, nearly the entire city of Independence shut down for his funeral.

Bess's brother, George Wallace,  had a house right next door and the properties connected.  Harry's cousin lived across the street and she was a delightful woman.  I visited with her a few times.  I also had the awesome opportunity to rake the leaves in the yard of the Truman home, as well as the Wallace's home when I was a kid.

My mother was one of Bess Truman's private nurses for several years.  When any dignitaries would travel through Independence, it was expected of them to stop and visit Mrs. Truman.  Due to that, my mother has met many dignitaries and we were able to meet a few of them, as well.  When Mrs. Truman passed, my mother was "invited" to attend the funeral, where she met 4 of the first ladies.

I can remember going in to the Truman home the first time, and I was just fascinated with the president's library.  (He had very, very poor vision, and due to that was never able to participate in any athletics.  So, as a young child, he took up reading.)  His library in the house, not only had every book shelf overflowing with books, but there were stacks of books, nearly to the ceiling all over the room.  It was awesome!

Well, that's it for my trip down memory lane.  I hope I didn't bore you all too much!

Not at all. Sounds very interesting. I'm sure your town was very proud of him.

[John Schmidt]

Lori, that's so neat....what a small world we live in. And to think the man still makes an impression on us many years after he's gone. Can't help but wonder how the current flock of politicians will be remembered. Kinda sad, actually.  

[Master Blaster]

As a contrast I heard the other day that every Senator and Congress person are worth over a million.  They all are on the take and use their office to enrich themselves.  Some of the laws and regulations they pass are strictly a means to this end.  Wish we all had this Chrystal Ball on the stock market.

[Serk]

As a contrast I heard the other day that every Senator and Congress person are worth over a million. 

There's definitely a lot of corruption there, but just over half of congress critters are worth a million or more: http://swampland.time.com/2014/01/09/congress-is-now-mostly-a-millionaires-club/

[old2soon]

As a contrast I heard the other day that every Senator and Congress person are worth over a million. 

There's definitely a lot of corruption there, but just over half of congress critters are worth a million or more: http://swampland.time.com/2014/01/09/congress-is-now-mostly-a-millionaires-club/

AND AND they exempted themselves from obamacare. Kinda do as I say NOT as I do. Wasn't this country formed in part because royalty wuz crapping on the lower classes?? Yeah-kinda what I thought. RIDE SAFE.

[Mapper]

A good man, and a good president.

Harry S. Truman.  What does the S. stand for?  This is an odd tidbit many people don't know.  If you don't know, I won't ruin the fun of finding out.

Anyway, his Executive Order 9981 ordered the end of racial discrimination in the military, led to the military's desegregation, and contributed to the Civil Rights movement in their efforts in desegregation of the general public that was to come much later. 

I was not born yet to experience any of this.  I cannot imagine a world in which I can not openly enjoy the friendship of anyone I choose, cannot imagine a world of racial inequality.  Not trying to make this about Civil Rights, but for me, that is one of the first things I think of when I think of this man... and it is something he did in 1948!  ...and his name is one that I NEVER hear mentioned when mentioning Civil Rights or Black History Month.

[3fan4life]

Harry S. Truman.  What does the S. stand for?  This is an odd tidbit many people don't know.  If you don't know, I won't ruin the fun of finding out.

Harry S. Truman was the first of three children born to John Anderson Truman, a farmer and mule trader, and his wife, Martha Ellen Truman. Harry was named in honor of his maternal uncle, Harrison Young, but his parents couldn't decide on a middle name. After more than a month, they settled on simply using the letter "S" as a tribute to both his maternal grandfather, Solomon Young, and his paternal grandfather, Anderson Shipp Truman.

[Mapper]

  One of those things that keeps most people guessing for awhile    I read somewhere too that this was not an uncommon Scots-Irish tradition.

[Valkernaut]

As a contrast I heard the other day that every Senator and Congress person are worth over a million. 


[/quote]

Someone please help me; I continually hear folks refer to the Senate "and" the Congress. Isn't Congress composed of the Senate AND the House of Representatives....

Jim

[3fan4life]

Someone please help me; I continually hear folks refer to the Senate "and" the Congress. Isn't Congress composed of the Senate AND the House of Representatives....

Jim

You would be correct:

The United States Congress is the bicameral legislature of the federal government of the United States consisting of two houses: the House of Representatives and the Senate. Congress meets in the Capitol in Washington, D.C. Both representatives and senators are chosen through direct election. Members are affiliated to the Republican Party or to the Democratic Party, and only rarely to a third-party or as independents. Congress has 535 voting members: 435 Representatives and 100 Senators.

