What Coolidge values are missing from the modern presidency? For Garland S. Tucker III, Coolidge Foundation trustee and retired chairman and CEO of Triangle Capital Corporation, the most obvious answer is the ability for the president to say "no."
In a recent article for National Review, Mr. Tucker relates the advice President Coolidge gave to his successor, Herbert Hoover:
"As president, you have to stand every day for three to four hours to meet all sorts of visitors. Nine-tenths of them want something they ought not to have. If you keep dead-still they will run down in three minutes or less. If you even cough or smile they will start all over again."
Mr. Tucker argues that not a single president since Coolidge, regardless of political party, "has even tried to heed Silent Cal's advice."
Coolidge didn't make it habit of saying "no" because he savored being a scrooge, but rather because it was the right thing to do when a request from an individual or group was, in the words of Mr. Tucker, "not in the the best interest of the country or contrary to the constraints of constitutional government."
Coolidge's ability to say "no" was certainly a major reason the federal budget was balanced every year under his administration. But Coolidge's belief in limited government was not just an issue of responsible fiscal policy. He believed government restraint was a moral necessity, saying, "I am for economy in government -- not to save money, but to save people."
For more on Coolidge and the benefits of "no," read Mr. Tucker's article in its entirety over at National Review,here.
Each year the Coolidge Foundation encourages Vermont students to discover lessons from the Coolidge presidency by competing for the Calvin Writing Prize.
This year's contest asks students to write a speech theywould deliver as president of the United States urging their fellow citizens to correct an injustice with respect to equal rights for all. Students must use examples from President Calvin Coolidge’s life and values when preparing their speech.
The first place winner will receive $1,500 and the runner-up will receive $500. More information is availablehere.
The deadline to submit is May 11, 2018.
Coolidge Cup Online Tournament
The Coolidge Foundation invites all high school students to compete in the Coolidge Cup Online Tournament qualifier! At minimum, the top four placers from the online tournament will be invited to compete in the Coolidge Cup Championship Tournament taking place July 2 - 4 at Plymouth Notch! More than $10,000 in scholarships and prizes will be awarded to the winners of the 2018 Coolidge Cup — including a $7,500 scholarship for the overall winner.
Students compete by submitting a five minute video either affirming or negating the resolution: “A significant tariff on imported goods from Mexico is a good policy for the U.S. economy.”
The deadline to submit is Friday May 4, 2018. More information, including the online submission form, can be found here.
Volunteer as a Docent at the Coolidge Site
Do you have an interest in history and enjoy sharing your enthusiasm with students and the public? Imagine spending a lovely afternoon in the historic schoolhouse at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site chatting with visitors about President Coolidge amid hands-on activities about his life and times. Volunteer docents are needed to staff the schoolhouse on summer and fall Thursdays and Saturdays from 1:00-3:00 p.m. as well as on special event days. Sign up for the times that work for you.
You are also invited to join a group of dedicated volunteers who lead Coolidge Site History Exploration visits with students, their parents, and teachers. Most school visits are between mid-May and mid-June and September through October, usually between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Orientation and materials are provided, and the the schedule is flexible.
For further information, please contact Diane Kemble, Education Director, Calvin Coolidge Presidential Foundation at education@coolidgefoundation.org or call 802-324-9465.
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