Write 500 words on this topic: “How serious was Plunkitt about patriotism’s connection to obtaining a job after Tammany won an election?”
When Plunkitt lost his position in Tammany Hall, he lost his job and his work he loved. He needed a new job because being in office used to be his full-time job. This job was where he got most of his money to further his campaigns. That means when Tammany won, Plunkitt knew he needed a new job. He enjoyed helping those around him, so he wanted to do something like that. He saw a connection between patriotism and jobs, because they both help the economy and help people in the community. So Plunkitt became very busy in his job search.
Plunkitt found a connection between patriotism and jobs. Plunkitt argued that jobs, whether political or ordinary, kept citizens loyal, connected to their community and country, and reduced poverty. He saw jobs as a way to keep people satisfied and connected to their community, which he often linked to patriotism. Plunkitt saw his job search as a political opportunity, and he actually even earned a few more votes by doing it the honest way. He truly put in the hard work he needed to.
Another way he was patriotic was the way he worked in politics. He strongly believed in democracy and the people choosing their government. Plunkitt showed this repeatedly in his autobiography. When the time came for elections, he knew he was going to win with the way he did things. For example, he used a system called “honest graft.” This was a system that Plunkitt believed he had created himself. When Plunkitt saw opportunities, he used them to his full advantage. Plunkitt set up a system where when another politician needed land, he would purchase the land, so he was always “needed,” and the community took very fast notice of that.
Plunkett also showed a lot of patriotism when he told in his book his recipe for success. He also told his secrets for getting votes. Plunkitt was a very smart businessman and politician; he had a lot of experience, and that all showed during election time. One trick was handing out candy to kids, all so they would go tell their parents to vote for him. This showed how he would try to plan ahead. Another thing he would do is give money to the poor. Then that’s why those people would vote for him. Plunkitt also did this because he thought this strengthened the community and encouraged patriotism. Plunkitt was always thinking of the next best way to get votes. He knew his systems and he knew they worked.
When Tammany won, Plunkitt saw that as an opportunity to show his patriotism and look for a job. He used every opportunity he could, and he got more votes because of that. He always thought of the best way, and he showed that hard work pays off. From a small following of just one cousin to New York City, Plunkitt rose up, used his mind and political skills to achieve his goals. Although his political methods may have been controversial, Plunkitt believed he was helping the people of New York.
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