Author: mioisabelle

The Puritans’ journey to the New World was driven by their belief that they were on a divine mission to establish a “city upon a hill”—a model Christian society to serve as an example to the world. Their “errand in the wilderness,” a term used to describe their migration to America, was both a physical and spiritual journey. Three influential Puritan figures—Reverend John Cotton, Governor John Winthrop, and Mary Rowlandson—each offered unique perspectives on this mission. Their views highlight the challenges, purpose, and hardships of the Puritan experience in the wilderness.

John Cotton’s View of the Puritan Errand

Reverend John Cotton, a prominent Puritan minister, focused on the spiritual and moral aspect of the Puritans’ journey. In his writings and sermons, Cotton argued that the Puritans were called to establish a pure, godly community in the New World.

For Cotton, the wilderness was not just a physical space to be conquered, but a place for spiritual purification—a testing ground for God’s people. The errand was not simply about building a society but about maintaining a covenant with God. This covenant required the Puritans to honor God’s laws and establish a holy community.

Cotton’s views reflect the Puritan belief that the wilderness provided an opportunity for both spiritual growth and purification. The errand was an important mission to live according to God’s will and to create a community that embodied these values.

John Winthrop and the Vision of a “City upon a Hill”

Governor John Winthrop, one of the most prominent Puritan leaders in America, provided the most famous articulation of the Puritans’ errand. In his sermon A Model of Christian Charity (1630), Winthrop described their mission as the creation of a “city upon a hill.” This meant they were to build a model Christian society that would serve as an example to the world.

Winthrop’s vision centered on the idea of communal responsibility. He believed the Puritans’ success or failure would directly impact Christianity’s reputation. His famous phrase, “we shall be as a city upon a hill,” captures the Puritans’ desire to demonstrate to the world that living according to God’s will was key to a prosperous society.

For Winthrop, the wilderness was not an obstacle but a setting for a divine experiment in godliness. The errand was a collective effort to show that a righteous society could flourish when aligned with God’s laws.

Mary Rowlandson and the Puritan Struggle in the Wilderness

Mary Rowlandson’s perspective on the Puritan errand is unique because it is deeply personal. In her narrative, The Sovereignty and Goodness of God (1682), Rowlandson recounts her capture by Native Americans during King Philip’s War in 1676. Through her captivity, she explores the spiritual nature of her suffering and survival.

Unlike Cotton and Winthrop, Rowlandson’s view of the wilderness is less idealistic. For her, it was a place of intense struggle and hardship, where she faced both physical danger and a sense of spiritual silence from God. Yet, through this suffering, Rowlandson came to understand God’s sovereignty and providence.

Rowlandson’s narrative suggests that the Puritans’ errand was not merely about creating a successful society, but about enduring trials and remaining faithful to God’s plan, even in times of adversity. The wilderness, for Rowlandson, was a place where God’s purposes were being fulfilled, even when His presence seemed hidden.

Conclusion

John Cotton, John Winthrop, and Mary Rowlandson each offered distinct perspectives on the Puritans’ errand in the wilderness. Cotton emphasized the spiritual mission to maintain faith and purity, Winthrop envisioned a model Christian society to set an example for the world, and Rowlandson’s personal narrative illustrated the role of suffering and God’s sovereignty in fulfilling the Puritan mission.

Together, these views offer a rich understanding of the Puritans’ journey in the New World. They faced both physical challenges and spiritual tests, but through these struggles, they believed they were fulfilling a divine mission that would serve as a beacon of Christian faith for generations to come.

This week I finished the autobiography of Solomon Northup, which is titled 12 Years a Slave. This autobiography was mostly about Northup’s life as a slave for twelve years, after being kidnapped as a free black man. Northup before he had become a slave was a freeman in New York, and he had lived with his family. When he was kidnapped it took twelve years of toil and pain until he was rescued and set free. The autobiography itself that Northup wrote contains many contrasts, so many that it would probably take me months to note each one. Northup contrasted many things including, people, situations, etc. So how could I adopt Northup’s technique of using contrasts?

Before getting into this, why would I use contrasts in the first place? Contrasts are a pretty powerful literary tool, and in my opinion, make a narrative more interesting. Also in my life so far there have been quite a few instances that are worth contrasting to each other. For example may be a contrast between two different people I know who played a role in my life, either negatively or positively. I would use contrast to make my autobiography more interesting.

