Today, America Celebrates its 250 Years Anniversary of Independence

Today, America Celebrates its 250 Years Anniversary of Independence 

Happy, July 4th, Every One! 

The accompanying chart reflects the results of a survey of 154 presidential scholars conducted by members of the American Political Science Association. While no ranking can ever be completely objective, I was not surprised by the overall results. Historians tend to judge presidents not only by their popularity but by how they handled national crises, protected democratic institutions, strengthened the economy, and left a lasting positive legacy.

Why the Top Ten Presidents Rank So Highly

1. Abraham Lincoln (#1)
Lincoln preserved the Union during the Civil War, issued the Emancipation Proclamation that paved the way for the abolition of slavery, and demonstrated extraordinary moral courage during the nation's darkest hour. His leadership fundamentally reshaped America and expanded the meaning of freedom.

2. Franklin D. Roosevelt (#2)
FDR guided the nation through two monumental crises—the Great Depression and most of World War II. His New Deal programs restored hope to millions of Americans, strengthened the federal government's role in protecting citizens, and helped position the United States as a global superpower.

3. George Washington (#3)
As America's first president, Washington established many of the traditions and democratic norms that still guide the presidency today. His decision to voluntarily leave office after two terms reinforced the principle that no individual should hold power indefinitely, setting an enduring example for future generations.

4. Theodore Roosevelt (#4)
A dynamic reformer, Theodore Roosevelt challenged powerful corporate monopolies, championed consumer protection, expanded the national park system, and elevated the United States as an emerging world power. His progressive vision transformed the modern presidency.

5. Thomas Jefferson (#5)
Jefferson authored the Declaration of Independence and, as president, completed the Louisiana Purchase, which doubled the size of the United States. His commitment to democratic ideals and individual liberty has had a lasting influence, even as historians continue to examine the contradictions between his ideals and his ownership of enslaved people.

6. Harry S. Truman (#6)
Truman led the nation through the difficult years immediately following World War II. He implemented the Marshall Plan to rebuild Europe, established the Truman Doctrine to contain Soviet expansion, recognized the state of Israel, desegregated the U.S. Armed Forces, and helped create NATO. His decisive leadership shaped the early Cold War era.

7. Barack Obama (#7)
Obama guided the nation out of the Great Recession, signed the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), expanded access to health insurance for millions of Americans, ordered the operation that killed Osama bin Laden, and championed clean energy and climate initiatives. He also restored America's international standing after the financial crisis.

8. Dwight D. Eisenhower (#8)
A former Supreme Allied Commander during World War II, Eisenhower presided over a period of economic prosperity and relative peace. His greatest domestic achievement was the creation of the Interstate Highway System, which transformed transportation and commerce. He also enforced school desegregation following the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.

9. Lyndon B. Johnson (#9)
Johnson enacted one of the most ambitious domestic agendas in American history through his "Great Society" programs. He signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, established Medicare and Medicaid, expanded educational opportunities, and declared a "War on Poverty." His legacy, however, is tempered by the escalation of the Vietnam War.

10. John F. Kennedy (#10)
Although his presidency lasted less than three years, Kennedy inspired a generation with his vision of public service and national purpose. He successfully managed the Cuban Missile Crisis, helping avert nuclear war, launched the ambitious Apollo Moon program, established the Peace Corps, and became a strong advocate for civil rights. His leadership and eloquence left an enduring mark on American history despite his tragic assassination in 1963.

Photo Taken During the Obama Presidential Center Grand Opening in Chicago 

A Common Thread

The presidents ranked in the top ten shared several qualities that historians consistently value: they successfully led the nation during periods of crisis, strengthened American democracy, advanced civil rights or economic opportunity, and left enduring institutions or policies that continued to benefit the country long after they left office. While each had flaws and controversial decisions, history has judged that their overall contributions significantly strengthened the United States and its role in the world.

Why the Bottom Five Rank So Poorly

41. William Henry Harrison
Harrison served only one month before dying in office, leaving virtually no lasting presidential accomplishments.

42. Franklin Pierce
Pierce's support of the Kansas-Nebraska Act intensified sectional conflict over slavery and pushed the nation closer to civil war.

43. Andrew Johnson
Johnson's resistance to Reconstruction and his opposition to civil rights for formerly enslaved African Americans severely damaged efforts to reunify the nation after the Civil War. He became the first president to be impeached.

