Today is the 60th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. This dark day should always be remembered in America for what was stolen from us. He was a great man, and the youngest ever elected president. He was wise, judicious and elegant. He saved the world from nuclear catastrophe because he understood that the most important quality of political leadership is restraint.
Thank you, Steve, for lifting up the memory of JFK. He was my Commander-in-Chief. When JFK was assassinated, I was a young Airman (all of 19!) stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany. I learned about Kennedy's assassination while at a German pub, accompanied by a fellow Airman. While sitting in that pub, a couple of German youth our age came over to us, tears streaming down their faces. Somewhat confused at first, I had learned enough German to know when one of the lads mentioned Kennedy and then said, "Er ist tote". He is dead. Even today, as I remember this moment I am moved to tears.
My buddy and I hastened back to base, which was on full alert and lockdown. For the Germans, JFK was a bright and shining beacon. For a young nineteen-year-old Airman, he was a symbol, an icon, of all that was great about my country. He was idolized by the thousands.
Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours. There are those who believe the memory of John F. Kennedy should be relegated to the dustbin of history. I pray to God Almighty that never happens!
Mr Schmidt, I am so grateful for your insightful commentary each day, and really appreciate your ability to bring in examples of inspirational leadership, past and present, to inspire us today to our own action. I admit that the last 8 years have been exhausting and sometimes -as recently- the powers of darkness seem overwhelming, despite so many of us working hard to counter them (think Ohio, Wisconsin, Louisiana, North Carolina, Texas -the list feels endless!). Reading your column and thinking of JFK and his charismatic and positive outlook on life is a much needed reset. In our family we always note this terrible day, the first time I ever saw my big, strong father cry. But so much of JFK was lyrical, and we focus too much on the tragedy, and perhaps his various stumbles, instead of on his amazing and visionary philosophy for our democracy and this republic. Thank you. I give thanks for you on this Thanksgiving, for helping me stay sane as we battle to keep our country a democracy. All good wishes to you and your family on this most American holiday.
Thank you Steve for this article and for including the previous ones as well, This tragedy is relevant today with what all is going on - the divisiveness in the country, the idiocy of the Maggots, It is necessary to stop and look back 60 years, to the events of 23 November 1963. Those of us who were alive then remember where we were when we got the news, and although we knew the country would continue with LBJ, we knew something vital was lost forever, So far the country has survived, now the question is will we survive the disasters brought about by the former occupant of the White House,? I believe we will, we've always stood up to bullies and assholes... and we will do it again this time! The experiment that has succeeded for 238 years is not about to fail now! Let's all get our sh*t together and fight back, organize support the good candidates that look forward to the future and to a USA that is truly a UNITED States of America. Celebrate and work with our diversity and inclusion of all our citizens. And, damn it, VOTE BLUE in all of the upcoming elections including Presidential in November 2024!!
Again, Steve... thank you for the much needed look back at today 60 years ago,
Thank you, Steve, for your messages today, recalling not only this terrible day in 1963, but also the words of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy. I was 21 years of age when President Kennedy was assassinated. My class was interrupted by the announcement that the president had been shot, and classes were immediately suspended. I remember walking down the street, in a sort of disbelieving daze….people were crying as they walked. It is a day that will be marked in my memory for as long as I am living. And then, to listen to the words of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy….. I just need to tell you, again, thank you.
I wish, as we live through our current times, that ALL of media would repeat those words, and especially those of Bobby Kennedy. Words spoken extemporaneously, reminding us of our common humanity.
Thank you Steve. Your tributes this week to Ros Carter and now John Kennedy are deep and moving-- you at your non-partisan best. Please keep them coming. We all need constant reminder of what those who choose public life should and can be.
John F. Kennedy was elegance and brilliance, wrapped into one. The Kennedy family has sacrificed endlessly for this country. We must never forget that when we are called upon.
VOTE with that in mind, and stand up to those you are attempting to deface democracy and our Constitution - what the Kennedys have given their precious lives for over these many years.