Because I have now explained why I would use contrasts in my autobiography, here is an example of one of Northup’s powerful contrasts. In Northup’s life as a slave, he was owned by a few people. His first owner, named Ford was a just owner, who treated his slaves well. Northup’s last owner, named Epps, was the exact opposite of Ford. Epp was a terrible person who treated slaves as if they were less than animals. He was especially cruel to a slave named Patsey. Northup quite a few times in his autobiography contrasted cruel slave owners with just slave owners who treated their slaves well. He used Ford as an example of a just slave owner and Epps as an example of an evil slave owner. Even though this is only one example of Northup’s use of contrasts, I believe that this gets the point across that Northup’s autobiography was full of them.

So now, how could I adopt Northup’s technique of using contrasts? Well, that is a pretty simple answer. The way I would adopt this method is by comparing situations, people, etc to each other. Of course, I would have to find situations or people that are the opposite of other situations or people, but overall in my opinion it is not that difficult to adopt Northup’s method of using contrasts.

12 Years a Slave was one of the most interesting and insightful autobiographies I have read during this school year. The autobiography itself gave a great portrayal of slavery and the evils of it. This was thanks to Northup’s powerful use of words, and literary devices including contrasts, which was the main topic of this essay. Overall I highly recommend reading this autobiography, for both educational and enjoyment purposes. 

When exploring the early history of the Americas, two figures stand out for their written records: Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca and Bartolomé de Las Casas. Both men were deeply involved in the Spanish exploration and colonization of the New World, and both wrote accounts of their experiences. However, Cabeza de Vaca’s account, La Relación, is arguably more memorable, primarily because of its vivid and personal narrative, and the fact that he is considered the first European to leave a detailed written record of his experiences in what is now the United States. In contrast, Las Casas’s writings, while important, focus more on moral and religious arguments than on personal narrative, which makes Cabeza de Vaca’s story resonate more for its engaging and unique perspective.

Cabeza de Vaca’s La Relación

Cabeza de Vaca’s La Relación is one of the earliest and most memorable accounts of the Spanish encounter with the Americas. In the early 16th century, Cabeza de Vaca was part of an expedition led by Pánfilo de Narváez, whose mission was to explore and conquer Florida. After the expedition was shipwrecked on the Gulf Coast, Cabeza de Vaca, along with a few companions, was left stranded in what is now the southeastern United States. Over the next eight years, he wandered across the continent, experiencing starvation, captivity by indigenous peoples, and numerous hardships. In his account, Cabeza de Vaca provides a gripping and personal story of survival, transformation, and resilience.

What makes Cabeza de Vaca’s story especially memorable is his detailed description of his experiences in unfamiliar lands. As one of the first Europeans to leave a written record of what he saw, his account offers rare insights into the lives of Native American peoples long before the widespread influence of European colonialism. His observations are rich and multifaceted: he describes not only the customs and ways of life of various indigenous tribes but also the challenges he faced in trying to understand and adapt to their cultures. This firsthand account is invaluable for historians, as it offers a perspective from someone who was an outsider to these societies but who nonetheless formed a deep connection with them during his long period of survival.

Cabeza de Vaca’s narrative is also notable for its honesty and the humility with which he describes his experience. Unlike many other explorers of the time, who portrayed the indigenous peoples as primitive or uncivilized, Cabeza de Vaca was sympathetic toward the native people he encountered. His account reflects a more nuanced view of the native populations, one that is empathetic and open to their way of life. For example, when Cabeza de Vaca describes his time as a slave to a Native American tribe, he often expresses gratitude for their kindness and survival skills, showing respect for their culture rather than condescension. This human element makes his story not only memorable but also moving.

Las Casas and His A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies

Bartolomé de Las Casas, a Dominican friar, is best known for his advocacy on behalf of the indigenous peoples of the Americas. His most famous work, A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies, is a powerful critique of Spanish colonial policies, particularly the brutal treatment of native populations by conquistadors and settlers. While Las Casas’s work is deeply significant for its moral and religious arguments, it is less memorable in the same personal, narrative-driven way that Cabeza de Vaca’s account is.

