Fifty Years Later, JFK’s Inaugural Address Could be Applied to Today

     While doing some reading this weekend, I happened upon some articles about President Kennedy’s assassination, and the planning for his funeral. While Robert Kennedy and several members of the President’s staff were at Arlington as the initial surveying for the President’s grave was done, he happened to come upon an Arlington staffer at the Custis-Lee Mansion that overlooks Kennedy’s resting place. The staffer told RFK that the President had quietly visited Arlington, informally, earlier that Spring. As JFK viewed Arlington and the view of Washington from the mansion, he commented that “I could stay here forever”.

         The words of Kennedy’s inauguration speech, as I read it again, was such that it could be given today, with the same impact:

Vice President Johnson, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Chief Justice, President Eisenhower, Vice President Nixon, President Truman, reverend clergy, fellow citizens, we observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom—symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning—signifying renewal, as well as change. For I have sworn before you and Almighty God the same solemn oath our forebears prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.	1
The world is very different now. For man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe—the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.	2
We dare not forget today that we are the heirs of that first revolution. Let the word go forth from this time and place, to friend and foe alike, that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans—born in this century, tempered by war, disciplined by a hard and bitter peace, proud of our ancient heritage—and unwilling to witness or permit the slow undoing of those human rights to which this Nation has always been committed, and to which we are committed today at home and around the world.	3
Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.	4
This much we pledge—and more.	5
To those old allies whose cultural and spiritual origins we share, we pledge the loyalty of faithful friends. United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do—for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder.	6
To those new States whom we welcome to the ranks of the free, we pledge our word that one form of colonial control shall not have passed away merely to be replaced by a far more iron tyranny. We shall not always expect to find them supporting our view. But we shall always hope to find them strongly supporting their own freedom—and to remember that, in the past, those who foolishly sought power by riding the back of the tiger ended up inside.	7
To those peoples in the huts and villages across the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required—not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right. If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.	8
To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge—to convert our good words into good deeds—in a new alliance for progress—to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. But this peaceful revolution of hope cannot become the prey of hostile powers. Let all our neighbors know that we shall join with them to oppose aggression or subversion anywhere in the Americas. And let every other power know that this Hemisphere intends to remain the master of its own house.	9
To that world assembly of sovereign states, the United Nations, our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace, we renew our pledge of support—to prevent it from becoming merely a forum for invective—to strengthen its shield of the new and the weak—and to enlarge the area in which its writ may run.	10
Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.	11
We dare not tempt them with weakness. For only when our arms are sufficient beyond doubt can we be certain beyond doubt that they will never be employed.	12
But neither can two great and powerful groups of nations take comfort from our present course—both sides overburdened by the cost of modern weapons, both rightly alarmed by the steady spread of the deadly atom, yet both racing to alter that uncertain balance of terror that stays the hand of mankind’s final war.	13
So let us begin anew—remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate.	14
Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.	15
Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms—and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.	16
Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.	17
Let both sides unite to heed in all corners of the earth the command of Isaiah—to “undo the heavy burdens … and to let the oppressed go free.”	18
And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion, let both sides join in creating a new endeavor, not a new balance of power, but a new world of law, where the strong are just and the weak secure and the peace preserved.	19
All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin.	20
In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than in mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course. Since this country was founded, each generation of Americans has been summoned to give testimony to its national loyalty. The graves of young Americans who answered the call to service surround the globe.	21
Now the trumpet summons us again—not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are—but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation”—a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.	22
Can we forge against these enemies a grand and global alliance, North and South, East and West, that can assure a more fruitful life for all mankind? Will you join in that historic effort?	23
In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility—I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it—and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.	24
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.	25
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.	26
Finally, whether you are citizens of America or citizens of the world, ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you. With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God’s work must truly be our own.	27

Obama Debates JFK on Economy and Tax Cuts

Entrusted with the Free Exchange of Information

From President John F. Kennedy:

We are not afraid to entrust the American people with unpleasant facts, foreign ideas, alien philosophies, and competitive values.  For a nation that is afraid to let its people judge the truth and falsehood in an open market is a nation that is afraid of its people. 

