Why does Roosevelt deserve immorality on Mount Rushmore?

Answer 1

Teddy Roosevelt fundamentally changed the nature of the U.S. presidency; indeed, of the federal government in general. Prior to TR, presidents generally felt that they could not do anything unless it was expressly allowed by law or in the Constitution; TR felt that presidents could do most anything unless expressly forbidden by law or the Constitution. For example, TR negotiated a settlement in a coal strike that would have crippled the entire U.S. economy, despite no law stating that a president could help settle a labor dispute.

TR was also instrumental in bringing the federal government into the realm of economic justice; prior to his administration, the national government pretty much stayed out of economic issues OTHER than to protect the rich.

TR's other accomplishments include (1) being a leader in conservation, (2) making the U.S. a permanent naval power, and (3) involving the U.S. in political affairs outside its hemisphere -- his negotiations in the Russo-Japanese War led to his being awarded a Nobel Peace Prize.