JFK on Race and Equality in America

[texpatriot2004]

http://www.jfklibrary.org/j061163.htm

Radio and Television Report to the American People on Civil Rights
President John F. Kennedy
The White House
June 11, 1963

<snip>

We are confronted primarily with a moral issue. It is as old as the scriptures and is as clear as the American Constitution.

The heart of the question is whether all Americans are to be afforded equal rights and equal opportunities, whether we are going to treat our fellow Americans as we want to be treated. If an American, because his skin is dark, cannot eat lunch in a restaurant open to the public, if he cannot send his children to the best public school available, if he cannot vote for the public officials who will represent him, if, in short, he cannot enjoy the full and free life which all of us want, then who among us would be content to have the color of his skin changed and stand in his place? Who among us would then be content with the counsels of patience and delay?

<snip>

[McKenzie]

1. Worth listening to...I have it in .mp3 format

what strikes me about JFK's speech is the passion and idealism. The man was speaking from the heart.

That's an obvious statement but consider this...how many politicians these days speak up with equal fire and passion? Or how many times do those who still do so today get air time?

Real idealism is now largely absent from the political arena. What we need deperately is more of the passion exhibited by JFK. Life is about passion because passion is part of our make up as human beings. Instead of that passion being reflected in what our politicians say we tend to get blandishments aimed at not rocking the boat.

The business of politics has moved away from furthering idealism towards simple management of the status quo. I'd hazard to say that's what is wrong...we think our current system is now the optimum one and the job of politicians is seen as a management function, rather than one of precipitating change. Particularly so when that change might challenge those who have most to lose.

[texpatriot2004]

3. I agree. JFK spoke with passion from the heart; he had vision too

and right these guys today don't get the airtime. His passion came from his convictions and his conscience IMHO.

I say, down with status quo and up with idealism.

What strikes me about JFK is that what he spoke of all those years ago is still or again very relevant to now...and I am not sure that's a good thing as we ought to have been following his wisdom since then.

BTW is that your tartan?

[McKenzie]

4. nope - Innes is my clan

although my family name isn't Innes - my family is a sept of the clan.

cheers tp2004

[fortyfeetunder]

2. Still true, 42 years later.

This is the voice that was so uncomfortable to the Dixiecrats and GOP bigots.

But let us not lament on his passing, but continue to carry the torch for the cause he so bravely espoused, when few would.

[texpatriot2004]

5. True, and yes, the torch has been passed to a new generation.nt

[texpatriot2004]

6. Kick if for JFK nm