I’ve been thinking about John F. Kennedy. People often ask what they can do to make a difference in this crucial moment of danger and opportunity. I’d like to ask that you listen to this speech from President-elect Kennedy to a Joint Convention of the General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, The State House, on January 9, 1961. It is often referred to as the “City on a Hill” speech:
On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the highest for the qualities of Courage, Judgement, Integrity and Dedication: Tim Ryan = 10; Val Demings = 10; JD Vance = zero, Hershel Walker = minus 10, etc.
American citizens are we up to the task of saving our Democracy?! "For of those to whom much is given, much is required." Vote like your life depends on it!
Thank you for sharing this powerful ad inspiring speech from 1961, just as you shared the 1940 article about the Nazis around us not too long ago. Both times you have enlightened and energized me, but also frightened me. We have never fully lived up to our high and noble ideals, of course, either individually or collectively, but we still aspired to be such people.
Donald Trump, with notable assistance from Fox News, et al., has poisoned our country to everything, especially objective truth, and miliions upon millions, many of whom are otherwise “normal,” even decent people, have willingly and with gusto drunk every drop of the poisonous Kool-Aid.
God help us, and I mean that literally. I was 8 years old in 1961, and I never thought we would be where we are today.
America needs JFK and his messaging team now - more so than it did it did even back then.
He understood the need for sacrifice and the importance of asking Americans to do for their country what they would do for their own families because in the end it amounts to the same thing.
This country has always been founded upon sacrifice, and in return, safety, freedom, and liberty. With relevance to today and contrary to the belief of some, it also provided for flexibility and change, which is why I’ll take this comment a bit sideways before getting back to Kennedy.
When our founders decided to declare independence for the colonies that had been ruled individually by fiat by kings and governors from Great Britain, they had to deal with the fear and apprehension of those original 13 colonies joining together rather than 13 independent countries that stretched from sea to (unknown) sea, much like Canada. Also because many of them individually had greater population and economic power, others great agricultural promise and a number of them strong militias trained by the British military each was perceived as a threat to other states in a democracy. We also need to remember that about half the population of the colonies were loyal to the Crown and opposed to independence, and others different concepts of what was meant by religious freedom. We were more divided then than we would ever be again once we became a country.
At the same time they had to deal with the great concern that by leaving the military protection of Great Britain, that they would be rolled over by another monarchy with great military power – even potentially France, who helped us to defeat the British. Bringing these disparate colonies together in a common defense against external threats was also not as logical or simple as it would seem today. No single colony was powerful enough to defend itself against even a minor navy.
The solution was the original great American compromise. A Liberal Democratic Republic predicated on a popular government that required the consent of both people and states who would also be guided by popular sentiment of some sort.
They were written for their day, and everybody sacrificed something, but in the end, the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution created a durable democracy. That was the genius of the Federalists, joining a popular, some would say democratic, constitutional convention to create a working government (the problems with some of this are a discussion for another day, like the disparity between senators and population). Importantly, the founders realized that they could not anticipate every eventual need and left many items to the discretion of the people, not just the states rights arguments. We hear so much about “Original Intent of the framers” from today’s Federalist Society, but those same original Federalist framers also anticipated the need to provide for the power of Congress to change things - like the make-up of the Supreme Court - the Impeachment process - and the amendment process that would allow for other fixes. These powers were left to the people either directly or indirectly through the states and the House of Representatives. The powers of the Executive were also left somewhat ambiguous, so that he would have the ability to respond to foreign governments and domestic threats in a rapid manner that would not allow for the complexity and timing of the legislative process. And the judicial branch, which I don’t think the framers could have anticipated being abused to the point of not feeling vacancies would be ready to settle disputes in a timely manner. Despite the delays in communications in the 18th century, I still don’t think they would have anticipated the kind of delays we see with important matters moving through District, Appellate and Supreme Courts.
Lincoln was the first to face a real potential split in our government, and took hard action, including war, to keep the Union together and to fight for fairness, freedom, and democracy within the states.