Steve, thank you for re-posting the video of JFK's January 9th, 1961 "City on the Hill" speech. I'd all but forgotten it. I was 9 y/o when he was elected and he was probably my first "real life" hero, replacing Superman in short order. I read everything I could about him that a kid my age could grasp. Over the years, I bought into much of the cynicism that stalked the later 1960s and 1970s, including my recollection of JFK's mastery of words and thoughts. In December, 1974, Garry Trudeau published a Doonesbury cartoon that brought me up short. It's message haunted me and took me back to my 9 y/o self.
Ii was a volunteer for RFK's Presidential campaign in 1967 and 1968. I was drawn to him as I was to his brother Jack because of their shared visions and expressions of same of empathy, caring and true concern for others. Their words were uplifting and quite inspirational. RFK's impromptu speech in Indianapolis following MLK's assassination was a breathtaking a speech as I have ever heard anyone give.
I compare those two to the reactionary, arrogant, narcissistic, pompous and lewdly greedy politicians of today, and most especially Trump and my gagging reflex is activated. Trump just prattles on about how wind turbines are killing birds and whales and how he will "be your retribution" should he return to office.
This is who Americans want to lead their nation?? What the living hell has happened to our common decency and common sense??
Americana is a many sided thing. The one thing most important to remember about Americana is that it avoids its responsibility to its own people. It guarantees no housing, no free education in equal quality to all citizens, no healthcare as a right, and no jobs for all people who want a job.
Instead, it allows unbridled wealth to exist amidst ignorance and poverty; it does not tax the rich as it ought (91%) or deprive the rich of its loophoes. It does not bravely denounce racism constantly through its LEGISLATION .
Instead, it OFTEN allows billionaires via their prioxies -( oligarchs) to rule the congress and defy human rights..-
Individuals may inspire us as being fantastic Americans, but the nation and what it stands for has never been brave enought to face its responsibilities to ALL its people.
These policies included the separation of church and state, self-policing, the remission of rent, the abolition of child labor, and the right of employees to take over an enterprise deserted by its owner. All Roman Catholic churches and schools were closed. Feminist, socialist, communist, old style social democracy (which was a mix of reformism and revolutionism) and anarchist currents played important roles in the Commune.
However, the various Communards had little more than two months to achieve their respective goals before the national French Army suppressed the Commune at the end of May during La semaine sanglante ("The Bloody Week") beginning on 21 May 1871. The national forces killed in battle or quickly executed are estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 Communards, though one unconfirmed ...
There have been several times in history when all the things a great country must have, to be great , have actually existed. For example, in the months of March,April and May in Paris, 1871, it happened.
From Wikipedia, here it is: ( there are many others, but all were virtually slaughtered by capitalism)..
Please look up this one and I will post others if you like. Others are around for almost a century by now..
THE PARIS COMMUNE
The Commune governed Paris for two months, establishing policies that tended toward a progressive, anti-religious system of their own self-styled socialism, which was an eclectic mix of many 19th-century schools. These policies included the separation of church and state, self-policing, the remission of rent, the abolition of child labor, and the right of employees to take over an enterprise deserted by its owner. All Roman Catholic churches and schools were closed. Feminist, socialist, communist, old style social democracy (which was a mix of reformism and revolutionism) and anarchist currents played important roles in the Commune.
However, the various Communards had little more than two months to achieve their respective goals before the national French Army suppressed the Commune at the end of May during La semaine sanglante ("The Bloody Week") beginning on 21 May 1871. The national forces killed in battle or quickly executed are estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 Communards, though one unconfirmed ...
ETC...
I speak English only, and have lived bere in USA for 81 years.
Americana refers to all things uniquely American, such as its
Your thoughts and words regarding JFK were poignant and enlightening. However, today my mind wonders what JFK would think of his nephew's campaign and his direction? JFK was a firm believer in science and the wonders of medicine and how they could improve life. He was instrumental in the advancements of our space program and also spreading democracy around the world. I believe he would be disappointed in his brother's son and his anti-vax and isolationist views for our great nation.
Thank you, Steve, for lifting up the memory of JFK. He was my Commander-in-Chief. When JFK was assassinated, I was a young Airman (all of 19!) stationed in Bremerhaven, Germany. I learned about Kennedy's assassination while at a German pub, accompanied by a fellow Airman. While sitting in that pub, a couple of German youth our age came over to us, tears streaming down their faces. Somewhat confused at first, I had learned enough German to know when one of the lads mentioned Kennedy and then said, "Er ist tote". He is dead. Even today, as I remember this moment I am moved to tears.
