tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29179803.post5773205466767648856..comments2024-03-23T13:45:19.208-04:00Comments on Serene Musings: 10 Fun Facts About Zachary TaylorScotthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10535260741343975445noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29179803.post-27066820837644705862011-12-24T01:43:14.061-05:002011-12-24T01:43:14.061-05:00I have to say that among all the presidents I have...I have to say that among all the presidents I have researched so far, Old Rough and Ready is my favorite.<br /><br />It's noteworthy to point out (and I guess I should have made this one of the "facts"): Taylor is the only true "Independent" president we have ever had, since the formation of the 2-party system in 1820. He was not a member of any political party during his life, and never held public office prior to becoming president.<br /><br />A few other presidents have also never held public office before - notably Eisenhower and Grant. But both those men were the supreme commanders of the U.S. army, which is essentially a political job anyway. <br /><br />Taylor is the only president in U.S. history who had never held either public office, nor the top post in the U.S. military. The highest he got was major general, which essentially made him a battlefield general - he was basically a soldier. He was, without question, the most non-political man who ever got elected to the White House.<br /><br />We need a Zachary Taylor today, I fear.Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10535260741343975445noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-29179803.post-34590940552551448362011-12-22T08:32:39.375-05:002011-12-22T08:32:39.375-05:00The Poisoning Theory leads me to recommend strongl...The Poisoning Theory leads me to recommend strongly the reading of "The Poisoner's Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York". In the opening pages, the use of arsenic is discussed as well as reasons why murderers quit using it. It is a very fascinating read.BChttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04121171838391250446noreply@blogger.com