-
It's that time of year again - our ISP is asking for money. If you have some spare change, please click the Donate link... Thanks!
- About Us
- Search
- Need Help?
- Donate
- Login/Register
Latest Entries
Actions Menu
Blog Roll
- 4F Facebook Page
- Turn Up The Night with Kenny Pick
- Stephanie Miller Show
- The Tim Corrimal Show
- The Rachel Maddow Show
- Angry Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
- Thom Hartmann Program
- Turnips! Fans of Turn Up the Night Facebook Page
- Snopes.com
- Factcheck.org
- Official White House Page, if you must.
- The Brad Blog / Green News Report
- The Poorly Written Political Blog (Joe Santorsa)
January 20,1961
Author: Raine
Date: 01/20/2011 13:48:13
It's been 50 years since President John F. Kennedy gave his first and only inauguration speech. I'll not post the speech here, but in reading it, this morning there were many more things said aside from the famous quote, [A]sk not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country. This in particular jumped out for me: The President was talking about the perils of the Soviet Union and the cold war including the nuclear buildup that was happening.
What I find so sad is that this could have been written in response to the political climate right here in our own nation today. I will be honest, I only know President Kennedy from what I was taught in school, in history books. Later I learned of the history of the Kennedy family, and all of the amazing and disappointing things they did. Still, as much as I read and understand, that personal touch just isn't the same as it is for later presidents. I can tell you about his son, John and even Jackie Onassis. For me, they were parts of a popular culture growing up. It almost seems to me that as the years go by, we are farther and farther from the Kennedy 'mystique' I remember when nearly every other school or park was named after a Kennedy. I remember it being called Camelot... 50 years passing can have a way to change the way we view history. The ideals that President Kennedy made are still valid ones today.
What I know and have learned thru the years that the things that President Kennedy fought for, the things he and his brothers strived to achieve, have not yet materialized. That is the problem. We have made great strides forward, but we have a long way to go. Kennedy is no longer with us. His words still are. Yes, words matter. Even ones strung together 50 years ago.
"Let the word go forth.....that the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans."
I hope they do better than we have.
& 
Raine
So let us begin anew -- remembering on both sides that civility is not a sign of weakness, and sincerity is always subject to proof. Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate.
Let both sides explore what problems unite us instead of belaboring those problems which divide us.
Let both sides, for the first time, formulate serious and precise proposals for the inspection and control of arms, and bring the absolute power to destroy other nations under the absolute control of all nations.
Let both sides seek to invoke the wonders of science instead of its terrors. Together let us explore the stars, conquer the deserts, eradicate disease, tap the ocean depths, and encourage the arts and commerce.
What I find so sad is that this could have been written in response to the political climate right here in our own nation today. I will be honest, I only know President Kennedy from what I was taught in school, in history books. Later I learned of the history of the Kennedy family, and all of the amazing and disappointing things they did. Still, as much as I read and understand, that personal touch just isn't the same as it is for later presidents. I can tell you about his son, John and even Jackie Onassis. For me, they were parts of a popular culture growing up. It almost seems to me that as the years go by, we are farther and farther from the Kennedy 'mystique' I remember when nearly every other school or park was named after a Kennedy. I remember it being called Camelot... 50 years passing can have a way to change the way we view history. The ideals that President Kennedy made are still valid ones today.
What I know and have learned thru the years that the things that President Kennedy fought for, the things he and his brothers strived to achieve, have not yet materialized. That is the problem. We have made great strides forward, but we have a long way to go. Kennedy is no longer with us. His words still are. Yes, words matter. Even ones strung together 50 years ago.
I hope they do better than we have.
& Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 01/20/2011 14:05:10
wickedpam on 01/20/2011 14:05:10
Morning 
Its kinda sad that the Kennedy's are now more pop culture then driving force for our future. I know my mom was more upset over Bobby Kennedy being shot and the more I hear about him, I think he might have been a great Pres then his brother but we will never know and that's just sad. Guess I'm just sad about what we could be and over what we've become. Well, sad and scared - some of these people freak me out.