Teddy Roosevelt expanded federal powers to to control and protect the largely unknown and unappreciated lands gained by the westward expansion and was the first to use power to prevent the exploitation of the people by business trusts and monopolies.
FDR next followed with his Four Freedoms speech and continued Teddy’s protection from unrestrained and unregulated capitalism - thereby protecting capitalism – a founding principle of this country - but not directly promoting Socialism- using national employment and Social Security which he recognized as having important short term but ultimately limited utility to protect those who could not take care of themselves in their old age.
After the war,Eisenhower then warned about continuing the tempting military economy too far in his farewell speech.
JFK followed up with the “City on a Hill” speech and first inaugural address, which set the tone for American sacrifice and ambition along with his Moonshot Speech.
LBJ carried this tradition forward with the Great Society, and the American promise of extending freedom and basic rights to ALL Americans.
Through all that time America recognized and supported the cause of immigration, understanding that this has historically been the most important factor leading to American innovation and prosperity.
But following Nixon, after Jimmy Carter asked the country to put on a sweater, the concept of American sacrifice, and our common interests in a Liberal Democratic Republic that embraced immigration and diversity (even if we didn’t call it that) prompted us to roll up the carpet welcoming new Americans. By the time that George W. Bush told us all to go shopping in response to 9/11, it was over. The concept of sacrifice was left to poor folks who needed a job in poorer states and what was left of our immigrant society.
This is why Biden and his surrogates have to make the pitch in the final stretch for sacrifice that draws in the 20% of Republicans still remaining, together with the unaffiliated moderates, and even the progressive left to join the plurality of Democrats still supporting the Liberal Democratic Republic, who care about the future for their grandchildren and are willing to take steps now that will benefit the next generation more than those of us who feel so entitled today.
Biden needs to make the case that survival of our Liberal Democratic Republic is dependent upon understanding the importance of the vote for your own members of Congress, and creating the kind of political space necessary that the people we elect there need to work in concert with a majority of the country – yes, even with a President who gets drawn back to the middle by the promise of compromise.
THIS is the great sacrifice that our founders expected when they compromised between a Republic and a Democracy, creating that city on the hill that everyone looked up to. It is up to the majority of Americans to shake the scales from our eyes, much like they fell from the Apostle Paul representing the change that takes place when shedding prejudiced or inaccessible traditions in order to support justice and inclusivity for marginalized communities.
When 30% of any group of Americans can’t agree on anything we have all turned ourselves into marginalized communities. We need a president who can find the vision that Kennedy possessed and communicated to bring a divided country together around a set of aspirational values. That time is now.
Isn’t it chilling that such noble ideals are now regarded by every MAGA adherent as quaint, pie in the sky drivel. A great test of virtue is before those voters who appear blind to the stakes, to separate truth from power.
They -will- get the warning telegram, but it’s yet to be seen if they bother to read it before the midterm or if they’ll have to see the aftermath to believe.
We are a different nation from the one in the 60’s and before. We have been seduced by the accumulation of wealth and subsequent lower. We have a mighty professional military the times and technology demand this. It is. It one of farmers taking their musket loader add the mantle above the fireplace and marching off to risk everything in defense of deep and worthwhile principles.
We now have spectaculars: Super bowl, March madness, MMA cage fighting for men and women. More billionaire than we can count but also more people left behind. Win at all costs, “so much winning”.... no faith in democratic principles, fear of a majority that does not look like what many who have come under the spell of racial and ethnic fear. We don’t see opportunities, we only focus on our little piece of the American pie.
We will see if we are up to the task or do we need to have everything our way with no ability to sacrifice for a greater good.
What Putin sees is not the America and Europe of the 40’s but of a world consumed by rampant consumerism, wealth accumulation for personal and excessive power and a world where professional athletes are rewarded in greater ways than great thinkers, teachers and honorable people. 
Bobert said it” we want power” and what will they do with it!?
