History is full of unpopular presidential decisions

From the beginning of our Republic, America’s presidents have made tough and controversial decisions. The Whiskey Tax to pay off the war debt and support the fledgling federal government was vehemently rejected and many western Pennsylvania farmers rebelled against it (Thomas Jefferson was against the tax). George Washington as commander-inchief personally led the militia to resolve the dispute.

The Monroe Doctrine of 1823 became the cornerstone of U.S. foreign policy toward European affairs (noninterference), Abraham Lincoln suspended the writ of habeas corpus during the Civil War to maintain order (arrest and detain without trial), and FDR was able to pass the Lend-Lease Act despite opposition from members of Congress, public opinion and the Neutrality Act. George H.W. Bush ended the first Gulf War after 100 hours. Many disagreed with ending it, especially after the systematic slaughter of Iraq’s own citizens under Saddam Hussein outside the no-fly zone.

The closing of the southern border will be just the latest example of a tough and controversial decision made by an American president.

Steven Graves, Fort Lauderdale