Statue of General Hooker at main entrance to State House.
Flickr photo courtesy of David Paul Ohmer
Beneath the gold dome atop Beacon Hill, past and present live together in the same house—the Massachusetts State House. Similar to a museum, it houses famous paintings and sculptures. As the seat of government for the Commonwealth since its construction in 1798, this historic building holds even more significance. Like any other place of government, it faces ups and downs, since with government comes politics.
Before discussing the “juicier” side of the State House’s story, it should first be recognized for a few of its links to the history of this country, state, and city.
Since none of the Kennedy clan served at the state level in Massachusetts, it may puzzle some to see a statue of John F. Kennedy on the front grounds of the State House. However, he delivered his famous “City on a Hill” speech in the House of Representatives Chamber back on January 9, 1961. Technically not a “sitting President,” Kennedy could not walk through the ceremonial front doors on that day. Unfortunately for him, he had to walk through the main entrance like everyone else—it was 11 days before he would be inaugurated as our 35th President.
As a state, Massachusetts should be proud for having the oldest constitution in continuous use in the entire world, in effect since 1780. A mural in the House Chamber depicts its drafting by John Adams, Samuel Adams, and James Bowdoin.
The construction of the Brigham Addition (completed in 1895), ties specifically to Boston’s North End. The wave of Italian immigrants to Boston began when the architect invited over 700 Italian artisans to come to America to lay the Italian marble throughout the addition (he actually did not find Americans skilled enough at that time).
On the other hand, in its recent history, the State House has had its fair share of dark spots. Back in October, the FBI arrested State Senator Dianne Wilkerson on corruption charges—most remembered by her stuffing $1000 into her bra at No. 9 Park, a restaurant not even a block from the State House. What a way to remember the first African American female state senator in Massachusetts history. Just think, she served in the very chamber where Angelina Grimke became the first woman to address a legislature back in 1838. Grimke brought with her 20,000 anti-slavery petitions signed by women—a clear demonstration of a common bond between the two pushes for equality. This sense of morality and duty clearly did not resonate with Senator Wilkerson. She was not even the only state senator arrested in 2008. Senator Marzilli found himself charged that June for sexual assault.
Such embarrassments are not confined to the Senate—the House of Representatives has plenty of its own. The previous three Speakers of the House before current Speaker Robert DeLeo resigned due to fishy business. Tax evasion brought down Charles Flaherty (1991-1996). Thomas Finneran (1996-2004) resigned and pled guilty to obstruction of justice charges. Most recently, Salvatore DiMasi, the State’s first Italian-American Speaker, resigned in January of this year due to corruption charges.
Although the State House receives negative attention periodically, these embarrassments become even worse when looking at them from a historical point of view. Perhaps the statue of General Hooker, which greets visitors at the main entrance to the building, can be viewed as a bit symbolic. At face value, General Hooker appears to be a pretty distinguished Civil War general from Western Massachusetts. Yet a deeper look exposes the significance of his name—yes, this is where the term “hooker” comes from. This General became a popular leader by allowing girls to follow his men around in order to “boost morale.” So even though the State House connects with many impressive moments, past and present, a surface examination never will tell the whole story.
Originally written for DirectoryofBoston.com and can be found here .
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As the Broadway sensation Jersey Boys travels the country highlighting one of New Jersey’s bright spots, the state gets thrust into national attention…for something far less glamorous. As if Bravo’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey wasn’t already enough, right? Earlier today, the FBI busted forty-four in a corruption sweep. Those arrested included the likes of three mayors, two state assemblymen, and five rabbis from New Jersey. This was far from your typical bribe story. The corruption went further—the sale of organs.
For a state continuously battling its reputation, this strikes deep. A few years ago, in 2006, some hope was brought to the Garden State. Yes, Jersey Boys won four awards, including Best Musical, in that year’s Tonys. But the area of government also seemed to have found some hope. Newark replaced popular, but crooked Mayor Sharp James with young, promising Cory Booker, a Rhodes Scholar. The two had squared off earlier, in 2002, when James won by a mere five-point margin (52-47). Set to face off in the May 2006 election, James dropped out of the race in March, opting not to seek a sixth term. Sharp James had been major since 1986 (when Booker was 17!). James later found himself convicted in 2008 on five accounts of fraud and sentenced to 27 months in jail. Now, New Jersey politics seem to have “done it again” with its most recent scandal.
Although this corruption sweep will certainly occupy a top spot in the news, it is important to mention New Jersey also lost one of its good guys this week. Jersey City Detective Marc DiNardo, 37, lost his life on Tuesday five days after a shootout with two robbery suspects. So while yet another humiliation hits New Jersey, it also mourns one of its good guys. It seems to need every one it still has left.
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Some dates in history carry with them such weight that some people probably remember them even more readily than family birthdays. The date most immortalized for Americans is the Fourth of July. Other dates include: November 11—the end of WWI (now Veteran’s Day), December 7—the attack on Pearl Harbor, November 22—the JFK assassination, and September 11—the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
For many living today, June 6th strikes a deep cord. It marks the invasion by mostly American and British troops onto the beaches of Normandy, France during World War II (known as D-Day), which played a tremendous role in leading the Allies to victory over the Nazis. WWII marks perhaps the last war where the “good guys” clearly trumped the “bad guys.” For those who lived while D-Day made newspaper headlines, it may be rather difficult to imagine a time when people do not remember what happened on June 6, 1944. However, new June 6ths and December 7ths will emerge, in a way replacing the emotion once carried by these dates. For my generation, September 11th will definitely prove to be one of them. But how will it be remembered one hundred or even fifty years from now?