I think JFK put it quite succinctly. Looking back over the years I've lived, on the democratic side all our presidents excluding Johnson have had those qualities. I exclude Johnson because he started the Vietnam, knowing it was unwinnable so that he wouldn't look weak before congress, therefore he lacked courage and judgement, costing us over 58,000 lives. I know many of you don't feel that way about Johnson, and for some good reasons, but for me being in my early 20s at the time and now reading the name of my best friend's name on the Vietnam memorial, Johnson does in no way measure up. On the Republican side, I think Regan and the Bushes had those qualities, but no others. Today, our current president certainly has those qualities. Trump of course has none of them. Some members of the Supreme Court also lack them. Way too many of our current House and Senate lack them. On The republican side, it seems that only 4 or 5 have what the job requires. No republican candidate for office seem to have any qualities that JFK thinks are required. I'm an optimist, so I am hoping that the voters help us correct our course.
Steve, I have never heard that speech before. What an inspiration. It is hard to believe how far our leaders have diverged from the principles J.F.K. aspires to in this speech. Thank you much for sharing it!
I remember John F. Kennedy running for president. I was in high school. I asked my dad who he would vote for and it wasn't Kennedy. I felt a little guilty, because had I been old enough , Kennedy surely would have had my vote.
My dad was born in 1885 and his parents moved the family to Eastlake, Alabama in 1886. Eastlake was a promising new town on the outskirts of Birmingham.
Daddy grew up during a time when the Klan ruled everything, not only in the South. One time, in my teens, I asked Daddy if he had belonged to the Klan. He answered this way: "I went to one meeting. When I looked around and saw who else was there, I left." In other words, Daddy knew not to keep bad company.
Daddy told me one time that his brother, George, had disappeared and no one knew what had happened to him. The wife, Eunice, declared that they had been at the dinner table, when someone knocked on their door. George went outside, she said, and there were some men in the front yard. She said George never came back inside. I wanted to know the end of the story, but Daddy could only say that George must have had trouble with the Klan.
I spent many years thinking the evil of the Klan might have disrupted our family. Eventually I learned that Uncle George's wife was an Irish Catholic girl named Eunice O'Hara. They had two sons and a daughter. I also discovered that when Uncle George disappeared, he went to the St. Louis area. He died in 1932 and is buried in the military cemetery there. But Eunice told the children their father was dead. We will never know if George abandoned his family because he was running from the Klan. We do know that his children were unaware that he was alive in St. Louis.
The Klan controlled politics, putting local sheriffs and judges in place. They had no use for foreigners, or Catholics. Perhaps people don't readily recall that John F. Kennedy was Catholic. It was a big deal in 1960 to think that a Catholic might become President of the United States. I think Daddy had some issues with the Catholics. He used do this schtick where he acted like a priest, moving his hand in a cross, intoning, "My dominicka rooster can lick your dominicka rooster." Then he would laugh; I thought he must have been remembering something from long ago.
I believed for a long time that the Klan was an outmoded, almost extinct organization. Now I am not so sure. Their methods seem to apply, most especially regarding suppressing the vote and controlling women.
I hear them. Thank you for such a timely post. He was president for 2 months of my life, then taken from us all too quickly. For all his faults, still a shining light for democracy and fair play. I am ready for the final release of the Warren Commission as well. In our local elections, our best and most qualified candidates will have it rough, but we have some who meet these qualifications. There is a woman running in one of our TN congressional races I am supporting who has this spirit and JFK qualifications. Her name is Heidi Campbell for TN 05 District. Hoping against all $$$ that Doc Martin can pull out a surprise win against incumbent BIll Lee for Governor. We have so much work to do in TN. Thank you for another inspiring post!
Normally wouldn’t have mentioned but I was so touched by Steve’s writing about JFK decided to also honor my tender memories of Caroline as my student she was kind,compassionate and holds very special memories in my heart…sweet night
You are an extraordinarily kind person and are appreciated by me Lisa Beardsley! 💜
My first thought was f’n Regan co-opted his speech and second thought was how long until Magots ban all history if they win?
I’ve written 120 letters to voters in AZ. PA. OH. FL. w/ vote forward begging them to vote for democracy.