Its kinda sad that the Kennedy's are now more pop culture then driving force for our future. I know my mom was more upset over Bobby Kennedy being shot and the more I hear about him, I think he might have been a great Pres then his brother but we will never know and that's just sad. Guess I'm just sad about what we could be and over what we've become. Well, sad and scared - some of these people freak me out.
Comment by 
Raine on 01/20/2011 14:18:03
Raine on 01/20/2011 14:18:03
I'd like to go back and find it, but I remember last year and the year before during the HCR debate, either myself or Bobber posted this about the Seamen.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/20/2011 14:26:45
wickedpam on 01/20/2011 14:26:45
Leader of the senate isn't 3rd in line for the Presidancy 
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2011 14:31:19
that is a very good point, Mala.
Raine on 01/20/2011 14:31:19
Quote by wickedpam:
Leader of the senate isn't 3rd in line for the Presidancy
Comment by 
BobR on 01/20/2011 14:33:07
I guess I missed some stupidity on the show?
BobR on 01/20/2011 14:33:07
Quote by wickedpam:
Leader of the senate isn't 3rd in line for the Presidancy
I guess I missed some stupidity on the show?
Comment by wickedpam on 01/20/2011 14:36:38
Chris was pointing out that Reid didn't go to the state dinner last night either.
wickedpam on 01/20/2011 14:36:38
Quote by BobR:Quote by wickedpam:
Leader of the senate isn't 3rd in line for the Presidancy
I guess I missed some stupidity on the show?
Chris was pointing out that Reid didn't go to the state dinner last night either.
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2011 14:38:00
Raine on 01/20/2011 14:38:00
there is another anniversary today...
I'll just say January 20, 2001.
I'll just say January 20, 2001.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 01/20/2011 14:38:25
Scoopster on 01/20/2011 14:38:25
Mornin' all.. 
back in the office today.. still not feeling great but better than yesterday.
I heard a rumor that Ron Paul was gonna run for Kay Bailey's seat in the Senate.
back in the office today.. still not feeling great but better than yesterday.I heard a rumor that Ron Paul was gonna run for Kay Bailey's seat in the Senate.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/20/2011 14:40:26
From the Wiki - Pres pro tempore is the leader of the Senate and he's 4th in line
wickedpam on 01/20/2011 14:40:26
Quote by Raine:that is a very good point, Mala.Quote by wickedpam:
Leader of the senate isn't 3rd in line for the Presidancy
From the Wiki - Pres pro tempore is the leader of the Senate and he's 4th in line
The new law restored the Congressional officers to places directly after the Vice President, but switched their order from the 1792 Act, placing the Speaker of the House first and the President pro tempore second. The Cabinet officers then followed, again in the order in which their respective departments were created with one exception: the Secretary of Defense (a department created in 1947 following a merger of the Departments of War and Navy) was placed fifth in the line of succession, directly after the Secretary of the Treasury. Thus, the Secretary of Defense was put in the line of succession in the place that had been held by the Secretary of War.[5]
Comment by BobR on 01/20/2011 14:44:00
BobR on 01/20/2011 14:44:00
Quote by Raine:
there is another anniversary today...
I'll just say January 20, 2001.
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2011 14:46:10
Raine on 01/20/2011 14:46:10
Next time we go to Arlington, I'll pay my respects to Stephanie's Dad. I didn't know he was buried there.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/20/2011 14:47:22
Scoopster on 01/20/2011 14:47:22
Interesting on the President pro tempore thing.. that's not a static position it changes from senator to senator, usually each time the Senate is called to a session.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/20/2011 14:51:50
Scoopster on 01/20/2011 14:51:50
Hey check out Google's logo of the day.. good stuff! 
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2011 15:02:10
that is a beautiful word cloud.
Raine on 01/20/2011 15:02:10
Quote by Scoopster:
Hey check out Google's logo of the day.. good stuff!
Comment by BobR on 01/20/2011 15:14:26
very cool!
BobR on 01/20/2011 15:14:26
Quote by Scoopster:
Hey check out Google's logo of the day.. good stuff!
very cool!
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2011 15:44:39
Raine on 01/20/2011 15:44:39
Frank Gaffney??? of Long Island fame (or infamy) ???
