Destiny of the Republic: A tale of Madness, Medicine and Murder of a President by Candice Millard

Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although he only served a short time I’ve found the story of James Garfield and his tragic ending a fascinating story. I first came along the story of his assassination thru “Assassination Vacation” by Sarah Vowell which led me later to a more in depth biography in “Garfield” by Allan Peskin. This book focuses though primarily on his assassination and the events and people involved.

The largest part of the book seems to focus on the archaic medical care that played a large part in his eventual death after being shot. Garfield had been shot on July 2, 1881 but didn’t die until September 19, 1882 from massive infections. The concept of germs was still new although it was widely accepted in Europe was still not accepted in the American medical profession. It didn’t help that he was under the care of an egomaniac, Dr. Willard Bliss, who micromanaged the President’s care that wouldn’t allow for any dissenting or differing opinions. Dr. Bliss and others probed the President with unsterilized fingers and other instruments that only worsened infection. Even when famed inventor, Alexander Graham Bell, tried to locate the bullet with a device he tirelessly worked to create told that Bell he could only look where Bliss thought the bullet was. Later when the autopsy it was done the bullet was nowhere near where Dr. Bliss thought it was.

Meanwhile the assassin Charles Guiteau was sitting a jail cell wondering when General Sherman was going to come rescue him and thank him as he too was a Republican “stalwart”. Obviously that didn’t happen. Charles had been seeking a government job because he felt deserved one because he wrote a speech stumping for Garfield the year before. Those were still the days of the “spoils” system where with each new President was usually barraged with those seeking jobs. Guiteau took his quest to the level of harassment and stalking. After months of this he finally decides to kill the President after he had a dream he believed to be from God. He decided that “If the President was out of the way everything would go better.”

The bulk of the book towards the end tells of the care, if you could call it that, he received in the hands of his doctor who either out of egotistical pressure or ignorance of proper care perhaps contributed to eventual death of the President. Even though the knowledge of dangerous microbes and the practice of sterilization were accepted by the medical community in Europe it had yet to gain much acceptance in the United States.

I was a little disappointed that Charles Guiteau’s afterward seemed to receive lighter coverage by the author in comparison. It would seem the Candice Millard didn’t want to focus too much on the assassin too much. The account of trial she does include makes it sound like a circus rival any in the modern day. Even though Guiteau tried to plead insanity he was still found guilty and hanged nearly a year to the day of him shooting the President.

I do recommend this if you’re looking more about President James Garfield, his assassination and why he didn’t die until months after his shooting. It does give fair amount biographical information about the President but the main focus obviously is about the assassination itself.

Other suggested titles:
Garfield: A Biography by Allan Peskin (1978)
Assassination Vacation by Sarah Vowell (2005)


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The Declaration of Independence with short biographies of its signers by Thomas Jefferson

The Declaration of Independence with short biographies of its signers by Thomas Jefferson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a nice pocket sized hardcover copy of the the Declaration of Independence. It also includes short paragraph length biography's of the signers in the back. Although pocket sized I'd say it's more suitable for a handy bookshelf reference as the cover is handsome and presentable and would get wrecked it someones pocket. Besides it'd feel as if you had a piece of thin plywood in your pocket, not very comfortable. Enjoy.

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The selling of the President 1968 by Joe McGinnis

The Selling of the President, 1968 by Joe McGinniss
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I think this is a must read for those that are interested in Presidential politics. It is, even almost 50 years later, an eye opener to the behind the scene workings of "selling" a Presidential candidate. What many may not realize that during a campaign almost every moment, appearance by candidate, soundbite, camera angle, interview, even the temperature of room they are in is micromanaged behind the scenes. What may seem natural or casual on the screen is all a production.

Richard Nixon himself is only a modest character in the book. The story is of how he is sold to the voting public. It could have been anyone else before or since. We still learn what Nixon was like on a personal level. Nixon disliked the the press and television appearances. He still thought TV was a gimmick but realized he needed it if he wanted to become President.