Las Casas’s writings are primarily focused on denouncing the atrocities committed by the Spanish in the Americas. His passion for defending the rights of indigenous people shines through in his scathing descriptions of the mistreatment they suffered at the hands of colonizers. However, his account lacks the personal, immersive experience that Cabeza de Vaca offers. Las Casas, as a priest, was an advocate and a critic, but he did not experience the same physical and emotional challenges that Cabeza de Vaca did during his time in the New World. While Las Casas’s arguments are morally powerful and historically significant, they are less memorable as a personal narrative.

Why Cabeza de Vaca’s Account Is More Memorable

The primary reason Cabeza de Vaca’s account is more memorable than Las Casas’s is the way he tells his story. Cabeza de Vaca’s La Relación is a vivid and personal journey of survival, transformation, and discovery. His account is one of the earliest written records of the American interior, and it provides a rare, firsthand perspective on the world of the indigenous peoples before widespread European colonization altered their lives forever. The compelling nature of his survival story, combined with his empathetic views toward Native Americans, makes his account a timeless and unforgettable narrative.

In contrast, while Las Casas’s work is vital in understanding the ethical and moral dimensions of colonization, it is more focused on political arguments and critiques of the Spanish conquest. Las Casas is less concerned with personal narrative and more with presenting a moral case to his readers. Although his work is groundbreaking in its defense of indigenous peoples, it does not have the same storytelling appeal that Cabeza de Vaca’s account offers. Cabeza de Vaca’s journey, struggles, and observations allow readers to connect with him on a human level, making his work resonate more deeply.

Conclusion

In the debate over which book is more memorable, Cabeza de Vaca’s La Relación stands out as the more captivating and enduring of the two. His detailed, personal narrative not only offers a rare glimpse into the world of early colonial encounters but also evokes empathy for the people he encountered, making his work feel both timeless and deeply human. While Las Casas’s A Short Account of the Destruction of the Indies is crucial for its moral message and historical importance, it lacks the personal, immersive quality that makes Cabeza de Vaca’s account so memorable. Cabeza de Vaca’s writing is not only an important historical document but also a compelling story that continues to captivate readers centuries after it was written.

Barry Fell was an American scholar who became well-known for his controversial theories about ancient contact between Old World civilizations and the Americas. Although he began his career as a biologist, Fell’s interest shifted to ancient inscriptions when he noticed unusual markings in North America. These markings, he believed, were evidence that people from Europe, Africa, and the Near East had visited the Americas long before Christopher Columbus.

Fell’s most famous work, America B.C., published in 1976, presented his argument that ancient travelers, such as the Phoenicians, Celts, and other Old World groups, had crossed the Atlantic and left behind written records. He pointed to inscriptions found in areas like New England, Ohio, and Missouri, suggesting that these were proof of ancient visits. One of the inscriptions he focused on was found in a West Virginia cave, which he believed was written in an ancient form of Celtic script. He also studied other symbols and writings that seemed to him to match scripts from ancient Europe and Africa.

While Fell’s ideas excited many people, they also sparked a great deal of criticism. Mainstream historians and archaeologists strongly disagreed with him, arguing that the inscriptions he found were either natural rock formations, modern forgeries, or misinterpretations. They felt that Fell had not provided enough evidence to back up his claims. Despite the backlash, Fell continued to defend his theories and even expanded on them in other books and lectures.

Barry Fell’s work raised interesting questions about the early history of the Americas. His ideas challenged the traditional view that Native American cultures developed independently, without contact from other parts of the world. Though many of his claims remain disputed, his work made people think differently about ancient history and the possibility of cross-ocean travel in ancient times.

In conclusion, Barry Fell’s saga is one of both controversy and curiosity. His theories about ancient transoceanic contact opened new avenues of thought and sparked debate about the history of the Americas. While his ideas were not widely accepted in the academic world, they still hold a place in the ongoing discussion about the early interactions between different cultures and civilizations. Regardless of whether or not his theories are proven true, Fell’s work has left a lasting impact on how we think about the past.

One of the most memorable parts of Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca’s “The Narrative of Cabeza de Vaca” (1542) is his harrowing journey through the interior of North America after he was shipwrecked on the coast of what is now Florida in 1528. The narrative, known for its vivid and often dramatic story of survival, offers a firsthand account of the trials Cabeza de Vaca and his companions faced as they traversed an unfamiliar and hostile landscape. One of the most striking and memorable parts of his story occurs during his time as a captive among various Native American tribes, particularly his experience with the indigenous people of the Gulf Coast and his evolving relationship with them.