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2011 16:18:20
Raine on 01/20/2011 16:18:20
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2011 16:29:29
Raine on 01/20/2011 16:29:29
OMG -- this caller is frightening.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/20/2011 16:30:30
wickedpam on 01/20/2011 16:30:30
this is why I think gun nuts are illogical -
"You don't shoot to kill" but he also says that "a dead man can take your head off cause it takes time to bleed out"
"You don't shoot to kill" but he also says that "a dead man can take your head off cause it takes time to bleed out"
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2011 16:35:49
Exactly.
This is blood lust, imo.
NO ONE needs multiple magazine for these type of guns. And what was that comment about not having time to reload the gun? that means to me he missed the basic question, which was: Why do people need multiple magazines?
He's afraid of boogey men. It was a fictional situation. And even more simply put: he's afraid.
If you live in an area that you think you need guns, maybe you just don't trust your community. The whole issue is just so disjointed.
Raine on 01/20/2011 16:35:49
Quote by wickedpam:
this is why I think gun nuts are illogical -
"You don't shoot to kill" but he also says that "a dead man can take your head off cause it takes time to bleed out"
This is blood lust, imo.
NO ONE needs multiple magazine for these type of guns. And what was that comment about not having time to reload the gun? that means to me he missed the basic question, which was: Why do people need multiple magazines?
He's afraid of boogey men. It was a fictional situation. And even more simply put: he's afraid.
If you live in an area that you think you need guns, maybe you just don't trust your community. The whole issue is just so disjointed.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/20/2011 16:36:10
wickedpam on 01/20/2011 16:36:10
MGM! exactly - everyone knows a machete is the best weapon when it comes to the zombie apocolyse
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2011 16:37:57
Raine on 01/20/2011 16:37:57
Quote by wickedpam:
MGM! exactly - everyone knows a machete is the best weapon when it comes to the zombie apocolyse
Comment by wickedpam on 01/20/2011 16:40:13
you think I'm joking - I've read my Zombie handbook, I'm prepared
wickedpam on 01/20/2011 16:40:13
Quote by Raine:Quote by wickedpam:
MGM! exactly - everyone knows a machete is the best weapon when it comes to the zombie apocolyse
you think I'm joking - I've read my Zombie handbook, I'm prepared
Comment by 
livingonli on 01/20/2011 16:42:43
livingonli on 01/20/2011 16:42:43
Good morning everyone. It's difficult getting on the laptop when Kitty decides to lay between you and the computer.
Comment by livingonli on 01/20/2011 16:47:07
livingonli on 01/20/2011 16:47:07
Damn, I missed the MGM contribution to the show.
Comment by wickedpam on 01/20/2011 16:58:31
wickedpam on 01/20/2011 16:58:31
targets? he one of the mythbusters? 
Comment by 
clintster on 01/20/2011 17:00:31
clintster on 01/20/2011 17:00:31
Very nice post, Raine! Just popping in for a sec ( I had to run home to get something) and I'll note that this is also the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's first inauguration, one where he said this:
In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the Government, while I shall have the most solemn one to "preserve, protect, and defend it."
I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.
Comment by livingonli on 01/20/2011 17:35:32
Wasn't his inaguration in March. The presidents were inagurated in March until 1933. It was after FDR came in that the inaguration was moved up to January 20th.
livingonli on 01/20/2011 17:35:32
Quote by clintster:
Very nice post, Raine! Just popping in for a sec ( I had to run home to get something) and I'll note that this is also the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's first inauguration, one where he said this:
In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the Government, while I shall have the most solemn one to "preserve, protect, and defend it."
I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.
Wasn't his inaguration in March. The presidents were inagurated in March until 1933. It was after FDR came in that the inaguration was moved up to January 20th.
Comment by 
TriSec on 01/20/2011 17:35:57
TriSec on 01/20/2011 17:35:57
Hi all. Passing through via mobile. More trouble brewing at the Cub pack today. Is it me? Do I suck at this?
Comment by Raine on 01/20/2011 19:10:53
No you don't I sorta wish these teens had a little guidance when they did this:
Teens Snort Cremated Remains Of Dogs, Man
Raine on 01/20/2011 19:10:53
Quote by TriSec:
Hi all. Passing through via mobile. More trouble brewing at the Cub pack today. Is it me? Do I suck at this?