     Taking President Kennedy’s words, one can clearly understand that, from Obama’s comments regarding our access to information, this government is afraid of its people.  It has been 10 months since Barack Obama held a press conference. By comparison, on March 6, 1963, after being inoffice nearly 26 months, President Kennedy held his 51st press conference…. an average of nearly 2 per month!

Kennedy to Be Buried at Arlington By his 2 Brothers

     The initial funeral arrangements for Sen. Ted Kennedy will have him lie in state at the JFK Presidential Library  in Boston, MA. It is still unsure if he will by lie in state in the Capitol Building in Washington DC.

     Then the Senator will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery. Having served in the US Army and then elected to the Senate, Kennedy qualifies for burial at Arlington.

      It is not known yet exactly where in Arlington he will be buried, although the grave of Robert Kennedy is not far from that of President John Kennedy. The body of the eldest Kennedy brother, Joseph Kennedy Jr., who was killed in WWII, was never recovered.

We Choose the Moon: Apollo 11 Mission 40 Years Later

   

  At the beginning of the 1960′s, President John F. Kennedy laid down the gauntlet for the space race, vowing to have a man on the moon within the decade. Now, four decades after the historic moon landing, NASA has enhanced some of the film footages, and a website enables us t do what couldn’t be done in the home in 1969– to monitor all aspects of the Apollo 11 mission:

http://wechoosethemoon.org/

If this is to be “Our Moment”

     Shortly after noon on this bright yet cold day, Barack Hussein Obama was sworn as the Nation’s 44th President. In an Inaugural address that showcased his oratory skills, there did not resonate that one true historical line or phrase like FDR or John Kennedy, but moreso an overall message of our role and responsibility within the country and the world.

    And so, even in the light of a Constitutional crisis, if this is to be our moment, if this new President is to be labelled as our first Black American President, no longer will we accept the cries of the media, the bloggers, those who blindly accept the President as the “end all” for our time, touting those of us who question, who challenge, who hold our leaders accountible, being called racist or militant. Now, the lines of color should be forever put away, and this man shall and will be held to the same standard of accountability as the 43 men who have preceded him. Albeit, if our media cannot do their job, a new a growing source will emerge to hold him to task.

      If we cannot challenge in the open forum our leaders, then we have failed as a democracy, our Republic on unsolid footing. If we are to blindly accept the words of our leaders as the ultimate and fnal say, are we not any better than the people of North Korea or China?

     The President has now challenged our personal responsibility, and as such, it is our responsibility to be a part of the voice of the people, the voice that is the true mark of the Republic that our forefathers set forth.

An Inauguration Carol!!

     After rising from the cesspool known as Chicago politics, there came a man who was a man with wonderful oratory skills, yet short on the substance by which the electorate measure those they choose to be thier leaders. In a brief short time, he used the machinery of the corrupt to dehumanize his political opponents by having their intimate stories released from sealed divorce files. Such actions elecated him through the State Senate and then into the U.S. Senate.

    And like the 2005 Chrysler that he only put 20,000 miles on in three years, the man known as the Obama spent only a few hours in his Senate seat, and again doing nothing of any substance, he tired easily, and decided that he must convince the masses that he is the One, the One for this moment, for it is “our moment”, for “Yes, we Can”. In pop culture style, Obama and a love sick media, complete with men who got “tingles” down their leg as he spoke, manipulated the electorate into believing that he was more than he truly is. Behind every turn, as more and more was found out about this Obama, the more the Obama and the media made the attempts to hide the truth, to protect their chosen One.

     The Obama, born of the young woman from Kansas and the Arab man from Kenya, was confronted by a portion of the masses for proof of the place where the volcanos mark the place of his birth. Alas, his sibling had alerted many to the fact that he, the Obama, had been born in BOTH the hospitals of the place they call Honolulu. Obama was born of a time when one could be born anywhere, and yet record the birth in Honolulu.