As the expedition members were separated following the shipwreck, Cabeza de Vaca and a small group of survivors found themselves wandering through an unknown wilderness. Initially, their interactions with the Native people were misunderstandments, and violence. However, over time, Cabeza de Vaca’s perspective began to change, and he came to see the Native American tribes in a more complex light, moving beyond the simplistic European views of indigenous people as “savages.”

One of the most profound moments in Cabeza de Vaca’s journey occurs when he is captured by the native peoples, who initially treat him with suspicion. However, after he and his companions are subjected to hardship and ritual humiliation, Cabeza de Vaca is eventually able to gain the trust of the indigenous people. He begins to learn their languages and customs, and through his experiences, he comes to understand their worldview in a way that is rare for Europeans of his time. This interaction is not only central to his survival but also represents one of the earliest examples of cultural exchange between European explorers and Native American tribes.

Cabeza de Vaca’s account of his captivity is notable because it emphasizes empathy and the importance of cooperation in overcoming the obstacles they faced. Unlike many European accounts of exploration that viewed indigenous people as obstacles to colonization or as objects to be conquered, Cabeza de Vaca’s narrative reveals a deep respect for the native populations, even as he still retained a European mindset shaped by his Christian faith. For instance, he recounts how he and his companions were able to help the Native Americans in times of sickness or famine, and in return, the natives offered food and shelter. This mutual dependency was essential to the survivors’ ability to endure their years of wandering.

Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Cabeza de Vaca’s story is his transformation from a European adventurer and would-be conqueror to a more humble and reflective individual, deeply connected to the indigenous people he encountered. His narrative reflects a profound shift in perspective—from a traditional view of European superiority to a more nuanced understanding of indigenous peoples as complex and dignified cultures with their own rich traditions and systems of survival.

Cabeza de Vaca’s account is not just a story of physical survival, but also a meditation on cultural survival, human endurance, and the complex nature of cross-cultural encounters. The experiences he narrates remain memorable because they challenge the typical Eurocentric view of the “New World” during the Age of Exploration, offering a rare glimpse of mutual respect between indigenous peoples and European explorers in the midst of a violent and uncertain era. This intersection of cultures and perspectives makes Cabeza de Vaca’s journey through the “unknown interior” of America one of the most memorable and important parts of his narrative.

In conclusion, Cabeza de Vaca’s journey through the interior of North America stands as a testament to human resilience and the transformative power of cross-cultural exchange. His story is not just one of survival, but of learning and adapting in the face of overwhelming situation. By recounting his experiences with indigenous peoples, Cabeza de Vaca offers a unique perspective that challenges conventional narratives of exploration, showing the potential for mutual respect and cooperation in a time when such ideas were rare. His narrative remains an essential part of early American history, reminding us of the complexities of cultural interaction and the enduring human spirit.

In the 95 Theses, Luther states in the name of the Pope, that the Pope will be rescued in his reverence and to save him from slander. Luther claims to the people he is innocent after all.

Generally, this can be proof that Luther believed that the Pope genuinely did not know what the indulgence salesmen were saying, but, I believe that Luther was only benefiting the side of the Pope to protect himself. I mean, think about it. Luther was already on thin ice when he exposed the indulgences and corruption of the Church. I couldn’t even imagine Luther getting away with exposing the Pope. Especially in the year of 1517.

In the 95 theses, Luther clearly states that the Pope has all the riches and instead of helping the poor or benefiting the citizens he keeps it all to himself, leaving the poor to pay for the reconstruction of St. Peter’s Basilica on their own. Luther had a series of questions that clearly embarrassed the Pope and called him out. So why all of a sudden does Luther have a change of heart? I think not. I believe Luther might have been threatened with his life and his right of expression. And the expression is clearly something Luther cared about. So inevitably Luther decided to make a sacrifice by excusing the Pope’s gaffe.