Parts of the book also analyze what goes into how the public perceives the President and how they decide who to vote for. It actually made me think abut how I've decided and to understand how others decide. This is big issue these days as we are still trying to figure out what happened in our most recent election. Politics , especially Presidential, has more to do with emotion than rationality. This could explain a lot of what happened in November 2016. We tend to vote with our emotions. This didn't just happen in 1968 or 2016 but happens most Presidential elections. It was the same reason Obama won in 2008, Clinton 1992, Reagan 1980, Carter 1976 and so on.

In self reflection I thought about how twice in the last 8 years I voted for the losing Presidential candidates(McCain in 08 and Hillary in 16). Both Donald and Obama were the "change candidates". Also they had the stronger charisma and they were the exciting candidates. Let's face it despite their experience and intelligence(which were big reasons I supported them) both McCain and Hillary were relatively boring in comparison to their opposition.

I certainly recommend this book for civics geeks and for those wanting to gain an a stronger understanding political elections and how candidates are essentially packaged presented to us much like an advertising campaign. You may learn not only how others choose their President but how you make your choice.





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Elizabeth Warren as VP?

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren has grown on me in leaps and bounds lately. Her Tweet wars wars with Donald Drumpf are incredible she has no fear and actually seems to enjoy it very much. Like George Patton she seems to thrive with each salvo without a blink of an eye. Anytime she speaks there is usually one shot fired across the bow of the USS Drumpf. 

 Even though she hasn't officially endorsed anyone as of yet but her Twitter war with Drumpf show's she's paying attention to whats going on. I've wondered if she's actually trying to deflect Donald's attention away from Hillary in an indirect way of helping her. With Hillary deflecting attacks from Drumpf and Sanders she could use all the help she can.

Talk of her being Vice President has heated up again which isn't surprising. She would help bridge the gap with disappointed Bernie fan's. She would also bring a passion and fire to the campaign that Hillary kind of needs at this point with constant attacks from sdanders, Trump and also about those pesky emails. 

The biggest problem is that Warren comes from Massachusetts which has a a Republican Governor, Charlie Baker, who isn't bad per say but would certainly appoint a Republican replacement. Democrats are already in the minority and would be hard pressed to lose more ground. One has to wonder if the stakes are high enough to take that risk and go for the win. For one thing you're already behind so what is to lose? What's in the balance? A Senate seat or Trump as President? Go for it!

Obama Out

First Lady Nancy Reagan

I was sorry to hear First Lady Nancy Reagan(1921-2016) passing away. Her size was deceptive as she was full of class and could hold her own. She was a constant adviser, companion, love, and friend of President Ronald Reagan who passed away in 2004. 

I can still picture her full of grace and class while listening to those speak at President Reagan's funeral. She reminded me of my own Grandmother who had recently passed away around that time. Like Nancy her delicate stature was deceiving as they both left a large legacy.

Nancy, may you again be reunited with your love.

“(Nancy can) make me lonely just by leaving the room.”

-Ronald Reagan

The Donald

(Dan via Occupy Democrats)
Posted by Sick of the Slant - A Fair Look at the News of the Day on Sunday, January 17, 2016

 One good thing about Trump running for President is that it got me to pay more close attention. Of course things are heating up with the Iowa Caucus and the New Hampshire primary coming up in a few weeks.  It surprises me how many are actually taking Trump seriously. Here is a man who has never held a public office and who's claim to fame as a successful real estate mogul and reality television star.

I think his latest bid for the highest office of the land is just a bid further enhance his brand name and perhaps he's bored too. He's managed to insult Mexican's, Muslim's and his closest rival Ted Cruz. Their early truce seems to be over since their tirade in the debate over Cruz being born in Canada. Of course Ted Cruz is riding the wave of popularity due to an endorsement from Duck Dynasty's Phil Robertson so Trump should watch his back.

Trump is not without his entertainment value. His knack of saying what he wants to without a care seems to attract a lot of people. They don't seem to realize that just because someone speaks their mind doesn't mean it's right or smartest thing to say.

Teddy and Reading

I am part of everything I have read.

-Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of United States