My buddy and I hastened back to base, which was on full alert and lockdown. For the Germans, JFK was a bright and shining beacon. For a young nineteen-year-old Airman, he was a symbol, an icon, of all that was great about my country. He was idolized by the thousands.
Happy & Blessed Thanksgiving to you and yours. There are those who believe the memory of John F. Kennedy should be relegated to the dustbin of history. I pray to God Almighty that never happens!
Mr Schmidt, I am so grateful for your insightful commentary each day, and really appreciate your ability to bring in examples of inspirational leadership, past and present, to inspire us today to our own action. I admit that the last 8 years have been exhausting and sometimes -as recently- the powers of darkness seem overwhelming, despite so many of us working hard to counter them (think Ohio, Wisconsin, Louisiana, North Carolina, Texas -the list feels endless!). Reading your column and thinking of JFK and his charismatic and positive outlook on life is a much needed reset. In our family we always note this terrible day, the first time I ever saw my big, strong father cry. But so much of JFK was lyrical, and we focus too much on the tragedy, and perhaps his various stumbles, instead of on his amazing and visionary philosophy for our democracy and this republic. Thank you. I give thanks for you on this Thanksgiving, for helping me stay sane as we battle to keep our country a democracy. All good wishes to you and your family on this most American holiday.
Maria, happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Thank you Steve for this article and for including the previous ones as well, This tragedy is relevant today with what all is going on - the divisiveness in the country, the idiocy of the Maggots, It is necessary to stop and look back 60 years, to the events of 23 November 1963. Those of us who were alive then remember where we were when we got the news, and although we knew the country would continue with LBJ, we knew something vital was lost forever, So far the country has survived, now the question is will we survive the disasters brought about by the former occupant of the White House,? I believe we will, we've always stood up to bullies and assholes... and we will do it again this time! The experiment that has succeeded for 238 years is not about to fail now! Let's all get our sh*t together and fight back, organize support the good candidates that look forward to the future and to a USA that is truly a UNITED States of America. Celebrate and work with our diversity and inclusion of all our citizens. And, damn it, VOTE BLUE in all of the upcoming elections including Presidential in November 2024!!
Again, Steve... thank you for the much needed look back at today 60 years ago,
Happy Thanksgiving, Steve. I’m thankful you brought together this community.
And to you too!
Thank you, Steve, for your messages today, recalling not only this terrible day in 1963, but also the words of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy. I was 21 years of age when President Kennedy was assassinated. My class was interrupted by the announcement that the president had been shot, and classes were immediately suspended. I remember walking down the street, in a sort of disbelieving daze….people were crying as they walked. It is a day that will be marked in my memory for as long as I am living. And then, to listen to the words of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy….. I just need to tell you, again, thank you.
I wish, as we live through our current times, that ALL of media would repeat those words, and especially those of Bobby Kennedy. Words spoken extemporaneously, reminding us of our common humanity.
Thank you
Thank you Steve. Your tributes this week to Ros Carter and now John Kennedy are deep and moving-- you at your non-partisan best. Please keep them coming. We all need constant reminder of what those who choose public life should and can be.
It's just hard to believe the decline from Kennedy to Trump in 54 years. How could anyone accept Trump again in the office that once claimed JFK?
John F. Kennedy was elegance and brilliance, wrapped into one. The Kennedy family has sacrificed endlessly for this country. We must never forget that when we are called upon.
VOTE with that in mind, and stand up to those you are attempting to deface democracy and our Constitution - what the Kennedys have given their precious lives for over these many years.
Steve, thank you for re-posting the video of JFK's January 9th, 1961 "City on the Hill" speech. I'd all but forgotten it. I was 9 y/o when he was elected and he was probably my first "real life" hero, replacing Superman in short order. I read everything I could about him that a kid my age could grasp. Over the years, I bought into much of the cynicism that stalked the later 1960s and 1970s, including my recollection of JFK's mastery of words and thoughts. In December, 1974, Garry Trudeau published a Doonesbury cartoon that brought me up short. It's message haunted me and took me back to my 9 y/o self.
https://www.gocomics.com/doonesbury/1974/12/13
Thank you for taking me back there again.