In the 95 Theses Luther isn’t trying to keep the Pope from embarrassment and slander. In fact, Luther is the one slandering the Pope. It appears through the 95 theses that Luther believed the Church to be corrupt and the Pope as well. Luther was a smart cookie and he was able to fish out the corruption of the Pope. But because the Pope has such esteemed power – obviously, he’s the Pope for Christ’s sake- Luther was left to later confess that the Pope was innocent. I mean, anyone in their right mind would be very skeptical about this endeavor.

In conclusion – No, I do not think that Luther genuinely believed the Pope to be completely oblivious about this oversight. In fact, I believe Luther was very much aware of all the corruption that took place within the Church and the Pope. Luther later claimed righteous things about the Pope. This leads me to believe that Luther was intensely pressured and forced to do so.

The Protestant Reformation was one of the most important moments in western history, and probably by far the most changing moments in the history of Christianity. But what can we say about the condition of the Catholic Church right before or on the eve of the Protestant Reformation.There is not a whole lot to say about the condition or the Catholic Church on the eve of the protestant reformation; things were definitely not looking great. The church was morally in a bad state, with scandalous popes who definitely did not behave as a pope should. Also there was a decline in the attendance of the Mass and in general religious practice. Also superstitious practices were becoming more common for example, astrology. The clergy was a mess, and only wanted money. Also some bishops who were elected would leave the area they were assigned and not fulfill their duties as a bishop. This is known as Absenteeism. Also to add to this mess some priests were even told to hold Mass only four times a year which is definitely wrong. Overall the situation looked terrible in the moral and Catholic standpoint. The Catholic church was in much need for reform, and many Catholics at the time also believed this. People at the time were rather sick and tired with what was going on, so they gladly welcomed the Protestant Reformation.

In this week’s personal finance essay, I am writing about five mistakes young married couples make. By no means am I an expert on this?  I am not married or getting married anytime soon, so this essay is based on what I have noticed about young married couples.

Mistake 1#

The first mistake I will be writing about is having an expensive wedding. The reason why this is a mistake is because most young, going-to-be-married couples don’t have a lot of money. So having a big wedding is usually very draining to a young couple’s finances, also because a big wedding is going to be more costly, it is more stressful to host. Early on stress is not exactly healthy or good for a marriage.

Mistake 2#

The second mistake is buying an expensive wedding or engagement ring. As I mentioned above, young couples usually don’t have a lot of money, so buying an expensive and extra-fancy ring, is not exactly great for your finances, especially if you don’t have a lot of money, or have just entered the workforce.

Mistake 3#

The third mistake is rushing for marriage. A lot of young couples just want to get married right away, even though they have been dating for less than a year. This is a terrible idea because if you want a successful and happy marriage, you and your partner have to get to know each other, to determine if you both want to live with each other for the rest of your lives. Also being hasty for marriage isn’t great for your finances, and financial problems within a couple are not exactly healthy for a marriage. My parents were dating for seven years before they got married, and they have a pretty happy marriage.

Mistake 4#

The fourth mistake is having an expensive honeymoon. Often a newlywed couple spends way too much money on their honeymoon, which is a mistake for a few reasons. The first is the fact that a newlywed couple most likely spent a lot of money on their wedding, which already leaves them financially tight, and having an expensive honeymoon makes that worse. 

Mistake 5#

The fifth and final mistake I will be writing about is getting a divorce. Getting a divorce is a last resort, and can be prevented. A divorce is a huge financial strain, and it is also very damaging especially if you have children(children can be affected very negatively if their parents split). 

There are probably more mistakes that a young married couple can make, but I felt that these five were the most important.

This week of English I had to explain the element of hierarchy in Genesis 1-3. I had to keep in mind Adam’s relation to God, Eve’s relation to Adam and God, and the Serpent’s relation to Adam, Eve, and God. Before diving in, hierarchy means in short: the system in which peoples or groups are ranked one above the other which is determined by status or authority.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. After He created all the animals of the world; and on the sixth day of creation, He created man, from His image. This all occurred in seven days. Clearly, this shows that God is the highest power in the universe; He is above all of His creation. He is on top of the hierarchy.

Adam, as I stated above, was created in God’s image, on the sixth day of creation. God put Adam above all the animals. Later on, God stated that it was not good for Adam to be alone, thus he created a woman, who was called Eve, to be Adam’s companion. Adam and Eve were allowed to eat the fruit of every tree, except for a single certain tree. This particular tree had the power to give the knowledge of good and evil.

