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Genre: Historical Fiction (Based on a true story)
Word Count: 100
VIGILANCE
“What do you plan to do about Reverend Ahlwardt, sir?”
“What can I do? It’s America.” Theodore Roosevelt gazed at people on the crowded sidewalk below. “As police commissioner I’m dutybound to protect this German hatemongering windbag’s freedom of speech.”
“The whole Lower East Side is likely to protest.”
Imagining the violence the so-called minister’s antisemitic lecture could cause in his city, Theodore grimaced. “Yes, it’s liable to get ugly. Sergeant Levine. I’m trusting you to put your best men on security detail. Might I suggest Officers Cohen, Weinberg, Kaminsky, Horowitz, and Levy?”
With a grin, Sergeant Levine saluted. “Yessir!”
There’s a reason I wrote him into my novels. 😉
Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple 
Tricky fellow! Nicely done, Rochelle
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He was indeed, Neil. One of my favorite historical figures. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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“The proper thing to do was to make him ridiculous.” Indeed. I never knew this detail about Roosevelt before. Another good story/history lesson combo!
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Dear Anne,
When I was writing him into my novel, I researched Roosevelt and antisemitism to make sure he fit the way I wanted him to. I was delighted to come across this bit. Of course the conversation is fictitious, but the event is pure truth. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Interesting, Rochelle,
Roosevelt was smart. Knew what would happen after the lecture and also chose a capable team to take care!
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Dear Anita,
Theodore Roosevelt was clever, wasn’t he? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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lol, what a clever man. He was a very interesting man, and obviously a good man. Good story.
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Dear Trent,
The more I’ve read about him, the more I like him. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Dear Rochelle,
That Teddy. The more I read about him, the more I like him. What a sneaky and clever thing to do! And you, what a clever and wonderful way to give us a bit of history.
Shalom and lotsa Teddy-Bear love,
Dale
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Dear Dale,
This particular incident was instrumental in who he became to Havah in my books. I don’t know why I haven’t written this story sooner. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom and lotsa Teddy-Bearhugs,
Rochelle
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Don’t I know it. And I am glad you did because it just add another plus to Teddy!
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It makes me wonder if he actually ever met and helped someone like Havah and her family? I’d like to think he did. 😉
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I like to think so, too 🙂
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I love a good revenge and he did a wonderful job of it. Good History lesson & story.
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Dear Jan,
He certainly did do a wonderful job. Thank you, m’luv.
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The sort of leader we look back on now and wonder where did it all start going wrong… Great snippet.
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Dear Iain,
So true. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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That’s the type of person who should be a leader, someone who stands up for people, especially the underdog.
I looked up Hermann Ahlwardt in addition to reading the backstory. He seemed like a glowing example of humanity. The first line of his Wikipedia bio is, “After stealing money collected for the children’s Christmas party in 1889, Ahlwardt was fired from his job as a primary school principal.” He’s definitely someone who should be judging other people. 🤦♂️
Interesting story as always, Rochelle.
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Dear Nobbin,
I applaud you for looking up Ahlwardt. I had to go then and do likewise. Fine upstanding gentleman…NOT.
Thank you for your validating comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Clever!! Well done! 😊
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Thank you, Ami. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Most welcome Rochelle! 😊
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Rochelle, I followed the link to learn more. You brought history to life with your story.
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Dear Lisa,
This is one of my favorite Roosevelt stories. The more I’ve learned of him, the more of a hero he is to me. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Rochelle, you are very welcome.
Shalom,
Lisa
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Dear Rochelle
You include plenty of detail about Roosevelt’s motivation and the neat way he made the unwanted cleric look ridiculous without compromising free speech. And you do it so concisely, with lovely, lively dialogue.
Shalom
Penny xx
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Dear Penny,
Your comments make me smile and smile some more. Thank you so much.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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most definitely, one of the best presidents that america has ever had. thanks for sharing.
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Dear Plaridel,
Sadly, there’s no TR today. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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thanks for the link. it is an interesting piece of history.
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Thank you, Arora.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Is it just me, or was I less cynical in those days? It seems that politicians were people you could, in the main, look up to and respect in those days. Maybe experience gives you a jaundiced view, but when I look around at people on the world stage these days… 😦 A fitting story, well told as always.
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Dear Sandra,
I’m not sure you were less cynical then. It seems, at least over here, that United has become more untied. So much venom being spewed today. I fear there are no good guys any more.
Thank you for your kind words re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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So good!!
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Thanks, Trish!
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sounds like a sensible chap.
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Dear Liz,
History tells us, he was flamboyant, yet sensible. One of the best presidents in American history. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You told us so much in so few words. Thank you, Rochelle.
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Dear Keith,
Few words is what we’re about at FF 😉 Thank you so much. 😀
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Sounds a very sensible person, most apt to be a leader. Lovely weaving of yet another hostorical fiction!
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Dear Neel,
He’s one of my favorite people in history. I did a lot of research on him to write him into my novels. Thank you for your kind words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Well done, Rochelle,
As much as I know about TR, I did not know that.
In all my years, I have never understood anti-Semitism nor the people who openly flout it.
Peace,
Bill
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Dear Bill,
TR was most definitely the American Lion. When I found this little story about him I danced for joy.
As a Jew I most certainly don’t understand antisemitism either. It makes me happy that you don’t either.
Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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He was. I found his reaction to the loss of his son revealing. 🙂
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Wonderful story! While I detest what the German free-speech windbag was preaching, I’m glad that at least back then we still did have freedom of speech. Not so much, these days.
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Dear Linda,
Freedom isn’t what it used to be, is it? Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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You gotta have the right team for the job … 🙂
Well done, you!
Also, sorry about being remiss the last few weeks. It’s been a kooky.
Glad to join in now!
Na’ama
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Na’ama Y’karah,
I do understand kooky. At any rate, I’m so glad to see you back. Thank you re my story.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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🙂 Yeah, me kookies are us … 😉 (hey, wait, now I want a cookie!) 😉
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Another fascinating snippet of history. It seems that Roosevelt was a wise and statesmanlike leader. I wish there were more like that in our own era. I enjoyed reading the link too.
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Dear Margaret,
It doesn’t seem there are any more TRs. More’s the pity. Thank you for your kind comments.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Reblogged this on All About Writing and more.
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Thank you for the reblog, Henrietta.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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I don’t know a huge amount about American presidents, but this story and the comments of others has piqued my interest, so thank you.
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Dear Heather,
I don’t know a lot about most of our presidents, save the most recent ones in my lifetime. 😉 As I’ve researched TR, he’s become a personal hero. Thank you for reading and taking the time to comment. Again, welcome to Friday Fictioneers.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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great pointer into the past. History tends to fade away or else is misinterpreted, which is sad.
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Dear James,
I’m always happy to share history as I learn of it. Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Leadership can demand a lot from those who do it well. I appreciate all that you do Rochelle
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Dear Michael,
Thank you for your lovely and encouraging words.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Ha, nice!
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A heartening and informative story Rochelle. Thanks again for shining a light on inspiring examples of courage that are new to me.
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Ahhh Teddy. Good man.
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Dear Laurie,
He was a bright light in history, wasn’t he? Thank you.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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AWESOME
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Dear Ted,
So good to see you here in Purpleville. 😀 Glad you liked.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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