History: Teddy Roosevelt yells at a child, teaches a lesson

Of all the men that have called the Oval Office home, Teddy Roosevelt was perhaps the most unique. History has remembered the 26th president for his bullish personality, war record and, of course, the teddy bear.

Just nine days into his presidency, and shortly after the assassination of President William McKinley, Roosevelt found himself leaving a local Washington, D.C. church. According to an article in the Washington Post, Roosevelt was leaving Grace Reformed Church, located near Logan Circle.

Upon exiting, Roosevelt — accompanied by a police officer — noticed a young boy eagerly awaiting his arrival. The boy, armed with a rather large period camera wished to take a photograph of the then-president. This did not make the man that stormed up San Juan Hill very happy.

“You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Trying to take a man’s picture as he leaves a house of worship. It’s a disgrace. You ought to be ashamed of yourself,” the president called out to the no-doubt frightened child.

The Post story goes on to describe Roosevelt’s walk across the city to the home of Captain William S. Cowle, his brother-in-law. Though history has lost the reaction of the child being criticized by a president, one can imagine he was mortified. Despite the outcome for the child, it is interesting to imagine turn-of-the-century Washington. This was a time in which the leader of the free world could not only attend mass at a public church, but also walk around the city to visit family.

Almost 100 years since his death, it is sad that perhaps our greatest president has been reduced to this:

Douglas Barclay is an intern at Rare. Follow him on Twitter @douglabarclay17

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History: Teddy Roosevelt yells at a child, teaches a lesson

Russell Brand BBC Interview Teaches Americans a Lesson On Questioning Authority

Russell Brand BBC Interview Teaches Americans a Lesson On Questioning Authority Image Credit: AP

A friend recently sent me this video featuring the well-loved English comedian and actor, Russell Brand. Brand is known for his controversial opinions and his lack of inhibition in presenting those views, and in this particular interview, he discusses the issue of the seemingly inevitable social and political pyramid of American society, with those on the bottom of the pyramid never having the chance to rise to the top. He criticizes the lack of care Americans show towards the planet, and expresses his deep belief that a revolution may be the sole mechanism through which the people can destroy the pyramid.

My friend who sent me the video wrote the following message: “If you have a second, watch the brilliant Russell Brand make a truly compelling argument out of something that we may dismiss initially as outrageous — but I believe we do ourselves an injustice if we don’t consider what he’s saying. Maybe it’s time to start thinking outside the existing paradigm completely.

This is a truly compelling argument — one that’s worth a listen, and if your mind is open enough, there is plenty to take away from it.

Why DON’T we change this paradigm? Why DON’T we think a little bigger?

It’s already happening, and with the power of social media growing we have the ability to make a difference. Obviously, the flaw in Brand’s argument is the sheer impracticality of it all — he’s totally vague — but has his been considered enough by the experts to have had a chance to develop?

Also, so many recent articles simply marvel at the fact that he’s an actor and wonder “why don’t we have articulate celebrities?” But that kind of attention cheapens this man and his views — it’s superficial, and steering the discussion downhill. Let’s elevate the power of this viral video and talk about the ideas expressed, rather than people.Wat

When I watched Brand’s interview, I wondered about his comments on the American system. Maybe they are worth discussing! Is a revolution the only way to solve the issue of social hierarchy? And does not voting mean anything nowadays; does it actually impact the big picture? How can we make a difference in the system? What about the manner in which Brand conveys his ideas, or the interviewer’s style in response to it? Does that lessen the legitimacy of the argument?

I am in no way suggesting that everyone refuse to vote in the next election, or that anyone spearhead a revolution tomorrow. I am merely suggesting that it is important to do what you do intentionally, consciously; to discuss issues intelligently, and make decisions accordingly; to engage in the conversation, and constantly reconsider the possibilities. It is important to question authority, even if in the end, we agree. It is the process of questioning itself, the discussion, that is crucial. 

Anna D Weill

Currently a student in Barnard College, Columbia University, I grew up in a European home. I have a passion for travel and food, love to read classical literature, and more than anything- I love to write. I have learned that words give us the ability…

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Russell Brand BBC Interview Teaches Americans a Lesson On Questioning Authority