Toasts Quotes
At the time his Vice President, John C. Calhoun, was expounding a theory of “nullification” by which the states could supersede and nullify federal law in their states. When Jackson finished his toast, it was Calhoun’s turn (See {635896}.) His toast supported the States’ Rights position over the federal government. In those days Presidents and Vice President’s were often political enemies or of opposite parties. The President’s advisors thought that his toast might be misinterpreted. So when they gave the toast to the press as “The Federal Union: It must be preserved.” That was the form in which the press reported the President’s toast and for many years that was the version most quoted even though it was never delivered that way. However Jackson was responsible for both versions.
The Stalinist purges were all foretold by this bloody toast which was attended by many of the Soviet leaders.
Massachusetts Bay Colony Governor John Winthrop
The “hickory ramrod” referred to Andrew Jackson (Old Hickory). Henry Clay was his Whig Opponent.
Islam prohibits drinking alcohol. Ataturk was the first Muslim politician not only to drink alcohol, but to do so publicly and make a public toast. Unfortunately he became addicted and died early as a result of his alcoholism. Ironically, to this day, he is used by Turks and other Muslims both as an example of the right to drink alcohol and also by those who appreciate the wisdom of Muhammad in banning alcohol.
