John F. Kennedy is best known for serving as the 35th president of the United States, and the youngest man elected into the White House office. Kennedy wished for America to continue its old mission as the first nation dedicated to fighting for all human rights. With the Alliance for Progress and the Peace Corps, he brought American idealism to developing nations. He was definitely a progressive with aspirations of going to the moon which, amazingly enough, became a reality, despite occurring after his devastating assassination in 1963. The months following the Cuban crisis showed much progress toward Kennedy’s goal of "a world of law and free choice, banishing the world of war and coercion." Kennedy’s administration saw the beginning of a new hope for both the equal rights of Americans and for world peace. Kennedy also just so happens to be my favorite historical figure. Many of his beliefs and dreams are similar to my own, and I believe that America needs a bit of a reminder of what a true Presidential candidate sounds (and looks…*swoons*) like.
1. “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.”
Instead of looking for the answer that best supports your political party choice, stop and think about the answer that could change everyone’s life for the better. Not just your own. Political parties are just a way of separating ideas and views into different groups. Don’t you think it would be nicer to work together as a nation united, and not a nation divided?
2. “Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future.”
In order for America, and other countries, to thrive and get along, we not only need to look at our past and present faults, but we need to work together to fix those faults for our future generations. Our children, our children’s children, and so on and so forth, they all deserve to live in a world united. Not just a nation united.
3. “Mankind must put an end to war -- or war will put an end to mankind."
I think this one speaks for itself. However, I know some people will disagree with this way of thinking. If we continue down the path we are bantering down, WWIII will happen. Only this time it will turn into something more dangerous. We will literally nuke each other to death. Now, does that really sound safe or logical for us or for the future? Hate and war does not solve problems. Education and love will.
4. “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country."
And this quote, I leave for you to take away and think about. Kennedy announced this to the world in his inauguration speech. He was a forward thinking, optimistic, and intelligent man. So, what can you do for America?
