A Comparison Of King James 1 And Lbj
While perhaps neither King James I nor Lyndon Baines Johnson would ever agree with or acknowledge the comparison, these two men have many similarities and share many common interests and attributes. Despite the fact that they lived in very different societies with very different belief systems, these two men who came to power greatly resemble each other. When these similarities are analyzed, along with the men's differences, insight can be drawn about the nature of politics and religion and the relationship between them, both in early 17th century England and mid 20th century America. Similarities between King James I and Lyndon Johnson can be found when one looks at their desires, beliefs and actions.
The biggest desire of LBJ and King James I was to gain as much power as possible and then retain that power. They constantly strived to elevate themselves above those around them. An example of LBJ doing this is when he spoke in Brady, Texas in June of 1958. Everything was set up to clearly show the higher status of the speakers, and especially Johnson. Microphones amplified his voice, while the voices of the people in the crowd were barely audible. He spoke from a platform six feet above the audience, so that he would be looking down on them and they would be looking up at him. Also, the lectern from which LBJ spoke was surrounded on both sides with the flags of Texas and the United States of America, clearly establishing his patriotism and loyalty to both the state of Texas and the United States of America. King James I made the same attempts to seem higher and more powerful than those among him, such as at the Hampton Court Conference. His velvet-covered chair sat in front of a "large cloth of state, emblazoned with the royal arms" and was at the head of the two opposing groups of people at the conference. This established James not only as the head of the state, but as the leader of both opposing parties, the leader of all, no matter who...
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