Camelot Essay

       John F. Kennedy’s Presidency has been referred to as “Camelot”  due to his similarities to King Arthur. JFK was the U.S president in the 1960's, his legacy was looked upon with promise as was Arthur’s reign in England. Some of the attributes of these two leaders encompass similarities within their political, social and marital relationships. The basis for this comparison lies in their views.
     Both JFK and Arthur shared a common trait of being idealists. They wanted democracy, were for the people and shot for big goals. King Arthur states his idealistic, moral and political views in this quote, “This is the oath of a Knight of King Arther's Round Table and should be for all of us to take to heart. I will develop my life for the greater good. I will place character above riches, and concern for others above personal wealth, I will never boast, but cherish humility instead, I will speak the truth at all times, and forever keep my word, I will defend those who cannot defend themselves, I will honor and respect women, and refute sexism in all its guises, I will uphold justice by being fair to all, I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship, I will abhor scandals and gossip-neither partake nor delight in them, I will be generous to the poor and to those who need help, I will forgive when asked, that my own mistakes will be forgiven, I will live my life with courtesy and honor from this day forward.” 
― King Arthur, Le Morte d'Arthur: King Arthur and the Legends of the Round Table.

       An example of JFK’s idealism is found in his support of the space program and his lofty goal to make America the first country to land on the moon by the end of the decade. This quote exemplifies his true democratic principles,  “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”  Both men also had influential wives; Jackie Kennedy can be compared to Guinevere in this manner because both had an impact on political decisions.
       These two idealists had big dreams and ideas but sadly not all of them could be met. Both stories have their tragedies as well as victories. JFK living out the myth of King Arthur in reality makes him a legend.

Capitalism vs Socialism vs Communism

 Three of the most common government systems are Capitalism, Socialism and Communism to decide which of these three government systems is the most rational and efficient we will dissect each one listing their pros and cons. Starting with Capitalism, a system in which trade and industry are owned by private companies rather than by the state which allows economic freedom and growth and favors the choice of the consumer. However in the hands the wrong people capitalism can become imbalanced. Socialism is the segue from Capitalism into Communism. Both Communism and Socialism are when trade and industry are regulated by the government which looks good on paper but doesn’t take the individual consumer into account. Taking these statements into account I can concur that Capitalism is the most rational system.

Progressives vs Populists

Progressive presidents Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson would have agreed with the Populist party and William Jennings Brian on the issue of centralized banking. Roosevelt cared greatly for the environment and the individual, therefore, he would have sided with Jennings on the side of the working class farmer. These two parties differ in political views over government structure. The Progressives wanted government to be the primary regulator of the populations issues while Populists kept their support within small family structures. Progressives were usually middle class reformers while populists were supporters of grass roots movements.
The progressive era began as a social issue which then grew into a political movement.

Rebellious Sister Defies Kings Orders

  Polynices, A son of Oedipus was found slaughtered by his brother Eteocles over a dispute about inheritance of the kingdom of Thebes. King Creon forbade the burial of Polynices and anyone who dared to defy his orders would be met with death by the stone.
     Antigone, Polynices' sister, had since found her brother's body and wished to mourn him properly and lay his soul to rest. She waited until the guards dozed off and began to bury the deceased. She was later confronted for her crimes and put into jail until further notice.

Writing Excercise: Create a modern day newspaper headline for Antigone

Only Crime is Pride

 In the play 'Antigone'  Teiresias tells Creon "The only crime is pride." Teirsias is referring to Creon's choice to sentence Antigone to death for attempting to bury her deceased brother, an act the gods disapproved of. Pride can lead to faulty judgement because when you're prideful you are only thinking of yourself and not the reality of the situation or rather you believe your judgement and decisions are always right. When you do make wrong decisions and have a humble heart you can rectify them by apologizing and asking for forgiveness