July 4, 201016 yr On this Independence Day, I thought it would be fun to discuss who has had the most influence on the United States of America. I guess it could be good or bad, but I had good in mind when I thought of the topic. :lol: I don't think the people who had the most influence in shaping our country were necessarily former (or current) presidents. For example, I think an argument could be made for Benjamin Franklin, Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr, Susan B Anthony, or Rosa Parks. Who do you feel has been our most influential citizen?
July 4, 201016 yr Impossible question. Different folks have influenced America in many different and positive ways. I'll go with MLK, Jr. if I'm forced to choose.
July 4, 201016 yr On this Independence Day, I thought it would be fun to discuss who has had the most influence on the United States of America. I guess it could be good or bad, but I had good in mind when I thought of the topic. :lol: I don't think the people who had the most influence in shaping our country were necessarily former (or current) presidents. For example, I think an argument could be made for Benjamin Franklin, Bobby Kennedy, Martin Luther King, Jr, Susan B Anthony, or Rosa Parks. Who do you feel has been our most influential citizen? What makes America unique, is that there is no one person that can be really flagged as most influential. There have been men of their time. A few who've stood out. A few who've made distinct contributions, but good, bad or ugly, it's pretty much been a group effort since before the word go.
July 4, 201016 yr Author Impossible question. Different folks have influenced America in many different and positive ways. I'll go with MLK, Jr. if I'm forced to choose. What makes America unique, is that there is no one person that can be really flagged as most influential. There have been men of their time. A few who've stood out. A few who've made distinct contributions, but good, bad or ugly, it's pretty much been a group effort since before the word go. I understand what both of you are saying. It's a discussion, that's all. I guess I figure it boils down to what is important to the individual choosing. If there several areas of discipline equally important, I agree it would be difficult to choose. Just see my first post. I listed 5 people right off the top of my head. Thinking about it more, I could add many more to the list. I apologize if it seems a stupid line of discussion. I just thought it would be interesting to see what people thought, and the names that came up. Especially those that may be less historic in nature. For instance, Bill Gates is one I would throw out there. He could arguably be among the world's most influential...even without any political affiliation at all.
July 4, 201016 yr I understand what both of you are saying. It's a discussion, that's all. I guess I figure it boils down to what is important to the individual choosing. If there several areas of discipline equally important, I agree it would be difficult to choose. Just see my first post. I listed 5 people right off the top of my head. Thinking about it more, I could add many more to the list. I apologize if it seems a stupid line of discussion. I just thought it would be interesting to see what people thought, and the names that came up. Especially those that may be less historic in nature. For instance, Bill Gates is one I would throw out there. He could arguably be among the world's most influential...even without any political affiliation at all. No! It's not stupid at all! It's a great question when we think about today. But it is an impossible question.
July 4, 201016 yr Maybe if we broke it into a few different threads, i.e. Most influential Politicans, Social Leaders, Inventors, Entertainers, Athletes, etc.
July 4, 201016 yr I understand what both of you are saying. It's a discussion, that's all. I guess I figure it boils down to what is important to the individual choosing. If there several areas of discipline equally important, I agree it would be difficult to choose. Just see my first post. I listed 5 people right off the top of my head. Thinking about it more, I could add many more to the list. I apologize if it seems a stupid line of discussion. I just thought it would be interesting to see what people thought, and the names that came up. Especially those that may be less historic in nature. For instance, Bill Gates is one I would throw out there. He could arguably be among the world's most influential...even without any political affiliation at all. rm, you know better than that of me. The only stupid line of discussion is the one that didn't happen. I'm just pointing out that the quantity of those who have shaped our country are many, not few.
July 4, 201016 yr Any soldier who gave their life so that I can live her with my freedom!!! But to answer the question better, Thomas Jefferson.
July 4, 201016 yr I can't pink just one. Great thread, RM. Presidents - George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. Other Americans - Benjamin Franklin, Martin Luther King Jr., Thomas Edison, the Wright Brothers, Jackie Robinson, Henry Ford, John D. Rockefeller to name a few.
July 4, 201016 yr Inventor of the Air Conditioner. Vastly improved productivity in the Southern half of the country by making it more comfortable & attractive.
July 4, 201016 yr If I had to pick one, I would have to go with George Washington. I've just started a book called To Try Men's Souls by Newt Gingrich & William R. Forstchen. The story follows Washington, Thomas Paine and Jonathan Van Dorn, a private in Washington's army.
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