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But as I listened and watched in the past few weeks as newscasters, historians and those who were part of Camelot or who were there in Dallas 50 years ago, I realized that the real tragedy is that we desperately need a JFK in Washington now. Can you possibly imagine any politician uttering these words today:
And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what
you can do for your country. My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what
America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man…
Making a speech like JFK's inaugural address would be political suicide today. All Americans want now is their country to take care of them and we vote for leaders who promise us the most, regardless of whether the goods can be delivered at the local, state or national level. Look how far we've come in 50 years. Pretty sad isn't it? JFK would be pretty unhappy too if he were alive today. RIP President Kennedy, you are missed more than you could ever know.
How true! I was in the middle of it. I was 15 years old,; from California in boarding school hell in Massachusetts; (having been expelled from every private school in Pasaden)! I didn't know politics from anything......but I knew one thing.......this President......was a winner. Every word out of his mouth inspired me. Gave me hope.
ReplyDeleteI heard Walter Cronkite (we were herded in to see the big fat TV)! Say he died. Something died in me.
However; it was resurrected with RFK! I was in college......at University of Southern California....(the nuns at the Catholic School in Pasadena saved me, scholastically.....emotionally......and completely!!! and I am not Catholic!!!)
Anyway; I worked on RFK's campaign; I walked through Watts registering people to vote! Not one dog bit me; not one person was rude to me. "Miss WASP in my "kilt and shetland sweater!!" They signed up to vote!
I was celebrating with all of the volunteers at the Ambassador when RFK spoke to us.....WE WON!! The California Primary was it! He would be the candidate for President!
Then Rosie Greer came back to the mike.....(it took at least 5 minutes to quiet us all down)
Senator Kennedy has been shot!
Oh so sad. Still........oh so sad.
Thank you for your thoughtful and honest commentary here--I couldn't agree more! President Kennedy voiced favor for a smaller government and lower taxes on numerous occasions. He encouraged personal responsibility and was a champion of the power of the individual. He would abhor our big, greedy, bossy government for whom no amount of money is ever enough. He wouldn't recognize our 'regulation nation' and wouldn't dream of a take over of one-sixth of the economy from the private sector. Thank you for speaking out--
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