Positive Liberty

While in Hawai’i, I heard an anecdote about one of our most libertarian presidents. Readers probably already know that Cleveland opposed government corruption, supported free trade, backed the gold standard, and sought to keep spending and taxes low. They also probably know that he opposed U.S. imperialism and the acquisition (through dubious means) of Hawai’i as a U.S. territory.

But I heard a related anecdote from my Hawai’ian cab driver, one I’d like to authenticate if possible: The cabbie said that Cleveland, when presented with a petition by certain members of the white minority asking to annex Hawai’i, refused it with the simple reply: “Get out of my office before I shoot each one of you myself.”

I’d love to believe it. Is it true?

I teach U.S. Presidency every other year. It’s not one of my favorite classes, as I’m not a real expert on the presidency, and don’t often read about it except when preparing for to teach it again.

But as I prepare for the class, I once again find myself looking for a president I can admire. Continue Reading »