I’ve donated and donated.
I’ve knocked on doors for my congressman.
If there is more to do -sign me up.
On a scale of 1-10, 10 being the highest for the qualities of Courage, Judgement, Integrity and Dedication: Tim Ryan = 10; Val Demings = 10; JD Vance = zero, Hershel Walker = minus 10, etc.
American citizens are we up to the task of saving our Democracy?! "For of those to whom much is given, much is required." Vote like your life depends on it!
Thank you for sharing this powerful ad inspiring speech from 1961, just as you shared the 1940 article about the Nazis around us not too long ago. Both times you have enlightened and energized me, but also frightened me. We have never fully lived up to our high and noble ideals, of course, either individually or collectively, but we still aspired to be such people.
Donald Trump, with notable assistance from Fox News, et al., has poisoned our country to everything, especially objective truth, and miliions upon millions, many of whom are otherwise “normal,” even decent people, have willingly and with gusto drunk every drop of the poisonous Kool-Aid.
God help us, and I mean that literally. I was 8 years old in 1961, and I never thought we would be where we are today.
We as a people are about to make monumental decisions. I just pray we are up to the task.
America needs JFK and his messaging team now - more so than it did it did even back then.
He understood the need for sacrifice and the importance of asking Americans to do for their country what they would do for their own families because in the end it amounts to the same thing.
This country has always been founded upon sacrifice, and in return, safety, freedom, and liberty. With relevance to today and contrary to the belief of some, it also provided for flexibility and change, which is why I’ll take this comment a bit sideways before getting back to Kennedy.
When our founders decided to declare independence for the colonies that had been ruled individually by fiat by kings and governors from Great Britain, they had to deal with the fear and apprehension of those original 13 colonies joining together rather than 13 independent countries that stretched from sea to (unknown) sea, much like Canada. Also because many of them individually had greater population and economic power, others great agricultural promise and a number of them strong militias trained by the British military each was perceived as a threat to other states in a democracy. We also need to remember that about half the population of the colonies were loyal to the Crown and opposed to independence, and others different concepts of what was meant by religious freedom. We were more divided then than we would ever be again once we became a country.
At the same time they had to deal with the great concern that by leaving the military protection of Great Britain, that they would be rolled over by another monarchy with great military power – even potentially France, who helped us to defeat the British. Bringing these disparate colonies together in a common defense against external threats was also not as logical or simple as it would seem today. No single colony was powerful enough to defend itself against even a minor navy.
The solution was the original great American compromise. A Liberal Democratic Republic predicated on a popular government that required the consent of both people and states who would also be guided by popular sentiment of some sort.
They were written for their day, and everybody sacrificed something, but in the end, the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution created a durable democracy. That was the genius of the Federalists, joining a popular, some would say democratic, constitutional convention to create a working government (the problems with some of this are a discussion for another day, like the disparity between senators and population). Importantly, the founders realized that they could not anticipate every eventual need and left many items to the discretion of the people, not just the states rights arguments. We hear so much about “Original Intent of the framers” from today’s Federalist Society, but those same original Federalist framers also anticipated the need to provide for the power of Congress to change things - like the make-up of the Supreme Court - the Impeachment process - and the amendment process that would allow for other fixes. These powers were left to the people either directly or indirectly through the states and the House of Representatives. The powers of the Executive were also left somewhat ambiguous, so that he would have the ability to respond to foreign governments and domestic threats in a rapid manner that would not allow for the complexity and timing of the legislative process. And the judicial branch, which I don’t think the framers could have anticipated being abused to the point of not feeling vacancies would be ready to settle disputes in a timely manner. Despite the delays in communications in the 18th century, I still don’t think they would have anticipated the kind of delays we see with important matters moving through District, Appellate and Supreme Courts.
Lincoln was the first to face a real potential split in our government, and took hard action, including war, to keep the Union together and to fight for fairness, freedom, and democracy within the states.
Teddy Roosevelt expanded federal powers to to control and protect the largely unknown and unappreciated lands gained by the westward expansion and was the first to use power to prevent the exploitation of the people by business trusts and monopolies.