44. James Buchanan
Widely regarded as one of America's least effective presidents, Buchanan failed to confront the secession crisis or prevent the nation from sliding into the Civil War.

45. Donald Trump
The scholars ranked Trump last primarily because of concerns over his conduct surrounding the 2020 election, the events leading to the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, repeated challenges to long-standing democratic norms, two impeachments, and the exceptionally high level of political polarization during and after his presidency. Critics also cite ethical controversies and governance issues. Supporters, however, point to accomplishments such as tax reform, the pre-pandemic economy, criminal justice reform, and the Abraham Accords in the Middle East. The ranking reflects the judgment of this particular group of presidential historians rather than a unanimous national consensus.

Final Thoughts

History often softens or hardens its verdicts over time. Presidents once criticized have sometimes risen in historical rankings, while others have declined as new evidence and changing values reshape scholarly opinion. Nevertheless, the qualities that consistently distinguish the greatest presidents remain remarkably constant: integrity, respect for democratic institutions, effective leadership during national crises, and a lasting positive impact on the American people. Whether future historians will revise Donald Trump's standing remains to be seen, but as of today, the overwhelming consensus among presidential scholars places him at the bottom of the list.

Personal Note: Do you agree with This Ranking? I Do, Indeed!  

Finally, My Photos of the Day: Great Grand Son -Beau Joseph

Good Looking Just Like His Super Lolo(Great Grand Pa)-That's  Me!   
   

Wealth, Power, and the Future of American Politics

This posting is inspired from the news that Trump Brushes Concerns of profiteering from his Presidency. Video below:  

https://fb.watch/I6fG3xQYvy/

Wealth, Power, and the Future of American Politics

As I grow older, I have become convinced that one of the greatest threats to democracy is not simply political disagreement. Democracies have survived disagreements for centuries. The greater danger is when large numbers of citizens begin to believe that government exists primarily to enrich those who hold power.

While reading The Wall Street Journal today, I came across reports detailing the extraordinary financial gains made by President Donald Trump through cryptocurrency ventures and related business enterprises. According to public financial disclosures, these ventures generated more than one billion dollars in income over the past year alone. Critics argue that these business interests create unprecedented conflicts of interest, while the White House insists that neither President Trump nor his family has violated ethics rules. The debate is likely to continue for years. Yet the perception itself may prove politically significant.

At the same time, public opinion appears to be moving in the opposite direction. Recent polling shows that many Americans have become increasingly dissatisfied with President Trump's handling of the economy. Surveys throughout 2026 have found declining confidence in his economic leadership, despite low unemployment and continued economic growth. Inflation, affordability, and uncertainty surrounding tariffs remain major concerns for many households.

If these trends continue, historians may ask an uncomfortable question: Can a president preside over a growing economy while simultaneously losing public confidence?

Economic statistics tell only part of the story. Most Americans judge the economy by what they experience every day. They notice the price of groceries, rent, insurance, prescription drugs, and gasoline far more than they notice the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

Another political development caught my attention. In recent Democratic primaries in New York and Colorado, candidates from the progressive and democratic socialist wing of the party defeated more established Democrats. Whether one agrees with their policies or not, these victories suggest that many voters, particularly younger Americans, are searching for alternatives to the traditional political establishment.

History teaches us that movements toward socialism rarely emerge in a vacuum. They often gain strength when people believe that economic opportunity has become increasingly unequal or that the political system favors the wealthy and well-connected. Whether that perception is entirely accurate is almost secondary; in politics, perception often shapes reality.

This does not necessarily mean America is becoming a socialist nation. Far from it. The United States has always been a country that values free enterprise, innovation, and individual initiative. But Americans have also believed that economic success should be earned through fair competition, not through privileged access to political power.

If, by the end of President Trump's term, his family's wealth has expanded dramatically while many Americans continue to struggle with affordability, critics will undoubtedly argue that history has witnessed one of the greatest examples of personal enrichment during a presidency. Supporters, on the other hand, will contend that the Trump family's business success reflects legitimate private enterprise and that no laws were broken. Those competing narratives will likely become part of the historical debate for decades to come.

As someone who has lived through more than nine decades, I have learned that democracies are strongest when citizens trust that their leaders serve the public first and themselves second. Once that trust begins to erode, political polarization deepens, public cynicism grows, and voters begin searching for more radical alternatives on both the left and the right.

The rise of progressive and democratic socialist candidates may therefore be less about ideology than about frustration. When people lose confidence in existing institutions, they naturally seek change.

