4/9 The Presidency

"The United States, as the world knows, will never start a war. We do not want a war. We do not now expect a war. This generation of Americans has already had enough -- more than enough -- of war and hate and oppression".
-President John F. Kennedy




President Kennedy in this particular part of his Inaugural Speech is reminding the public that the United States is tired of war. It is clear that at this point in time in history that American did not want war and had enough of war, hate and oppression. President Kennedy was also a war hero during WWII and knew first hand the detrimental effect war had on our country. I chose this quote because I think that is exactly how most Americans feel today. At this point in our lives we want to find better ways around economic, political and social problems. We do not want to start a war amongst each other or with our neighboring countries. The United States has a long history of fighting for equality and trying to build a strong society. Too many people have lost their lives for rights we take for granted now. There has to be a point when people must come together and come to common grounds. There has to be a point where people find solutions without taking drastic measures by treating others unjust or by creating new forms of oppression. I feel that we have more resources and have advanced to a higher level than our former leaders. I feel that we have what it takes to create a more civilized union and that we should stop pretending that the issue here has no solution. Our new president's approach is far from John F. Kennedy's approach. Needless to say, many people disagree on most of his plans for our country. I will not say his approach is always wrong, but it's not always in the best interest of the country when he allows his opinions to govern his decision. The fact is his opinion should not govern his leadership because the president represents an entire country and not just himself as an individual.