As Irish-Americans prepare to celebrate another St. Patrick’s Day, they can take pride in a rich heritage of distinction in the United States. For many Irish immigrants, the brawling world of politics became an avenue to advancement; unlike other groups, the Irish quickly took to political life, in part because they understood English. Eventually, the rise of the Kennedys became emblematic of Irish political achievement. Yet when Irish-Americans look back at their history, they would do well to remember a non-Irishman whose faith in meritocracy helped them gain their rightful place in American society. He was, of all things, a Congregationalist Yankee: Calvin Coolidge, 30th president of the United States.
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