Winning Words 5/8/09
“The only things worth learning are the things you learn after you know it all.” (Harry Truman) If Harry were still alive, he’d be 150-years-old today. I have a friend who’s a Truman impersonator. I think I’ll phone him and wish him a Happy Birthday. HST never made a dime giving speeches or writing books after he left the White House. I admire him for that…and for other things, as well. ;-) Jack

FROM M.T. IN PENNSYLVANIA: In 1995 I saw a 'made-for-TV' movie about Harry Truman. ("Truman" starring Gary Sinise as HT-- details from www.IMDB.com) It was exceptionally good. If it's possible to obtain it from anywhere (Netflix, maybe?), you'd enjoy it.

FROM J.L. IN MICHIGAN: He and Bess also drove home to Independence, Missouri in their own car after his successor was innaugurated. They didn't even have Secret Service protection! REPLY FOR JACK: Someone asked him, "What was the first thing you did when you got home?" and he replied. "I took the grips up to the attic." That's my kind of guy.

FROM T.G. IN ILLINOIS: Harry Truman was an icon and a man of his time. How fate plays a big hand. Can you imagine where we would be if FDR had not dumped Henry Wallace in 1944 and picked HST as his VP. Wallace would have been a disaster stepping into the presidency. "Give 'em hell, Harry!"

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Well, being asTruman ended WWII by making the tough decision to drop “the bomb” on Japan. He also led the UN intervention in Korea (although it was Eisenhower who negotiated the truce). I think he also was the president when the Marshall Plan was implemented – this was a military and economic process that probably created NATO and did a lot to get Europe back on its feet. He was the one who used the motto – “the buck stops here”. He was stalwart in his defense of the US. I agree with you! He had some extremely tough decision and I'm sure he did a lot of his learning the hard way. Being President is a job I would personally never want! Thank God for strong leadership.

FROM MOLINER C.F.: Harry Truman was the last truely honest president we have had. He called 'em as he saw 'em.

FROM CJL IN OHIO: There's also a Greeting Card with that statement on it with no reference to HST. BTW - have you read Plain Speaking by Merle Miller? It's a biog of HST and a real good read. Get something out of it, too, Like: Q. Mr. President, what would have happened if you would have made this decision rather than that one? A. I didn't. Next Question! Said a lot about HST... REPLY FROM JACK: I think that Truman was using the quote to make a point. Like most of us do in our sermons. Just like "the buck stops here." It's attributed to him, but others used it before he did. He used it to indicate that he, as President, is ultimately responsible.

FROM A.W. IN ILLINOIS: I heard there is a new book about Harry and Bess about their cross country auto trip after they left the White House. He is still one of America's greatest and most honest Presidents in my book. Would that God would send us more like him!