Teens Snort Cremated Remains Of Dogs, Man
Comment by wickedpam on 01/20/2011 19:39:07
I doubt that very much! You can't suck at something you enjoy so much
wickedpam on 01/20/2011 19:39:07
Quote by TriSec:
Hi all. Passing through via mobile. More trouble brewing at the Cub pack today. Is it me? Do I suck at this?
I doubt that very much! You can't suck at something you enjoy so much
Comment by Scoopster on 01/20/2011 19:40:55
what... thehell...
Scoopster on 01/20/2011 19:40:55
Quote by Raine:No you don't I sorta wish these teens had a little guidance when they did this:Quote by TriSec:
Hi all. Passing through via mobile. More trouble brewing at the Cub pack today. Is it me? Do I suck at this?
Teens Snort Cremated Remains Of Dogs, Man
what... thehell...
Comment by livingonli on 01/20/2011 20:05:35
Makes me glad I don't have kids.
livingonli on 01/20/2011 20:05:35
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:No you don't I sorta wish these teens had a little guidance when they did this:Quote by TriSec:
Hi all. Passing through via mobile. More trouble brewing at the Cub pack today. Is it me? Do I suck at this?
Teens Snort Cremated Remains Of Dogs, Man
what... thehell...
Makes me glad I don't have kids.
Comment by livingonli on 01/20/2011 20:29:17
livingonli on 01/20/2011 20:29:17
I am really waiting for the men in little white coats to come and take him away while he's doing his show.
Comment by clintster on 01/20/2011 20:35:08
You... are correct, sir. (Ed McMahon mode off) I had forgotten that little tidbit. Thanks for reminding me, Liv.
clintster on 01/20/2011 20:35:08
Quote by livingonli:Quote by clintster:
Very nice post, Raine! Just popping in for a sec ( I had to run home to get something) and I'll note that this is also the 150th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln's first inauguration, one where he said this:
In your hands, my dissatisfied fellow-countrymen, and not in mine, is the momentous issue of civil war. The Government will not assail you. You can have no conflict without being yourselves the aggressors. You have no oath registered in heaven to destroy the Government, while I shall have the most solemn one to "preserve, protect, and defend it."
I am loath to close. We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battlefield and patriot grave to every living heart and hearthstone all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.
Wasn't his inaguration in March. The presidents were inagurated in March until 1933. It was after FDR came in that the inaguration was moved up to January 20th.
You... are correct, sir. (Ed McMahon mode off) I had forgotten that little tidbit. Thanks for reminding me, Liv.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/20/2011 23:59:48
Scoopster on 01/20/2011 23:59:48
A-fucking-mazing. Dick Cheney STILL uses 9/11 to justify invading Iraq when they had NOTHING TO DO WITH IT..
..... and Brian Williams lets him get away with saying it.
..... and Brian Williams lets him get away with saying it.
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 01/21/2011 00:06:39
Well, if you question the Dick too much that heart might short out.
trojanrabbit on 01/21/2011 00:06:39
Quote by Scoopster:
A-fucking-mazing. Dick Cheney STILL uses 9/11 to justify invading Iraq when they had NOTHING TO DO WITH IT..
..... and Brian Williams lets him get away with saying it.
Well, if you question the Dick too much that heart might short out.
Comment by Scoopster on 01/21/2011 00:09:58
That's OK he's going hunting with Jim Baker.. which means there'll be a donor soon.
Scoopster on 01/21/2011 00:09:58
Quote by trojanrabbit:Quote by Scoopster:
A-fucking-mazing. Dick Cheney STILL uses 9/11 to justify invading Iraq when they had NOTHING TO DO WITH IT..
..... and Brian Williams lets him get away with saying it.
Well, if you question the Dick too much that heart might short out.
That's OK he's going hunting with Jim Baker.. which means there'll be a donor soon.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 01/21/2011 01:14:50
trojanrabbit on 01/21/2011 01:14:50
Seeming to forget the last two years of obstructionist behavior, the Nut Queen Michelle Bachmann wants to repeal the Senate and undermine Socialist ObamaCare.