Today is July 4, birthday of the nation. It is also the birthday of America's President, John Calvin "you lose" Calvin. Born 138 years ago, he would prove to be an exemplar of simple, New England values and limited government. He is sadly not given much spotlight in history, but proves to be a good role for government.

In fact, part of his praise/criticism is form his view of the role of Federal Government. He was more progressive on state issues, but not like today's progressive. He was even elected to Governor of Massachusetts on a platform that supported Woman's Suffrage. While he is known and vilified for firing the Boston PD, he has a very valuable point about Boston's security and the need for security.

He decreased the work week by six hours for women and children, cut expenditures, but didn't cut taxes (or raise them either), which actually makes him a more genuine fiscal conservative as he cut debt, which hasn't really been done federally for how long? Don't smirk Republicans...you failed too. Mr. Bush, you lose.

He did veto a bill permitting low grade alcohol, but Prohibition was law, and he was acting appropriately. He also vetoed a legislative pay raise.

As President, he was a supporter in separation of powers, but he did use the feds when appropriate as he granted American Indians full US citizenship and advocated stronger anti-lynching laws, though they were filibustered by Southern Senators.

He was a genuine fiscal conservative, and while one can criticize him for the Crash, how would they have handled it? He kept the Government small so FDR could expand it to experiment around with. Imagine the New Deal on the already bloated corpse of Bush's budget. Granted, the New Deal only did so much as did the Stimulus. Maybe it's time President Obama did a bit of Coolidge, but that isn't his philosophy. I can imagine if he slash agricultural subsidies to the bone, it would create one hell of a surplus and do loads of good for farmers in developing nations. Poor nations could grow wealthier, though their thuggish leaders would steal all that wealth.

Now, I submit a witty joke involving Silent Cal:

The term comes from an old joke, according to which U.S. President Calvin Coolidge and his wife allegedly visited a poultry farm. During the tour, Mrs. Coolidge inquired of the farmer how his farm managed to produce so many fertile eggs with such a small number of roosters. The farmer proudly explained that his roosters performed their duty dozens of times each day.

"Tell that to Mr. Coolidge," pointedly replied the First Lady.

The President, overhearing the remark, asked the farmer, "Does each rooster service the same hen each time?"

"No," replied the farmer, "there are many hens for each rooster."

"Tell that to Mrs. Coolidge," replied the President.

Now I take you to some articles by Silent Cal honoring our 30th President on his birthday.