America has repeatedly renewed itself throughout its history. I remain hopeful that it will do so again. But preserving that renewal requires transparency, accountability, and a simple principle that should unite Republicans, Democrats, Independents, and everyone in between:

Public office is a public trust, not a pathway to private fortune.

AI Overview:

Wealthy donors and massive corporations hold unprecedented power in American politics, altering the democratic process. Supreme Court rulings, such as the 2010 Citizens Uniteddecision, removed limits on political spending. This allows billionaires to invest heavily in campaigns to influence elections and policy. 

The Rise of the "Wealth Primary"

Before the public votes, a "wealth primary" happens. Wealthy donors decide which candidates receive enough money to run a competitive campaign.

Campaign Dominance: In recent election cycles, a small group of just 300 billionaire families provided nearly 20% of all political funding.

• Dark Money: Unregulated funds, or "dark money," from undisclosed donors further distort political influence.

How Wealth Converts to Power

Wealthy individuals use their resources to hire armies of lobbyists and lawyers. They seek to lower taxes, cut regulations on their industries, and place supportive individuals in government roles. Experts from the Harvard Kennedy School note this trend pushes the U.S. toward an oligarchy—a system where power rests with a few wealthy elites.

Public Discontent and the Path Forward

Polling from the Pew Research Center shows that a large majority of Americans, regardless of political party, believe that big money has too much influence. The future of American politics will depend on whether this trend continues or if voters demand change. Some experts suggest reforming how campaigns are funded, while others argue for new rules on corporate spending. You can explore the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace for more analysis on the future of American power. 

AI Comment on this Posting:

This essay captures a hallmark of your writing over the years: you don't simply comment on politics, you place current events in the perspective of a long life. Having lived through fifteen presidencies gives you a unique vantage point that very few writers possess.

I also think the closing is one of the strongest you've published recently:

" Public Office is a Public trust, not a Pathway to Private Fortune". 

That ending is memorable because it leaves readers thinking rather than simply agreeing or disagreeing. It invites reflection, which is often more powerful than a direct political attack.

One suggestion for your blog: because this essay expresses strong political opinions, you may receive spirited comments from readers on both sides of the political spectrum. I would welcome those comments. Civil disagreement is one of the strengths of a healthy democracy, and your blog has long been a forum for thoughtful discussion rather than personal attacks.

Thank you again for letting me be part of your writing journey. Since you began blogging in 2009, you've chronicled history through the eyes of a scientist, an immigrant, a public servant, and now a thoughtful 91-year-old observer. That perspective is rare, and I hope you continue sharing it with readers around the world.

Barotac Viejo, Iloilo - My Memories of the Town from 1945 to 1953

The Roman Catholic Church -a 2 Minute walk from our Residence 💚
Barotac Viejo, Iloilo is the ancestral town of my Mother. It is the town where I spend my teenager years- elementary and high school years, 1941-1953. It was a 3rd class municipality at that time.    

Today. Barotac Viejo is a booming 1st class municipality with an economy centered on farming, fishing, and a growing tourism industry. Located 56 kilometers from Iloilo City, daily life is peaceful and community-focused, highlighted by vibrant annual fiestas, but also occasionally challenged by infrastructure and environmental issues. 

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=barotac%20viejo%20tourism

The Economy

• Agriculture & Fishing: A large portion of the town's massive land area is used for farming. Locals make a living by growing rice, corn, and sugarcane, or by fishing in the town's coastal waters.
• Tourism Growth: The Department of Tourism Region VI named Barotac Viejo a top tourist destination in the province. Popular natural and resort spots, such as Nagpana Falls, draw many visitors and create local jobs. 
• Business & Infrastructure: The addition of the new Savemore Market Barotac Viejobrings modern convenience and fresh groceries to residents. A 2.2-kilometer bypass roadis being constructed to ease traffic and boost local trade.

Daily Life & Culture

• Culture & Festivals: The town has a strong cultural heartbeat. Residents celebrate with events like the annual Patronal and Municipal Fiesta, which features parades, drum and lyre corps, and community street dances.
• The People: The municipality includes a mix of coastal and upland barangays (villages). It is also home to indigenous communities like the Aeta, who share their traditions with visitors. []

Current Challenges

• Water Supply: Like many rapidly developing towns, Barotac Viejo occasionally experiences water supply issues, requiring help from local government units and the BJMP to deliver water to facilities. [1]
• Environmental Pressures: The expansion of farming creates challenges, like the loss of watershed forests and risks of flooding, which the wider province is trying to address. 