FDR next followed with his Four Freedoms speech and continued Teddy’s protection from unrestrained and unregulated capitalism - thereby protecting capitalism – a founding principle of this country - but not directly promoting Socialism- using national employment and Social Security which he recognized as having important short term but ultimately limited utility to protect those who could not take care of themselves in their old age.
After the war,Eisenhower then warned about continuing the tempting military economy too far in his farewell speech.
JFK followed up with the “City on a Hill” speech and first inaugural address, which set the tone for American sacrifice and ambition along with his Moonshot Speech.
LBJ carried this tradition forward with the Great Society, and the American promise of extending freedom and basic rights to ALL Americans.
Through all that time America recognized and supported the cause of immigration, understanding that this has historically been the most important factor leading to American innovation and prosperity.
But following Nixon, after Jimmy Carter asked the country to put on a sweater, the concept of American sacrifice, and our common interests in a Liberal Democratic Republic that embraced immigration and diversity (even if we didn’t call it that) prompted us to roll up the carpet welcoming new Americans. By the time that George W. Bush told us all to go shopping in response to 9/11, it was over. The concept of sacrifice was left to poor folks who needed a job in poorer states and what was left of our immigrant society.
This is why Biden and his surrogates have to make the pitch in the final stretch for sacrifice that draws in the 20% of Republicans still remaining, together with the unaffiliated moderates, and even the progressive left to join the plurality of Democrats still supporting the Liberal Democratic Republic, who care about the future for their grandchildren and are willing to take steps now that will benefit the next generation more than those of us who feel so entitled today.
Biden needs to make the case that survival of our Liberal Democratic Republic is dependent upon understanding the importance of the vote for your own members of Congress, and creating the kind of political space necessary that the people we elect there need to work in concert with a majority of the country – yes, even with a President who gets drawn back to the middle by the promise of compromise.
THIS is the great sacrifice that our founders expected when they compromised between a Republic and a Democracy, creating that city on the hill that everyone looked up to. It is up to the majority of Americans to shake the scales from our eyes, much like they fell from the Apostle Paul representing the change that takes place when shedding prejudiced or inaccessible traditions in order to support justice and inclusivity for marginalized communities.
When 30% of any group of Americans can’t agree on anything we have all turned ourselves into marginalized communities. We need a president who can find the vision that Kennedy possessed and communicated to bring a divided country together around a set of aspirational values. That time is now.
Isn’t it chilling that such noble ideals are now regarded by every MAGA adherent as quaint, pie in the sky drivel. A great test of virtue is before those voters who appear blind to the stakes, to separate truth from power.
They -will- get the warning telegram, but it’s yet to be seen if they bother to read it before the midterm or if they’ll have to see the aftermath to believe.
We are a different nation from the one in the 60’s and before. We have been seduced by the accumulation of wealth and subsequent lower. We have a mighty professional military the times and technology demand this. It is. It one of farmers taking their musket loader add the mantle above the fireplace and marching off to risk everything in defense of deep and worthwhile principles.
We now have spectaculars: Super bowl, March madness, MMA cage fighting for men and women. More billionaire than we can count but also more people left behind. Win at all costs, “so much winning”.... no faith in democratic principles, fear of a majority that does not look like what many who have come under the spell of racial and ethnic fear. We don’t see opportunities, we only focus on our little piece of the American pie.
We will see if we are up to the task or do we need to have everything our way with no ability to sacrifice for a greater good.
What Putin sees is not the America and Europe of the 40’s but of a world consumed by rampant consumerism, wealth accumulation for personal and excessive power and a world where professional athletes are rewarded in greater ways than great thinkers, teachers and honorable people. 
Bobert said it” we want power” and what will they do with it!?
