Who Deserves a Place on Mount Rushmore Beyond the Current Presidents?

The iconic monument of Mount Rushmore, featuring the carved images of four U.S. presidents - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, and Theodore Roosevelt - has stood as a symbol of American leadership and heritage for over eight decades. However, the question of whether any additional individuals should be added to this revered site often sparks debate. This article explores the argument for and against adding more individuals, with a specific focus on Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) and Michele Obama, who by some accounts, could serve as potential candidates.

Reservations About Further Carving

Mount Rushmore, carved into the faces of four U.S. presidents, is currently considered a completed work of art. Carving even one additional individual's face could risk the integrity and permanence of the monument. As one commenter noted, 'More isn’t better for Mount Rushmore. The bar for adding another president is intentionally set so high that no other president is likely to be added in the future.' The concern is that attempting to add another face would compromise the monument's stability and historical significance.

Franklin D. Roosevelt: A Strong Case for Addition

FDR, the 32nd President of the United States, made a strong case for inclusion in Mount Rushmore. His presidency was marked by unprecedented challenges, including the Great Depression and World War II. Despite being partially paralyzed from polio, FDR led the nation through these critical times and played a crucial role in shaping America's future.

The resilience, leadership, and impact of FDR's presidency would make him a fitting addition to the Mount Rushmore ensemble. As one observer noted, 'No president since has had to deal with the combined economic and military challenges FDR faced. To see FDR's face alongside the other three iconic presidents would be a testament to his enduring legacy.'

Michele Obama: A Contemporary Visionary

While FDR was a president who faced and overcame significant challenges, some argue that individuals from other fields deserve recognition. Michele Obama, the former First Lady, has made a significant impact on American culture and society. Her efforts in promoting health, education, and social equity under the Obama administration have earned her a strong following and respect. Adding her face to Mount Rushmore could represent a diverse and evolving vision of leadership and leadership's impact on society.

However, there are reservations about adding more modern figures to the monument. As one commenter pointed out, 'There’s no President who could command support from a solid majority of Americans.' Similar caution applies to contemporary figures, as they may not yet have achieved the lasting impact and recognition that would warrant inclusion in such a prominent and historically significant monument.

Conclusion

While the question of adding more individuals to Mount Rushmore remains a matter of debate, FDR and Michele Obama stand out as strong contenders. FDR's leadership in the face of unprecedented challenges and Michele Obama's significant contributions to American society both make compelling cases for inclusion. However, as Mount Rushmore is viewed as a completed work, the addition of new figures may face significant opposition due to the monument's historical and practical limitations.

Ultimately, the decision on whether to add new faces to Mount Rushmore should balance historical significance, leadership impact, and the practical considerations of the monument's preservation. As the landmark continues to stand as a symbol of American leadership, the debate over who deserves a place on its faces will undoubtedly continue.