…and one of the first stops is Lindenwald, the home of our eighth President, Martin Van Buren. In the non-military academic world I live in, if you don’t have a decided opinion on MVB, yea or nay, you’re weak. My take: Interesting man, first President not of the Virginia-Massachusetts aristocracy or a former war hero (like Jackson). First President born an American, not a British subject. Spoke Dutch as his first language. Consummate politician, bridge-builder, negotiator, on the right side of most issues. Lackluster President, though–economic crisis, Trail of Tears happened on his watch, and VB did little to prevent or mitigate them. May have been victim of circumstances beyond anyone’s control, but ultimately takes the rap for not being forceful or talented enough to shape events to the nation’s advantage.
Anyway, it’s good to be back, and look forward to seeing or speaking with everyone.
