Theodore Roosevelt Quotes
They [Native Americans] were good enough to fight and die, and they are good enough to have me treat them exactly as square as any other man.
Earlier in his life, the President had very racist views towards the American Indian as can be seen in {588991}. However, in his regiment he organized—the Rough Riders—for the Spanish American War, there were a number of Native Americans who acquitted themselves with distinction and Roosevelt had a change of mind and heart. Further he was somewhat older and had time to reflect on the irrationality of his earlier view.
Theodore Roosevelt, 1858-1919, 26th President of the United States (Republican, NY), Speech at the Grand Canyon, May 6, 1903
Sourced by: Eigen's Political and Historical Quotations
To many, this quotation is shocking. TR was a presidential pioneer in race relations being the first President to ever invite a Black to dine at the White House. See {588996} for his views on Blacks. Although modern and liberal with respect to most minorities, TR had a major blind spot regarding Native Americans and was among the worst racists.
Clinton was reacting to questioning about gays in the military.
- Born: October 27, 1858
- Died: January 6, 1919
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Nobel Peace Prize
Theodore Roosevelt Jr., often referred to as Teddy or his initials T. R., was an American statesman, conservationist, naturalist, historian, and writer, who served as the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909. He previously served as 33rd governor of New York from 1899 to 1900 and the 25th vice president of the United States from March to September 1901. Roosevelt emerged as a leader of the Republican Party and became a driving force for anti-trust and Progressive policies.