The members of the House of Representatives serve two-year terms representing the people of a district. Congressional districts are apportioned to states by population using the United States Census results, provided that each state has at least one congressperson. Each state regardless of population has exactly two senators; at present there are 100 senators representing the 50 states. Each senator serves a six-year term, with terms staggered, so every two years approximately one-third of the Senate is up for election. Each staggered group of one-third of the senators are called 'classes'. No state of the United States has two senators from the same class.

However, since elected members of the House are commonly referred to as "Congressmen", people tend to think of the House of Representatives as Congress.

[Robert]

While Truman was a decent president we wonder how we got in the situation we are in now. In my history research I would say that any President after the 1900's is suspect as to the true intent of their presidency.
While Truman was President of the U.S, he wrote "The greatest honor that has ever come to me, and that can ever come to me in my life, is to be Grand Master of Masons in Missouri"
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (January 30, 1882 – April 12, 1945)
HARRY S TRUMAN (1884-1972) Thirty-third President (1945-1952)

Truman served as the first Worshipful Master of the Masonic Grandview Lodge No. 618,
Brother and President Truman was made a Sovereign Grand Inspector General, 33°, and Honorary Member, Supreme Council on October 19,1945
Brother and President Roosevelt was made the first Honorary Grand Master of the Order of DeMolay on April 13, 1934 at the White House.
President Harry S. Truman appointed four members of the Supreme Court of the United States: President Franklin D. Roosevelt appointed eight new members of the Supreme Court of the United States
of the 12 appointed only 2 were not Masons.

Roosevelt introduced a vast Federal bureaucracy to control every facet of the economic life of the nation. He already had Congress in his pocket through bribes and threats, but the Supreme Court ruled that many of his New Deals were downright unconstitutional. Roosevelt was furious. He was determined to rule like his friends Hitler, Mussolini and Franco. By 1937, Roosevelt was in his 2nd term and had not appointed one Justice to the Supreme Court. 6 of the Supreme Court judges were over 70 years of age. Roosevelt reminded them of the infirmities of old age and ENCOURAGED them ALL to RESIGN. In the context of religion, the Court's first and most abusive reinterpretation began in a 1940 Supreme Court ruling, Cantwell v. Connecticut. Here, the Court applied the "free exercise" clause of the First Amendment to the states. Again, religion was a State matter. State courts were, and are, completely capable of handling the issue. Nevertheless, the Supreme Court, in direct opposition to the original intentions of the Constitution, applied yet another portion of the Bill of Rights to the States. They did not stop there.

The next landmark ruling came down in 1947. In the case, Everson v. Board of Education, the Supreme Court applied the "establishment clause" of the First Amendment to the states. In the context of the "separation of church and state," the Court's foundational reinterpretation of the Constitution was complete. From 1947 forward, the Court has ruled with regularity on religious issues, in direct violation of the original meaning of the First Amendment. Their rulings, and those of lower courts (federal and State) have become the “law” of "separation of church and state."

Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v Sawyer (1952) arose when President Harry Truman, responding to labor unrest at the nation's steel mills during the Korean War, seized control of the mills.  Although a six-member majority of the Court concluded that Truman's action exceeded his authority under the Constitution, seven justices indicated that the power of the President is not limited to those powers expressly granted in Article II.  Had the Congress not impliedly or expressly disapproved of Truman's seizure of the mills, the action would have been upheld. 
By 1952, Truman had become an unpopular president, even among Democrats, and his attempted seizure evinced a power struggle with a hostile Congress. He had alternative ways to proceed. Although no current statute authorized him to nationalize the steel industry, he had authority under the Taft-Hartley Act to order an eighty-day “cooling-off period,” during which the union-management dispute might have been settled without a strike. The pro-union president chose not to issue such an order, however, because he opposed the Taft-Hartley Act, which Congress had passed it over his veto in 1947. He did not ask Congress to authorize his seizure of the steel industry.Truman had seized twenty-eight other industrial properties—sometimes entire industries, such as the railroads and the meat packers—in labor disputes.

Wow and we thought O was bad

Instead, Truman rested his seizure order on legally vague national-emergency grounds, citing his inherent powers as president and as commander-in-chief of the armed forces.2 Afterward, he and his official spokesman sought clumsily “to transform the steel crisis from a particular labor dispute into a broader battle against ‘big business,’” a rendering that had little resonance.3

Taxes and the Federal Reserve system before Truman's watch but in line with the goals of a one world government
The Federal Reserve System (also known as the Federal Reserve, and informally as the Fed) is the central banking system of the United States. It was created on December 23, 1913.
  In 1913, the 16th Amendment to the Constitution made the income tax a permanent fixture in the U.S. tax system. The amendment gave Congress legal authority to tax income and resulted in a revenue law that taxed incomes of both individuals and corporations. In fiscal year 1918, annual internal revenue collections for the first time passed the billion-dollar mark, rising to $5.4 billion by 1920. With the advent of World War II, employment increased, as did tax collections—to $7.3 billion. The withholding tax on wages was introduced in 1943 and was instrumental in increasing the number of taxpayers to 60 million and tax collections to $43 billion by 1945.