The visit of President Obama this past weekend to the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial, sitting on top of Omaha Beach, brought attention to D-Day in honor of its 65th anniversary. Omaha Beach, now an area covered with freshly cut grass overlooking smooth sand, once provided the stage for the bloodiest invasion of Operation Overlord. This codename was given for General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s overall plan for a landing on French soil that would catch the Nazis off guard.
Other presidents have journeyed to Normandy to commemorate the events of June 6th. In 1984, President Reagan spoke from Pointe du Hoc to celebrate the 40th anniversary of D-Day. Reagan became the first U.S. President to participate in ceremonies honoring the service of 160,000 Allied troops. Presidents Clinton and Bush followed him in 1994 and 2004, respectively.
The media portrayed Obama’s visit to be particularly significant because it may be one of the last where those who took part in the massive campaign will be alive to share in the ceremony. It also provides an opportunity to look at how much the world, especially the United States, has changed since 1944. But still we hold on dearly to our past. During the 1940s, it would have been very difficult to fathom a black president. To put time in perspective, African Americans still had to serve in a segregated military until 1948. Although the concept of a black president might have seemed unthinkable back then, today we still contemplate if we would ever be able to elect another president bound to a wheelchair. Americans accepted Franklin Roosevelt’s disability, at least in part, because the media played into the cover-up. Could the media ever hide such controversial information again? Most do not believe it can. Thanks to Watergate.
In addition to noticing how times have changed, this anniversary of D-Day presents a chance for us to think of how historical events have shaped the world we live in today. His experience in WWII taught General Eisenhower a great lesson: the value of having a military that can easily move from place to place. He saw the difficulty in moving tanks around the rough terrain of Normandy. As President, Eisenhower translated this lesson to the United States and developed the Interstate Highway Program in 1956 as a defense measure. So next time you are driving on a highway, think of how it actually started as matter of military defense and has evolved into just another of America’s great luxuries!
Reflecting pool surrounded by the graves of many of those who lost their lives storming the beaches of Normandy. The Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial has over 9,000 graves in total.
A view of some of the graves at the memorial atop Omaha Beach with the English Channel in the distance.
My grandfather and I standing beside the “Spirit of American Youth” statue at the Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial. His friend, Donald De Lue, sculpted this piece.
A view of Pointe du Hoc, a point attacked by American forces during Operation Overlord. Grass now covers where many German bunkers once lined this cliff top.
Sources:
http://www.army.mil/d-day/
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ho/trvl/pres/dest/di/12580.htm
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/07/world/europe/07prexy.html?scp=1&sq=obama%20d-day&st=cse
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Paradoxes seem to appear in countless crevices in US history, particularly in its highest office: the presidency. Just this past weekend, two events, although seemingly insignificant, demonstrate the important elements of exclusivity as well as “common touch,” necessary to effectively serving as the nation’s chief.
Bill Clinton and George W. Bush shared a stage in Toronto on Friday, where they discussed a variety of topics. Democrat versus Republican. Liberal versus conservative. President in power during the overall peaceful and economically prosperous 1990s versus President in power during the controversial Iraq War and severe economic downturn of the 2000s. The crowd gathered for a battle, but got a golf match. Why?
On Saturday night, President Obama escaped demanding Washington to take his wife to dinner and a Broadway show, an ideal American date. Beyond fulfilling a well-deserved campaign promise made to Michelle, it shows the “common” side of the President (with political bonus points). I am certainly not suggesting President Obama only went to dinner and a show for political gain, but the American public sure ate it up! Even beyond the celebrity-conscious culture of this country, the American people simply like seeing their president be an average Joe (although probably not a Joe the Plumber).
History has proven time and again that presidents strive to project themselves as “regular.” Andrew Jackson started this trend as a “man of the people” president. He kicked off his presidency in March 1829 by inviting the public into the White House to celebrate his inauguration. Fueled by liquor, the event turned wild with furniture being broken left and right. Solution? Take the booze out to the front lawn! A little less than 150 years later, President Carter took the oath of office simply as “Jimmy” to show his down to Earth nature. However, this relaxed approach to the presidency did not prove wise for Carter. Presidents always run the risk of losing a certain mystique, attached with power, when acting too “common.”
So how does the Clinton-Bush appearance relate to Obama’s New York getaway? The lack of “juiciness” in Toronto illustrates that despite vast political differences between the two former presidents, they remain members of the most exclusive club in America. Only five people, still living, have experienced the job with the greatest responsibility in the country and perhaps even the world: President of the United States. Differences in policy opinions must fade tremendously when holding membership in this club. This exclusivity illustrates how immensely un-common these men are; yet they make a conscious effort to demonstrate a common touch. The past and present link up so well with this paradox, leaving this question:
What do the American people really want to see in their president?
Categorized in Present Times and Presidential History
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