If you want to make enemies, try to change something

If you want to make enemies, try to change something

Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the United States, is often quoted as saying, “If you want to make enemies, try to change something.” This statement perfectly encapsulates Wilson’s approach to governance and his willingness to challenge the status quo in order to bring about meaningful change. Throughout his presidency, Wilson was a staunch advocate for progressive policies and social reform, which often put him at odds with powerful interests and entrenched institutions.

One of Wilson’s most significant accomplishments was the passage of the Federal Reserve Act in 1913, which established the Federal Reserve System and fundamentally transformed the country’s banking and monetary system. Wilson recognized the need for a more flexible and stable financial system that could respond to the changing needs of the economy, and he was willing to take on the powerful banking interests that opposed such reforms. By pushing for the creation of the Federal Reserve, Wilson was able to modernize the country’s financial infrastructure and lay the groundwork for a more stable and prosperous economy.

Wilson’s commitment to change was also evident in his efforts to reform the country’s antitrust laws and regulate big business. He believed that monopolies and trusts were harmful to competition and innovation, and he worked to strengthen antitrust enforcement and break up monopolies in industries such as oil, steel, and railroads. Wilson’s efforts to rein in corporate power were met with fierce opposition from business leaders and their allies in Congress, but he remained steadfast in his commitment to promoting fair competition and protecting consumers.