|
JFK was a breath of fresh air for this country. Look at the many Presidents that preceded him, some great men for sure, such as FDR and Eisenhower (the General, not the politician), but ultimately, rather staid, dour calculating politicians.
John Kennedy, on the other hand, was younger and more charismatic, and he understood the changes that were coming and embraced them.
Civil rights, expanding employment and housing opportunities, the space race...JFK had optimistic progressive visions about the potential for America, and programs that would help bring them about.
Was he human? Well, of course. If you dig deep enough, almost every prominent politician has skeletons in their closet. The only reason it is more apparent now is that the media has changed. What used to be considered personal was off limits, now it makes headlines.
Did JFK or any recent President write all of their own speeches? Of course not. Kennedy had Pierre Salinger, as Ronald Reagan had Peggy Noonan. Kennedy actually was well read and a good writer himself, and he developed many of the themes.
Look at the politicians since Kennedy. So many political party hacks and precious few leaders with real vision. I think it is fair to say that the current President is among the worst this nation has ever had to endure.
John McCain is getting along in years, but I truly hope to see him as the GOP candidate in the next Presidential election, up against one of the leading Democratic orators. I think this country is yearning for a leader with vision, and I believe McCain or any number of Democrats could be that leader.
So many people have made a career out of bashing Kennedy, as have tried to make a buck spinning speculative conspiracy yarns about his assasination. Nonetheless, he remains in the hearts of many, despite his human frailties, a great man and leader, and one whom we can still seek inspiration from through his words.
ADG Webmaster
|