John F. Kennedy was a President with bold ideas for the good of Americans, but tragically, his term of presidency ended early due to his assassination. Though he was elected President in 1961, Kennedy's Inaugural Address is very relevant to modern society through references to protecting citizens of the United States and other nations and making decisions about war.
John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural highlighted the importance of service to the country and America’s role in the world. He also told citizens that he would do everything in his power to project their liberties and freedom—“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 to assure the survival and the success of liberty." Nearly fifty years later, President Obama had very similar words to say at his inauguration—“And for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.” To me, this means protection on all levels, like a strong military and rebuilding and reinforcing the economy. President Obama says that he plans on “protecting America by securing 90 major ports and creating a better communications network for local law enforcement and public safety officials in the event of an emergency.” Both Presidents made it a priority to let Americans know that they would be protected. Today, Americans may want to feel protected more than anything, with every crisis that we are stuck in the middle of.
“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.” One of the goals Kennedy set out to accomplish was creating and maintaining good alliances with other countries. Kennedy went on, "So let us begin anew--remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof.” He continued, “Let us never negotiate out of fear. But let us never fear to negotiate." This an example of America attempting to build strong ties with other countries. Today, Barack Obama is setting up attempts to negotiate with Iran. Just a day into office, Barack Obama is making plans to talk to Iran, "'without preconditions' and will work towards the abolition of nuclear weapons" This negotiation seems like a strong attempt at keeping both nations safe. “The United States has been concerned over increasing Iranian influence around the Middle East.”
Another similarity between John F. Kennedy’s Inaugural Address and modern day would be the issue of war. When he gave his speech, he mentioned the then-current state of America being “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.” This is very relevant to modern day in many ways. One would be the obvious relationship, “the cost of modern weapons” The Iraq War costs $341.4 million per day. Obama has been talking about his plans to slowly withdraw troops over time. According to BBC News, “withdrawal would be complete by summer 2010.” Kennedy knew and Obama knows that struggle that war brings to America and both were prepared with plans of action.
History often repeats itself. So many of the ideologies brought up in the 1960’s are even more relevant today, as seen comparing Kennedy’s speech to modern America.Kennedy, John F.; Inaugural Address, 20 January 1961, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.
Obama, Barack; Inaugural Address, 20 January 2009, Link, Accessed 25 January 2009.
Obama, Barack; Unprecedented crisis requires unprecedented action, The Oval: Obama Administration News & Coverage, 24 January 2009, Link, Accessed 25 January 2009.
Kennedy, John F.; Inaugural Address, 20 January 1961, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.
Kennedy, John F.; Inaugural Address, 20 January 1961, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.
Borger, Julian; Barack Obama: Administration willing to talk to Iran 'without preconditions', 21 January 2009, guardian.co.uk, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.
Keath, Lee; Iran: Obama must seek ‘new’ Mideast foreign policy, Associated Press, 22 January 2009, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.
Kennedy, John F.; Inaugural Address, 20 January 1961, Link, Accessed 22 January 2009.
Cost of War, National Priorities Project, Link, Accessed 25 January 2009.
Barack Obama’s Priorities for 2009, BBC News, 5 January 2009, Link, Accessed 25 January 2009.
1 comment:
I like that your evidence semmlessly ties in with your writing. It all flows very well. YOu also have so much evidence so that is really good.
I was kind of unclear on where your thesis was because in the intro paragraph there is only one main point.
Ana, your writing as usual is almost perfect as always. There were just a few sentences that didn't really make sense to me such as this one:
Kennedy knew and Obama knows that struggle that war brings to America and both were prepared with plans of action.
Overall this was a great piece of writing.
keep up the good work ana
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