I know I'm not supposed to say this, but why does former President Dwight D. Eisenhower deserve a monument in Washington, D.C.?
There's a whole host of really likeable pleasant people, including Sen. Pat Roberts and Rep. Todd Tiahrt as well as other Kansans, like backstabber Nancy Kassebaum and Sen. Bob Dole and the awesome and esteemed Gen. Dick Myers, working to build a national monument to the late President. There's even an executive staff working on this project. PEOPLE ARE BEING PAID (probably by donations, but still) to rally the troops in support of a monument to a guy who maybe doesn't quite meet the criteria for such an honor.
I feel terrible saying this, but I don't think we should be building monuments to just any former President. Just because Eisenhower is Kansas' favorite son and a former President and a revered General, I don't see how that translates into a place of honor beside Jefferson, Lincoln and Washington.
I'm a horrible bad person, I know. But sincerely, what did Eisenhower do to deserve such a distinction?
This group of memorialists would like to create a four-acre park dedicated to showcasing Eisenhower's feats as the Supreme Allied Commander during World War II and his presidency.
Yes, Eisenhower helped defeat the greatest threat the world had ever known at that time. I have nothing but admiration for the things he did as a General during WWII. That said, if he's to be so honored, I would propose it makes more sense that he be somehow commemorated in a small way as part of the World War II veterans memorial rather than a monument and memorial in his name alone. As much as I esteem his service and his efforts, Eisenhower didn't win WWII on his own.
I don't think we want to be mucking up the Capitol for every former President. All Kansans like Ike, this one included. But heaven forbid, every state decide their favorite son deserves a similar honor. Can you imagine if Georgians ever decided President Jimmy Carter was worthy of such a thing? Or worse, the people of Arkansas suddenly decide their guy is worthy.
Anyway, prepare yourselves Kansans. There's about to be an onslaught of public relations -- starting with a Bob Dole and Pat Roberts appearance on Greta VanSustern -- about how great Ike was. You may be wanting to jump on that bandwagon, but before you do, please, please consider exactly who and why and where we honor certain individuals with monuments.
Maybe as this public relations wagon is wheeled out, I'll change my mind. I'm doing my best to keep it open, but for now, from where I sit, Eisenhower simply is not a Washington, a Jefferson or a Lincoln.
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