I think JFK put it quite succinctly. Looking back over the years I've lived, on the democratic side all our presidents excluding Johnson have had those qualities. I exclude Johnson because he started the Vietnam, knowing it was unwinnable so that he wouldn't look weak before congress, therefore he lacked courage and judgement, costing us over 58,000 lives. I know many of you don't feel that way about Johnson, and for some good reasons, but for me being in my early 20s at the time and now reading the name of my best friend's name on the Vietnam memorial, Johnson does in no way measure up. On the Republican side, I think Regan and the Bushes had those qualities, but no others. Today, our current president certainly has those qualities. Trump of course has none of them. Some members of the Supreme Court also lack them. Way too many of our current House and Senate lack them. On The republican side, it seems that only 4 or 5 have what the job requires. No republican candidate for office seem to have any qualities that JFK thinks are required. I'm an optimist, so I am hoping that the voters help us correct our course.
Steve, I have never heard that speech before. What an inspiration. It is hard to believe how far our leaders have diverged from the principles J.F.K. aspires to in this speech. Thank you much for sharing it!
I remember John F. Kennedy running for president. I was in high school. I asked my dad who he would vote for and it wasn't Kennedy. I felt a little guilty, because had I been old enough , Kennedy surely would have had my vote.
My dad was born in 1885 and his parents moved the family to Eastlake, Alabama in 1886. Eastlake was a promising new town on the outskirts of Birmingham.
Daddy grew up during a time when the Klan ruled everything, not only in the South. One time, in my teens, I asked Daddy if he had belonged to the Klan. He answered this way: "I went to one meeting. When I looked around and saw who else was there, I left." In other words, Daddy knew not to keep bad company.
Daddy told me one time that his brother, George, had disappeared and no one knew what had happened to him. The wife, Eunice, declared that they had been at the dinner table, when someone knocked on their door. George went outside, she said, and there were some men in the front yard. She said George never came back inside. I wanted to know the end of the story, but Daddy could only say that George must have had trouble with the Klan.
I spent many years thinking the evil of the Klan might have disrupted our family. Eventually I learned that Uncle George's wife was an Irish Catholic girl named Eunice O'Hara. They had two sons and a daughter. I also discovered that when Uncle George disappeared, he went to the St. Louis area. He died in 1932 and is buried in the military cemetery there. But Eunice told the children their father was dead. We will never know if George abandoned his family because he was running from the Klan. We do know that his children were unaware that he was alive in St. Louis.
The Klan controlled politics, putting local sheriffs and judges in place. They had no use for foreigners, or Catholics. Perhaps people don't readily recall that John F. Kennedy was Catholic. It was a big deal in 1960 to think that a Catholic might become President of the United States. I think Daddy had some issues with the Catholics. He used do this schtick where he acted like a priest, moving his hand in a cross, intoning, "My dominicka rooster can lick your dominicka rooster." Then he would laugh; I thought he must have been remembering something from long ago.
I believed for a long time that the Klan was an outmoded, almost extinct organization. Now I am not so sure. Their methods seem to apply, most especially regarding suppressing the vote and controlling women.
As Daddy used to say, "Enough said."
I hear them. Thank you for such a timely post. He was president for 2 months of my life, then taken from us all too quickly. For all his faults, still a shining light for democracy and fair play. I am ready for the final release of the Warren Commission as well. In our local elections, our best and most qualified candidates will have it rough, but we have some who meet these qualifications. There is a woman running in one of our TN congressional races I am supporting who has this spirit and JFK qualifications. Her name is Heidi Campbell for TN 05 District. Hoping against all $$$ that Doc Martin can pull out a surprise win against incumbent BIll Lee for Governor. We have so much work to do in TN. Thank you for another inspiring post!
So powerful and so true.
Clear succinct I would hope someone somewhere on a campaign is drawing on this for their message.
Courage…Integrity…Judgement
Dedication…..As I read Steve’s writing
and then read the comments… you each
Give me HOPE..gratitude & blessings💜
Bravo. 👏
Normally wouldn’t have mentioned but I was so touched by Steve’s writing about JFK decided to also honor my tender memories of Caroline as my student she was kind,compassionate and holds very special memories in my heart…sweet night
You are an extraordinarily kind person and are appreciated by me Lisa Beardsley! 💜