Does Jay Z know about Ike?

Jay Z once released a song where he rapped about dead presidents representing him (get money). I don’t recommend listening to the song because the language is as dirty as the money he’s chasing. Not to mention the danger of materialism. However, those dead presidents - the real ones, not the greenbacks - do have an influence in our lives today. Which one do you think has been the most influential?

There’s George Washington defeating the British with a rag tag army; Abe Lincoln preserving a nation divided by differences which caused a civil war; we have Teddy Roosevelt’s and his famous Big Stick diplomacy and Rough Riders. And who can forget FDR’s delightful fireside chats? Sure, they were great. No disrespect to them, but Dwight D. Eisenhower did some things that have affected the daily lives of billions of people even to this day. That’s why I say he is the most influential American of all time. His influence is enormous, and most of us never even think about him.

Think About Him

Eisenhower's vision for America began in 1919 when he led a military convoy across America. The goal was to test the mobility of the military during war time conditions. His group should’ve been called the Rough Riders 2 because it was rough indeed. Recognizing the critical necessity and potential of a well-connected nation, he championed the advancement of roads and infrastructure. His efforts laid the groundwork for the expansive highway system that would later define his presidency.

General Ike’s leadership during World War II further solidifies his claim as the most influential American. As Supreme Commander of the Allied Expeditionary Force, Eisenhower orchestrated the D-Day invasion, a pivotal moment that turned the tide of the war. His strategic brilliance and diplomatic skills were crucial in securing victory, reshaping the global landscape and establishing the United States as a dominant force on the world stage.

After the battlefield, he was elected president in 1952. Eisenhower's presidency was marked by stability and progress. It was during this time that his early experience rough-riding across America paid off. In 1956 he signed the Federal Highway Act. This act approved the design and construction of the interstate highway system, spanning from sea to shining sea. Thirty-two years later it was completed, and 67 years later, we’re still using it daily.

Eisenhower's influence extended even into the realm of public health with the creation of the most famous pyramid of all: the Food Pyramid. To be clear, Eisenhower did not create this pyramid, but some argue its roots have their origin in his presidency. Recognizing the importance of nutrition (presumably after a heart-attack), he tasked his administration with developing guidelines to promote healthy eating. This kick-started what has now become a cornerstone of nutritional education for decades, shaping dietary habits. Mostly in a round shape, but a shape, nonetheless.

In essence, Dwight D. Eisenhower's impact on American life is unparalleled. From his early endeavors in pioneering the highway system to his accomplishments in wartime and his transformative presidency. His left his mark on the nation, quite literally. The choices we make on the highways, the global stage, and even in our kitchens all bear the mark of Eisenhower's influence, securing his place as the most influential American in history.

It just goes to show you don’t have to say it loud and say it proud. Your decisions are more important than the world remembering your name or giving you credit. You don’t even have to be mentioned in a rap song. You can do big, influential things quietly too.