The Serpent in Genesis 1-3, was the most scheming and crafty of the animals of God’s creation. In short, the Serpent tempted Eve to eat the fruit of the forbidden tree. After Eve consumed the fruit she persuaded Adam to do the same. This brought forth the beginning of original sin. God punished Adam and Eve and cursed the Serpent after all had been done.

Thus the hierarchy remained similar after Adam and Eve’s disobedience, yet it was different. God was above everything and everyone, man was above all the animals. But instead of men and women being placed as equals, instead, women were placed below men. Hence this was the element of hierarchy in Genesis 1-3.

Reagan was the 40th president of the United States from 1981-1989; he was an important and influential conservative voice and is remembered as one of America’s greatest presidents. In this essay, I will be writing about his life, his assassination attempt, and his death.

Early Life

Ronald Reagan was born on February 6th, 1911, in Tampico Illinois, to Nell Clyde and John Edward Reagan. Reagan’s family was rather poor, yet he was optimistic and had quite a bit of faith. He also saw the good in people. Reagan was very supportive and kind to African Americans; he even invited some African Americans to his home to stay for the night because he had noticed that they were not accepted at a local Inn.

For high school, he attended Dixon High School. This was where he found an interest in acting(which he participated in), sports, and storytelling. During summer vacations he worked as a lifeguard. After graduating from high school he began attending Eureka College in Illinois, where he studied economics and sociology. He also was a cheerleader, a member of the football team, and the captain of the swim team.

After graduating in 1932 he moved to Iowa and got a job as a radio announcer, there he became the announcer for the Chicago Cubs baseball team. While traveling with the Cubs, in 1937, he took a screen test, which ended up with a contract with Warner Brothers for seven years, which was the start of his acting career, and his life in California.

Acting and Military Career

Reagan became a somewhat successful actor but missed his chance of becoming a star when he got drafted to active duty in the US Army. After military training, Reagan joined the Army Enlisted Reserve, but thanks to his poor eyesight he was classified for limited military service. Eventually, he requested and received a  transfer to the First Motion Picture Unit.

After the war Reagan returned to California where he resumed acting, he also became a part-time informant to the FBI on potential communists. Around this time he and his first wife(Jane Whyman) got divorced in 1948. Not so long after in 1952, he remarried to a woman named Nancy Davis.

Early Political and Political Career

Reagan was a Democrat for much of his younger years until the 50s when he began shifting to more conservative political beliefs. He began recording early warnings of the Medicare system leading to socialism and the end of freedom in America. He joined the National Rifle Association, where he became a lifetime member.

In 1964 Reagan gained national attention thanks to his support of conservative Barry Goldwater’s presidential campaign. Reagan also began promoting his belief in a smaller government through several speeches. One of his big breakthroughs politically before becoming president was when he won the election for governor of California in 1966. He was governor until 1975.

In 1968 Reagan first ran for president, but finished third in the race for the Republican Nomination. To ensure that he would not be forgotten he began to hold a Radio Commentary series and organized the Citizens for the Republic action committee.

During the 1980 presidential campaign, Reagan gained the spotlight and won the Republican nomination and the presidency. One of his main statements during his campaign was: “I believe in state rights.” For his vice president, he chose one of his opponents, George H.W. Bush.

Presidency and Assassination Attempt

Reagan was a very active president, even though he was almost seventy when he was elected. He campaigned to restore prayer to schools through a moment of silence. But unfortunately, early on in his presidency he became a target for an assassination, and on March 30th, 1981 he was shot. Thankfully he was only wounded. He recovered quite quickly though and in a matter of several weeks was back on his feet again.

Inflation in the US when Reagan was first elected was at 12.5%, but to help the US recover from stagflation Reagan helped reduce the inflation rate to the point that when he left office inflation was at 4.4%. 

During his re-election campaign, Reagan won 49 out of 50 states, winning him a second term. During his second term, he focused on a war against drugs. He also helped bring an end to the Cold War, condemning the Soviets but encouraging foreign relations.

Later Life and Death

After moving out of the White House in 1989, Reagan and his wife moved back to California, where he lived until his death. In 1994 Reagan was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which he suffered from until 2004, when he passed away at 94, leaving the legacy of being one of the best US presidents.