John F. Kennedy was only in office from 1961-1963 before his assassination. As a candidate and President, he managed to win over the hearts of many through his speeches and great leadership. John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech is relevant in modern society because it was abundant with hope, motivation, and change, which continue to inspire even today's generations. Now in 2008, Obama is our forty-forth President and like Kennedy, both of their inauguration speeches were very identical.
The Vietnam War and civil rights movements affected many Americans in the 1960’s. What the people needed most at that moment was hope and security, in which Kennedy made the promise in his speech “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 success of liberty.” Even years later, America needs hope more than ever to continue on. With depression, war, and massive unemployment it feels like our country is slowly falling apart. Obama knows that it’s going to be a long hard journey to fix the chaos but in his inauguration he said “With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents and endure what storms may come.”
The most famous line ever said from Kennedy’s inauguration was “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country...ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” There is only so much the government can do and control, but it’s the “faith and determination” of the people where the heart of the country really lies, because no matter how many years go by, that will never change. In Obama’s speech he says “Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.” The connection between Obama and Kennedy is once again there. That it is as well our duty to make a difference.
We needed a change in the leadership of this country — just as we did in 1960. Back then, the country was still in segregation, everyone wanted his or her rights, and America was screaming for change. “We observe today not a victory of party, but a celebration of freedom -- symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning -- signifying renewal, as well as change.” We wanted Kennedy for the same reason of change that he would bring us, just as we wanted Obama who said, “For the world has changed, and we must change with it.” While campaigning, Obama’s famous line was “Yes we can!” Kennedy’s line was “We’ve got to get this country moving again!” Both as candidates focused their campaign on change and turning America along a better path.
Like Kennedy, Obama has changed the way America sees itself and the way it is seen by the rest of the world. They both inspire the nation in ways other Presidents never managed to do. They are both Presidents who understand that it’s their responsibility to create a vision and encourage others to achieve it; who holds themselves, and those around him, to the highest standards; who brings up the hopes of those who still believe in the American Dream, and those around the world who still believe in the American ideal; and who can lift our spirits, and make us believe again that our country needs every one of us to get involved. “Let us begin. In your hands, my fellow citizens, more than mine, will rest the final success or failure of our course.” – John F. Kennedy.
Sources
Kennedy, John. "American Rhetoric: John F. Kennedy -- Inaugural Address." American Rhetoric: The Power of Oratory in the United States. 23 Jan. 2009
Obama, Barack. "Transcript: Barack Obama's Inaugural Address : NPR." NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts. 23 Jan. 2009
"Following in Lincoln's footsteps - The Irish Times - Wed, Jan 21, 2009." The Irish Times – Irish News, Business News, Sports News & Ireland Weather Online. 23 Jan. 2009
Rich, Frank. "Ask Not What J.F.K. Can Do for Obama - New York Times." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. 3 Feb. 2008. 23 Jan. 2009
Reeves, Richard. "Kennedy’s Words, Obama’s Challenge - 100 Days Blog - NYTimes.com." US Presidencies - 100 Days Blog - NYTimes.com. 9 Jan. 2019. 23 Jan. 2009
Kennedy, Caroline . "Op-Ed Contributor - A President Like My Father - NYTimes.com." The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia. 27 Jan. 2008. 23 Jan. 2009
2 comments:
1) What strikes you about the content?
I really like how your blog contains a lot of facts that are both interesting and informative. You also provide quotes that provide detail for which you are talking about, as well as it gives us a sense of character for Kennedy, "The most famous line ever said from Kennedy’s inauguration was “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.."
2) What strikes you about the writings?
I enjoyed how your thesis was intriguing and inspired me to read more. Also, at the end of your writing, you answered all of my questions throughout your essay so I ended with a clear understanding of the message you put out.
3) Specific, Kind, Helpful Feedback.
- Condense your sentences, this sentence has to many "hes," "but he in his inauguration he said “With hope and virtue...”
- Be more specific when talking about your current event issues, and be sure to provide one concrete example.
4) What questions do you have?
In your conclusion you say, " They both inspire the nation in ways other Presidents never managed to do." What i the main way they were inspiring?
Also, Is your current event America getting a new president?
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