The Greatness of LBJMany presidents over the years have demonstrated greatness through their leadership. Everyone demonstrated this in their own way. It takes the ability to face whatever may happen, as far as politics is concerned, and to handle it with care. It is also necessary to make a difference in society instead of simply being satisfied that the United States is fine as it is. The extra step that some take separates the normal from the great. Lyndon B. Johnson was one of the presidents who distinguished himself by taking the extra step. LBJ displayed presidential greatness by passing revolutionary laws and improving society. To get an idea of ​​how Lyndon Johnson came to achieve greatness, let's take a look at how his journey began. In 1908, Lyndon was born on a farm near Stonewall, Texas to his loving parents Samuel and Rebekah. His father was a man who had a love for politics and instilled it in his son at an early age. Lyndon hid "under tables or stood behind doors, straining to hear every word of his father's evening sessions with political friends" (Schulman, 7). His father also took him on trips with Sam Johnson, a member of the Texas State Legislature. On these travels, he learned his father's liberalism and also a strategy of Sam's that involved “getting really close to someone, nose to nose, when he wanted to convince them of something” (7). These tactics and others such as Sam's honesty in not accepting bribes were characteristics that helped shape him. After finishing his studies, LBJ took his first steps into the political world. At a state railroad commission meeting, a former governor, Pat Neff, never showed up to give his speech. This gave LBJ the opportunity of a lifetime. LBJ stood up with great confidence and gave a speech for him, showing off his public speaking skills. The speech, although generic, had a great effect on his political career. His initiative gave him the chance to enter politics thanks to a man named Welly Hopkins. After hearing the speech, Hopkins thought Johnson was a brilliant man and made him his campaign manager. He later recommended him to Richard Kleberg, who was a federal representative from the state of Texas. This was his passage to Washington. As Kleberg's secretary, he did most of the work and climbed the government ladder to become president of the United States. These factors of initiative, ... middle of paper ... or government and for the people. He established two new Cabinet-level positions, the Departments of Transportation and Housing and Urban Development. With that, he passed the Model Cities Act, which allocated $1.2 billion to improve housing, healthcare and education across the country in the areas that needed it most. This was another step towards minorities having a better chance of improving their lifestyle if they were not blessed with a large amount of money. LBJ displayed presidential greatness by passing innovative legislation and improving society, as we know it. Because of these efforts by LBJ, our society has changed forever. His leadership and legislative skills helped quickly pass necessary laws. He worked to improve the lives of many people and to help our society function as one; and, by working together, we can live happier lives with a true sense of freedom. Kennedy's motivations may have given rise to much of the programs Johnson passed, but it took his great skills to get these measures passed.