Lovin' da Taft

So I recently have become a fan of our 27th president William Howard Taft. But why you may ask? Why be such a fan of president who has forever been labeled the last of the do-nothing presidents? A man who remains virtually unknown to the everyday American except for a most humiliating episode being stuck in a bathtub because of his large size. Taft's embarrassing tub shenanigans shares a legacy with Elvis dying on the toilet and Mama Cass expiring because of a ham sandwich. After some research I discovered that Taft was a kindhearted, conscientious, and lovable, which made the incessant jabs at his ample size seem even more mean-spirited and annoying. So today I am writing down 5 things about Taft that I love about him and his life; maybe in the end you too will appreciate and think twice about the jovial man known as William Howard Taft.

1. An Intellectual & Overachiever - Taft's first love was the law. He graduated from Yale 2nd in his class, went to law school in Cincinnati, and was admitted to the bar in 1880. He worked in several capacities during his law career; lawyer, judge, solicitor general, professor, Governor-General to the Philippines, and Secretary of War. It is said

in history books that Taft was indeed a poor politician but a fantastic lawyer.

After a rough 4 years in office and failed reelection campaign, Taft found himself realizing his lifelong dream; he was the first and only former president elected to the office of Chief Justice to the Supreme Court. He served from 1921 until a month before his death in 1930.

2. A Lover not a Fighter - Although a stuffed animal was named after his former boss Teddy Roosevelt, it is Taft who was a real-life Teddy-bear. He was known for being loving and generous, and he is said to have inspired devotion and loyalty by those closest to him. He despised emotional games and dishonesty and held personal integrity as his highest priority. After a fierce debate between Taft and Teddy Roosevelt during the 1912 campaign, Taft was reduced to tears after hearing his former close friend belittle him in front of a crowd. This tale endeared me most to Taft and it is a perfect example of his kind-hearted nature.

3. He Changed the Lives of Filipino Peasants - Working under President McKinley, Taft was sent to the Philippines to help stop rebellion and bloodshed. Taft viewed the military control of the islands as brutal and unfair to the islanders themselves. He drafted a constitution and a Bill of Rights that were similar to the U.S.'s, helped establish a civil service system,

assisted in the construction of schools and transportation networks, and secured a new governing structure. He even negotiated with the Vatican for acres of church property which he divided up and to tens or thousands of peasants through a system of low-cost mortgages. In fact, Taft turned down the a Supreme Court appointment from Teddy Roosevelt twice in order to continue his work as Governor General in the Philippines.

4. He Made Strides for Mother Nature - Although Taft disappointed many conservationists by opening up lands that had been set aside in the interior for commercial use. However, Taft appointed Gifford Pinchot as Chief Forester and under his leadership, thousands of acres of natural wilderness were added to the reserves.

5. He Worked Hard for the Working Man - Taft strengthened the protection of government employees. He made postmasters civil servants which saved vast amounts of jobs during the changing over of his administration. Previously those jobs had been politically appointed and were subject to dismissal at the end of his term.

“Don't write so that you can be understood, write so that you can't be misunderstood.” - William Howard Taft