All of what is said here is consistent with the Mason ideals and goals. Coincidence or planned? Is this the start of the end of the US as we were raised to think it was supposed to be?

[Oss]

Yet the 1st President was also a Mason  and I believe a Master at that
John Adams - Spoke favorably of Freemasonry -- never joined
Samuel Adams - (Close and principle associate of Hancock, Revere & other Masons)
Ethan Allen - Mason
Edmund Burke - Mason
John Claypoole - Mason
William Daws - Mason
Benjamin Franklin - Mason
Nathan Hale - No evidence of Masonic connections
John Hancock - Mason
Benjamin Harrison - No evidence of Masonic connections
Patrick Henry - No evidence of Masonic connections
Thomas Jefferson - Deist with some evidence of Masonic connections
John Paul Jones - Mason
Francis Scott Key - No evidence of Masonic connections
Robert Livingston - Mason
James Madison - Some evidence of Masonic membership
Thomas Paine - Humanist
Paul Revere - Mason
Colonel Benjamin Tupper - Mason
George Washington - Mason
Daniel Webster - Some evidence of Masonic connections

Summary: 10 Masons, 3 probable Masons, 1 Humanist, 2 Advocates of Freemasonry, 4 no record of connections.

[Robert]

The idea that there needed to be separation of church and state came from somewhere. For the Supreme court to go against previous rulings and change their own rulings and the very fabric of society it happened for a reason. What is this ideology and where did the seeds get planted that promoted the move to what we see today in our government? If you can answer that, I would be all ears. This is only one issue as I mentioned with Truman and Roosevelt, there have been many. Truman was not a bad president as presidents go but look at the whole presidency and tell me there were not strategic decisions made to a common goal. They are not bad men just had a different slant on what direction the US should go. We seldom know the full direction our decisions will carry us to.

A interesting rule of Masons is you have to belong to ,a religion, any religion, and you have to follow it. They like those who drew up the Constitution knew the importance of religion in men's lives. But That slight belief difference is not what this country was founded on. It allows there to be other foundational rules more important than the Bible. We were founded a Christian nation what we have turned into and what happened to the Constitution is the result of allowing deviation however small to come and change the course of this great country. Bad men no not really, just a different ideology and that is where we see ourselves heading. So its not bad men doing bad things its more like good men not really understanding that A little leaven leavens the whole lump.

[The emperor has no clothes]

This isn't gonna turn into another anti-Masonic thread is it?

[Robert]

This isn't gonna turn into another anti-Masonic thread is it?

I sure as hell hope not because I dont know anyone here who is against them.

[Oss]

Not a Mason  am however a Pythian
the story....
As told by Aristoxenus, and after him Cicero (De Offic. 3.45), Diodorus Siculus (10.4), and others, around the 5th century BC, Pythias and his friend Damon, both followers of the philosopher Pythagoras, traveled to Syracuse. Pythias was accused of plotting against the tyrant of Syracuse, Dionysius I. As punishment for this crime, Pythias was sentenced to death.

Accepting his sentence, Pythias asked to be allowed to return home one last time, to settle his affairs and bid his family farewell. Not wanting to be taken for a fool, the king refused, believing that once released, Pythias would flee and never return.

Damon offered to take his spot while he was gone. The king agreed, on the condition that, should Pythias not return when promised, Damon would be put to death in his place. Damon agreed, and Pythias was released.

Dionysius was convinced that Pythias would never return, and as the day Pythias promised to return came and went, Dionysius prepared to execute Damon. But just as the executioner was about to kill Damon, Pythias returned.

Apologizing to his friend for his delay, Pythias told of how pirates had captured his ship on the passage back to Syracuse and thrown him overboard. Dionysius listened to Pythias as he described how he swam to shore and made his way back to Syracuse as quickly as possible, arriving just in time to save his friend.

Dionysius was so pleased and astonished with their friendship that he pardoned them both. It was also said that Dionysius then sought to become their third friend, but was denied.
cool story
http://www.buddyhollyandthecrickets.com/pythian.html

So our friend Damon, is named after one of the most selfless people
in the history of mankind, and one can see easily his character is similar

Proud to know you Damon