Go online to read what the Book of Dao has to say about an ideal ruler, then show how differently

the President of the United States would have to act if he were to follow the advice presented.
Then discuss what would be different if instead of turning to Lao-Zi the President based his
policies and behavior on the recommendations of Confucius. Specifically, how would any ideas we
are used to about the relationship of church and state be different if he or she were to follow
either one of these teachings.

Confusing

The following excerpts from the Tao Te Ching promotes a laissez-faire attitude. It claims that excessive
taxation causes starvation so taxation by government should be limited if one does not want people to
starve. This philosophy would favor the more conservative approach of lowering taxes. If the president
took the book's advice then the excessive taxes on the rich would have to be lowered. According to a
Confucian Student, When the people do not have enough, then the prince cannot expect to have
enough either. This shows that the needs of the people go before the desires of the government and
would agree with the excerpt from the Tao Te Ching below:
The reason people starve
Is because their rulers tax them excessively.
They are difficult to govern
Because their rulers have their own ends in mind. (75, tr. Muller)

The following excerpt claims conquering others requires force. Using force on others is, other than for
defense, considered wrong by society. If using force is wrong then conquering and warring, outside of
defense, is wrong. This philosophy would favor the liberal antiwar attitudes. If the president took the
advice , he would have to drastically change foreign policy to not invade other countries. The
Confucian position on war is said by one of the most famous Confucian, after Confucius himself,
Mencius. Mencius argued that those who studied military science were immoral. Even though he
argues against war, Confucians have mostly supported wars with the excuse of a just cause. Actions
speak louder than words so it can be argued that Confucians are pro -war and are in conflict with the
teachings of the Tao Te Ching below. If the president of the united states were to act in the Confucian
manner then he would not change his foreign policy. It would have the church guide the state
Knowing others is wisdom;
Knowing the self is enlightenment.
Mastering others requires force;
Mastering the self requires strength;
He who knows he has enough is rich.
Perseverance is a sign of will power.
He who stays where he is endures.
To die but not to perish is to be eternally present. (33, tr. Feng & English)

http://www.advisorperspectives.com/dshort/misc/Tao-Te-Ching-33.html
http://www.acmuller.net/con-dao/daodejing.html#div-33
http://www.friesian.com/confuciu.htm
http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/essays/confucianism-on-peace-and-violence