    So it was that the Obama’s citizenship was called into question, and so it began that the forces around the Obama began to spend the donated fortunes to protect his birth certificate under seal, to keep his Occidental, Columbia, and Harvard college records under the same lock and key. With the Pelosi of the House to certify he was eligible by the Constitution, Obama was on the ballot, and the masses followed to the polls, and elected the Obama to the Presidency.

     All the while, from sea to shining sea, lawsuits arose to challenge the Obama, and day after day, the Courts reasoned that no American citizen had the standing to challenge the Obama. But onward they pursued their task.

    Thus it was that on the eve of the Inauguration of the Obama, he crawled into his bed in the Blair House, overlooking that home that would be his the next day, the White House. Slowly he dozed off……….

     And alas, as he slept, The Obama was startled by the noises of what appeared to be an ugly ghost.

        “Who is that who dares appear before me?” said the Obama.

        “I am the ghost of Inaugurations Past” was the reply.                                  

       “See here those who proceeded before you, who swore to PRESERVE and DEFEND the Constitution of the United States. George Washington, John Adams, and Thomas Jefferson, true patriots and defenders of our Nation. Abraham Lincoln, the greatest to hold the Oval Office, who saw the means to make all men equal and to unite a divided nation, where brothers had fought brothers. Teddy Roosevelt, who saw the beauty in our natural lands, and for all generations, created and preserved our National Park system. Woodrow Wilson, who despite a stroke, governed through the first World War, Franklin Roosevelt who faced the challenges of the Great Depression and World War II. John F. Kennedy, who challenged us to go to the moon. Ronald Reagan, the Great Communicator. George W. Bush, who kept the country safe after the worst attack on US soil” “The integrity and honor that they brought to the White House precedes you, Obama, and it is those characteristics that must be preserved”.

        And in a moment, the Ghost of Inaugurations past was gone.

      Obama settled back into the rest of his sleep.

       Again, a noise startled the Obama, and the Ghost of Inauguration Present appeared.

       The ghost began ” Obama, you have proceeded forth from the heartland to the Capitol, all the while knowing that you have carried with you a secret. You began a whistle stop train ride to historically bring you to Washington, and in the process you called Americans selfish, and unlerlined your spread the wealth message. You were a part of a large Inaugural concert where the rock stars sang your rock star status. And on the steps of the Capitol, you took the Oath of Office, and swore to defend and preserve the Constitution. All the while, you knew that you had perpetuated a fraud on the American people, refusing to release your birth records.”

       Startled and shaken, the Obama tried to sleep again. Finally, the Ghost of Inaugurations Future appeared, and the Obama fell to his knees.

      “Why are Malia and Sasha, and all those others, working those fields? What is that strange voice and sound coming from that loud speaker? Where are the bankers and doctors, the store owners and teachers? The Obama questioned as he stared.

      “Since you ignored the Constitution, you were manipulated by the Soros people and the Chinese, and you literally sold the store to the the foreign countries. Today, Inaugurations are symbolic to pay homage to the Soros and the Chairman, to parade as they do in Tieneman Square. Your decision to ignore the laws of the land made the other parts of the Constitution worthless and thus their is now one religion, no one can speak or write with freedom, no longer are they guaranteed the right to speedy trial, and no one but the government can have guns. The powers that Eric Holder felt necessary, to garner personal information from bookstores and libraries, eliminated any freedom of expression. In essence, you killed the Republic”.

      “What can I do to stop this, how do I keep Malia and Sasha safe in this great Republic?” Obama wailed.

      “Now is the moment, this is Our Moment, Now is the time to be a rue American, to be a real man, and put a stop to this charade. Now is the moment that is needed to avert a Constitutional crisis that will be far more damaging than the turmoil and bloodshed of the Civil War”.

      With that, the Obama arose and he……………