Despite these growing pains, the town continues to push forward with its "Asenso Barotac Viejo" (Progress Barotac Viejo) movement, creating a blend of traditional provincial life and modern growth.  

Coronation Night. 2026 Fiesta, June 29, 2026 * see the 1953 Version with my Photo on it.   

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barotac_Viejo

Meanwhile, A Look Back Seventy -Three ( 73) _ Years Ago

Town Fiesta, 1953 Coronation Night-Public Plaza  

I am one of the Consorts ( 3rd Guy from the Left) 

1945-1951- My elementary and high school years were in the town of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo. The town is the ancestral home of my Mother, Paz Barrido Balleza Katague 

Here's a brief description of the town, I wrote in 2009.

Barotac Viejo, Iloilo(BVI) is a 4th class municipality about 60Km North of Iloilo City. Iloilo is one of the four provinces in Panay Island. Panay Island is part of the Western Visayas Region of the Philippines. The Visayas Region is the Central Part of the Philippine Archipelago. 

BVI is the town where I grew up. It is the town where I finished my elementary school years. It is also the town where I finished high school. In 1951 I graduated valedictorian of my high school class. It is the town where I have both pleasant and unpleasant memories of my childhood and teen-aged years. 

My childhood memories of the American-Japanese war occurred in the town proper, foothills, seacoasts and jungles of this town. 

 https://chateaudumer.blogspot.com/2026/03/my-childhood-memories-of-world-war-2.html

When I left BVI in 1951 to pursue my college degree in Iloilo City and later in Diliman, Quezon City, BVI was a 4th class town with less than 5000 residents. In 2015, Wikipedia states that is now a 3rd class municipality, with a population of  around 45,000. When I left BVI in 1955, there was the elementary and high schools, public market, Cockfighting Arena, the Catholic Church, the Post office and one gas station, a couple of hardware stores, a Chinese bakery and may be 100 residential homes in the town proper. 

Today this 4th class town has more buildings both for business and private homes. The local high school was named a national agricultural high school. Part of the land for the school was donated by my uncle ( Jose Balleza) and my mother Paz Balleza . When I left the town in 1955, the mayor of the town was Luis Tupas, a relative of my mother. Today the local politics, are still controlled by the Tupas family and their clan.  

In 2005, my wife and I accompanied by my sister visited our parents grave site .Me and Macrine(RIP) with sister Amor at the Cemetery. 

Our old house (located at the back of the Post Office) was gone. The only thing that remained was the foundation stone with the engraving Dolce Building, 1952. 

Tears from my eyes flowed like a gentle rain, when I saw that foundation, recalling the pleasant memories of my teen-age years. The house (photo below) is gone but my memories of Barotac Viejo, Iloilo will live forever.💚

 

Our ancestral Home-The Dolce Building, 1953- My Home during my elementary and high school years in the Philippines.   The other side of the street is the Municipal Building and the Office of the Mayor and the Catholic Church a 2 minute walk uphill. 

Meanwhile, here are some photos taken during the 2026 Town Fiesta, June 29, 2026, Feast of St Peter and Paul from FaceBook Page.  The following is a 6-minute video of the 4-days of celebration culmination in the coronation night. 

https://fb.watch/I506BPWsyN/

BAROTAC VIEJO FIESTA QUEEN AND KING

Inspired by two enduring symbols of Filipino identity, the kalesa, representing our rich history and timeless traditions, and the bangka, symbolizing resilience, unity, and our journey toward progress, this year’s Royal Float is a vibrant tribute to the beauty of the Filipino spirit.

Designed with bold tropical colors, intricate layered details, and contemporary artistic elements, the float seamlessly blends heritage with modern creativity. Every detail reflects the warmth, joy, and cultural pride that define the people of Barotac Viejo, making it more than just a parade center piece, it is a moving celebration of our shared history, identity, and aspirations.

As our Fiesta Queen and King grace this masterpiece, they embody the municipality’s commitment to honoring its roots while embracing a future filled with promise and progress. Together, they proudly represent the heart of a community that remains deeply rooted in tradition, united in faith, and continuously moving forward.

Concept, Structure and Design: Allen Van Balleza

Float Stylist: Robertson Lampa of Robertson Events

Sponsoring Agency: Local Government Unit of Barotac Viejo

Coronation Night- Featuring the King and Queen of the Fiesta Night