November 22, 1963
Wow, it's been 59 years since that day in Dallas, when the world changed and the powerful won.
To think that more than one generation has been born and raised since that fateful day. Where once there was hope, now there is cynicism. Where once there was optimism, now there is pessimism. Where once there was JFK in the White House, now there is Joe Biden (and before him, the Orange One).
People not around back then can't understand the optimism of a fresh new decade with new challenges and a belief that we could solve our problems. Americans were enjoying a historic prosperity, which has pretty much faded away by now with the middle class disappearing and the mega-rich becoming even more obscenely wealthy. Americans knew that life could be rough, unfair and frustrating, but they believed in their country and trusted their Government. Compare all that to today.
JFK was not perfect. World's Worst Husband, but a good father and great President. Fought in World War II, led his survivinng men to safety after the PT-109 was cut in half by a Japanese destroyer, and is the only President to have received the Purple Heart. He could have done better pushing his legislative program through Congress, but navigated shaky waters in October 1962 and his efforts resulted in the world not blowing up. That accomplishment alone is a winner. Whew!
A pity people only remember him these days for his womanizing and the horrific way he died.
This entry has been cross-posted from Dreamwidth, Comment on either entry as you wish. :)
To think that more than one generation has been born and raised since that fateful day. Where once there was hope, now there is cynicism. Where once there was optimism, now there is pessimism. Where once there was JFK in the White House, now there is Joe Biden (and before him, the Orange One).
People not around back then can't understand the optimism of a fresh new decade with new challenges and a belief that we could solve our problems. Americans were enjoying a historic prosperity, which has pretty much faded away by now with the middle class disappearing and the mega-rich becoming even more obscenely wealthy. Americans knew that life could be rough, unfair and frustrating, but they believed in their country and trusted their Government. Compare all that to today.
JFK was not perfect. World's Worst Husband, but a good father and great President. Fought in World War II, led his survivinng men to safety after the PT-109 was cut in half by a Japanese destroyer, and is the only President to have received the Purple Heart. He could have done better pushing his legislative program through Congress, but navigated shaky waters in October 1962 and his efforts resulted in the world not blowing up. That accomplishment alone is a winner. Whew!
A pity people only remember him these days for his womanizing and the horrific way he died.
This entry has been cross-posted from Dreamwidth, Comment on either entry as you wish. :)