I hope we never forget him.
Thanks to Steve and to all of you. Let’s not forget the songs of the late folksinger Phil Ochs, particularly “The Power and The Glory.”
Ii was a volunteer for RFK's Presidential campaign in 1967 and 1968. I was drawn to him as I was to his brother Jack because of their shared visions and expressions of same of empathy, caring and true concern for others. Their words were uplifting and quite inspirational. RFK's impromptu speech in Indianapolis following MLK's assassination was a breathtaking a speech as I have ever heard anyone give.
I compare those two to the reactionary, arrogant, narcissistic, pompous and lewdly greedy politicians of today, and most especially Trump and my gagging reflex is activated. Trump just prattles on about how wind turbines are killing birds and whales and how he will "be your retribution" should he return to office.
This is who Americans want to lead their nation?? What the living hell has happened to our common decency and common sense??
Americana is a many sided thing. The one thing most important to remember about Americana is that it avoids its responsibility to its own people. It guarantees no housing, no free education in equal quality to all citizens, no healthcare as a right, and no jobs for all people who want a job.
Instead, it allows unbridled wealth to exist amidst ignorance and poverty; it does not tax the rich as it ought (91%) or deprive the rich of its loophoes. It does not bravely denounce racism constantly through its LEGISLATION .
Instead, it OFTEN allows billionaires via their prioxies -( oligarchs) to rule the congress and defy human rights..-
Individuals may inspire us as being fantastic Americans, but the nation and what it stands for has never been brave enought to face its responsibilities to ALL its people.
And the country that does all those things is ?
Why do you say “Americana”?
Is English your native language?
Just curious.
Party II of
THE PARIS COMMUNE
These policies included the separation of church and state, self-policing, the remission of rent, the abolition of child labor, and the right of employees to take over an enterprise deserted by its owner. All Roman Catholic churches and schools were closed. Feminist, socialist, communist, old style social democracy (which was a mix of reformism and revolutionism) and anarchist currents played important roles in the Commune.
However, the various Communards had little more than two months to achieve their respective goals before the national French Army suppressed the Commune at the end of May during La semaine sanglante ("The Bloody Week") beginning on 21 May 1871. The national forces killed in battle or quickly executed are estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 Communards, though one unconfirmed ...
ETC...
The rest can be seen on Wikipedia
There have been several times in history when all the things a great country must have, to be great , have actually existed. For example, in the months of March,April and May in Paris, 1871, it happened.
From Wikipedia, here it is: ( there are many others, but all were virtually slaughtered by capitalism)..
Please look up this one and I will post others if you like. Others are around for almost a century by now..
THE PARIS COMMUNE
The Commune governed Paris for two months, establishing policies that tended toward a progressive, anti-religious system of their own self-styled socialism, which was an eclectic mix of many 19th-century schools. These policies included the separation of church and state, self-policing, the remission of rent, the abolition of child labor, and the right of employees to take over an enterprise deserted by its owner. All Roman Catholic churches and schools were closed. Feminist, socialist, communist, old style social democracy (which was a mix of reformism and revolutionism) and anarchist currents played important roles in the Commune.
However, the various Communards had little more than two months to achieve their respective goals before the national French Army suppressed the Commune at the end of May during La semaine sanglante ("The Bloody Week") beginning on 21 May 1871. The national forces killed in battle or quickly executed are estimated to be between 10,000 and 15,000 Communards, though one unconfirmed ...
ETC...
I speak English only, and have lived bere in USA for 81 years.
Americana refers to all things uniquely American, such as its
culture
You certainly have a wide range of knowledge. Anything about the Riemann hypothesis?
No.... But what makes it relevant to this subject, and if it is, I will gladly investigate,...
RIP.
I will never forget the horror and shock of this horrible day.
Your thoughts and words regarding JFK were poignant and enlightening. However, today my mind wonders what JFK would think of his nephew's campaign and his direction? JFK was a firm believer in science and the wonders of medicine and how they could improve life. He was instrumental in the advancements of our space program and also spreading democracy around the world. I believe he would be disappointed in his brother's son and his anti-vax and isolationist views for our great nation.
It’s safe to guess that JFK would stand with the family members who disavow RFK,Jr’s candidacy.
Thank you Steve. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family