Over the course of the past week, we’ve heard many tributes, remembrances, and questions about the life and death of JFK. Friday was the 50th anniversary of those shots reportedly heard ‘round the world, the assassination of Pres. John F. Kennedy.
I never heard those shots. As a person whose most significant ‘I-remember-when’ moments are 9/11 and the explosion of the Space Shuttle Challenger, my thoughts on JFK stem most from the impressions shared by others. I was not alive on that fateful November day in ’63.
Hence, with all due respect to the many who have far more knowledge than me, I thought it would be interesting to share/wrestle with my perspective. Let me be more specific… I thought it would be interesting to share my perspective, which I know is limited and incomplete. (Wouldn’t we be more respectful and respected if we each knew and acknowledged an incomplete perspective??) My observations are as follows:
JFK seemed iconic… There seemed more fascination with him than with other presidents. Maybe the iconic status manifested itself due to being so young… maybe so handsome. Maybe it was that he had such young, playful children in the White House. Maybe being the first Catholic president was a factor. Maybe, too, his iconic status was more cast and preserved via his shocking, untimely death.
The nation didn’t know him… Granted, in the days before TV and celebrity were synonymous — far before Facebook — much less was known about our leaders. Kennedy was the first president regularly seen on TV, but there were some things people didn’t see. The rumors of Marilyn Monroe, others, the unfaithfulness… I don’t know what really happened there. I don’t know how faithful or ethical the man really was. I don’t think those that were alive then truly knew either.
His liberal affiliation didn’t mean what it means now… Many seem to enjoy the debate as to whether Kennedy would be a liberal or conservative if alive today — not this semi-humble blogger. I am far more interested in thought-provoking dialogue. No doubt JFK supported several stereotypical, liberal positions, such as Keynesian Econ (an Intramuralist “egad”) and the expansion of Social Security. But Kennedy also advocated for more conservative ideas, such as limited government, a reduction in taxes for the wealthiest Americans, and more autonomy given to cities and states. While it seems incomprehensible to suggest JFK would definitely be a strong Democrat or definitely lean Republican, the reality is that Kennedy was a moderate. What he stood for 50 years ago is not wholly in sync with the current platform of the Democratic National Committee.
And my final, perhaps most poignant observation about Pres. John Fitzgerald Kennedy… We’ve forgotten what he taught us. Kennedy shared some incredible wisdom which has been generously repeated over the past 5 decades… “ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.” How refreshing in a debt-ridden country that appears plagued with a growing entitlement epidemic!
But Kennedy taught the generations one more thing, more in his death than his life — one thing I believe we’ve forgotten far too quickly. We’ve forgotten that we’re vulnerable… that we’re not in control of all things.
People die — sometimes in their prime. Too many are taken so early, and no matter their power or influence or money or other earthly matters, we are a vulnerable people. We are not God. We are not in control. If we truly realized our own vulnerability — and yes, limitations — my sense is we’d be wiser… nicer… more respectful, compassionate, and empathetic. We’d be kinder, humbler, and better. We certainly would not be so arrogant.
Like I said, there are people who have far more knowledge than me.
… working on that humility… always before knowledge…
Respectfully,
AR
From LTS: I was only three, but have memories of my family being glued to the our teeny tiny black and white tv and my Great grandmother and Grandparents who raised me crying. I have always thought how sad it is, that one of my earliest childhood memories was one of sadness and sorrow, but our entire nation was mourning the loss of our President, our Leader, our Hope. JFK’s “Call to Action” is something that every other President’s reign has lacked. I would love to be able to wake up once more and find someone in the White House that inspired such action from all the nation’s people. Every president has his challenges, and messes to clean up, and with each new president, the mess seems insurmountable. I hope that one day, before I leave this world, that we once more find a leader for this amazing country of ours that will inspire unitiy, selflessness, accountability and action from all our nation’s people. I’m still holding onto hope that day will come!