John Fitzgerald Kennedy

 John F. Kennedy

"There is nothing to fear, but fear itself."

John F. Kennedy was the youngest president to be elected in the United States. We learn that he was able to defeat Richard Nixon and was able to fight for conservative values while being a democrat. We learn that he was able to fight against socialism and communism, have the vision to send a man to space, have the idea of creating health insurance for senior citizens, fight against racial segregation in public places, and described the importance of conservatism. 

"A proud and resourceful nation can not ask its older citizens to live in constant fear of a serious illness for which adequate funds are not available. We owe them the right of dignity in sickness as well as in health." 

We learn that John F. Kennedy was an individual that was a devout Catholic. We learn that John F. Kennedy had chosen to fight against tyranny in his presidency being able to fight against the socialists and communists. We learn that socialism and communism attempted to stifle and prevent individuals from understanding the importance of practicing responsibility along with autonomy, liberty, and freedom. We know that John F. Kennedy had decided to fight against Cuba and against communism in the 1960s. While John F. Kennedy was fighting against tyranny, he was also fighting against poverty and helped the civil rights movement. 

We learn that along with Martin Luther King, strides were made to fight against racism. John F. Kennedy was an individual that had decided to fight for the civil rights movement. We learn that there was racism that was still happening in the 1960s. John F. Kennedy had decided to stand and help individuals fight for their civil rights. 

We learn that John F. Kennedy did not have an easy presidency knowing that there was opposition from communism and the Cold War. Yet, John F. Kennedy allowed individuals to know that there is the need to fight for ideals and values. We learn that John F. Kennedy did not falter and kept fighting against communism, poverty, and racism. John F. Kennedy allows us to know that individuals can make a difference being able to embolden the civil rights movement that gave individuals rights to fight against racism and envy that was apparent in the 1960s. We learn that the Soviet Union collapsed in the 1990s with the efforts of Pope John Paul II, Aleksandr Solsenitsyn, and Ronald Reagan who were individuals that fought against the temporary lies of communism and socialism.

JFK Served in the Military During the Second World War

"Kennedy was hailed as a major naval hero of World War II for rescuing his crew after a Japanese destroyer rammed a PT boat he commanded in the Pacific in 1943."- (page 13)

JFK was able to be a War Hero in the Second World War. When an enemy ship rammed against his crew's ship, JFK saved his crew members. JFK served in the Navy during the Second World War and received a medal for his courage. JFK served in the military during World War II along with his brother, Joseph Kennedy. JFK nearly died in 1954 from a back injury sustained while rescuing his crew yet survived. It was known that JFK had a bad back and Addison's disease and yet was able to survive. JFK survived surgery and kept thriving. Despite his injury, JFK recuperated. 

JFK was elected to the House of Representatives for one term, the Senate for two terms, and was a writer who won a Pulitzer for Profiles in Courage. JFK was elected president in the presidential election of 1960 defeating Nixon. JFK was the youngest president of the United States who was elected becoming president at the age of 43. JFK was able to overcome tremendous obstacles including going against a vice president Nixon who was a former FBI agent who appeared to be Protestant (in appearance only obviously), being younger, and being a devout Catholic in a time when Protestants feared that a Catholic president would be more loyal to the pope. (JFK was a true Christian based on his actions and not on his words only. There are true Christian Protestants and true Catholics and fake protestants and fake catholics. There is the need to be skeptical in these times concerning false prophets.)). JFK would convince the Protestants into voting for him over Nixon for being genuine and also caring about his citizens. 

JFK Was a Candidate With Idealism and Values

"One evidence of the spreading malaise was the search in 1960 for the national purpose."

"The national purpose eluded all pursuers, but of one thing the people could be sure. Whoever was the Democratic presidental candidate in 1960 would insist on its restoration."- (page 12-13)

"Mailer sensed that Kennedy as hero would have a more profound impact on America than Kennedy as statesmen...Kennedy, Mailer thought, might rescue mass man from the supermarket of contemporary culture by reviving the myth [that is not a myth and actually truth concerning the improvement of individuals who practice integrity instead of being idolatrous materialists/socialists] that every American is potentially extraordinary."

"The election of 1960 became a classic of American political history. It attracted the highest rate of voter participation in half a century about 64 percent."

Norman Mailer wrote an article on Esquire that described that JFK was the ideal Democratic candidate in 1960. Mailer described that Kennedy had certain qualities that made him unique and ideal for the presidency. It was noted in the late 1950s that America was not improving and needed a national purpose [there were 3 recessions in 6 years, the soviets had sent a satellite to space, and it appeared that socialism was expanding to other nations]. Instead of arguing for idolatrous materalism or socialism, Kennedy seemed to be an individual that cared about equality and who was capable of leading the US to keep American idealism and moral values. Kennedy was a Catholic who cared about integrity, equal opportunity, morality, and having a work ethic. Kennedy was unique and would accomplish amazing work as President.

Norman Mailer saw that Kennedy was extraordinary and could lead the US to improvement. Kennedy had described the importance of supporting the Civil Rights Movement and also making legislation to provide jobs and improvement for its citizens. Kennedy wanted to provide legislation that increased the minimum wage of workers, increased the number of jobs since there were recessions, and gave jobs to its citizens so that they could improve. Kennedy also wanted to explore a new frontier in space describing a mission to send a man to the moon. Kennedy also described that he would fight against tyranny, evil, disease, and poverty in his presidency. Kennedy did in fact do all that and even greater by encouraging citizens to never give in to socialism, cowardice, envy, and corruption.

JFK Was Able to Lead in the Polls and Be President in 1960

"Kennedy buried the issue of his alleged inexperience in a single hour on September 25. On invitation from the networks the two candidates met in a Chicago television studio to answer questions from newsmen in the first of four historic debates. Seventy million viewers watched the candidates rehearse their campaign arguments and dispute whether or not the national performance had deteriorated since 1952. Judged by the printed text, the debate was a draw. But on TV image counts more than argument. Grim and confident, Kennedy delivered his message of imminent danger. Nixon smiled nervously and dabbed at the perspiration of his forehead. He looked tired, gaunt, even sickly, the camera detecting the fatigue he felt after a month spent first in the hospital for treatment of a knee infection, then in furious campaigning to make up for lost time. Kennedy's image bested Nixon's image, with the result thereafter few would dispute the claim of the Democrats that their man was a bona-fide contender, heavyweight division."- (page 23) 

Despite having setbacks and obstacles, JFK was able to surmount incredible odds to become the president of the United States in the 1960s. In a series of four televised debates, JFK would best Nixon by describing how the United States was not improving. Nixon described that the United States was actually improving because a large mall had been constructed. 

"If you think the US has stood still,' Nixon said in Portland, Oregon, 'who built the largest shopping center in the world, the Lloyd Shopping Center right here?'"- (page 22)

It was noted that the United States was in two recessions in the 1950s and prior to the election was in a third recession in less than six years. Nixon countered by casting doubts on Kennedy not being a Protestant. Kennedy was able to address the issue and stated that he believed in the separation of Church and state. Kennedy spoke about how he was for equality and not looking to favor Catholics over Protestants concerning funding for schools. Norman Vincent Peale had made the question concerning having skepticism about favoritism for funding to Catholic schools and institutions if Kennedy was Catholic. Peale backed off and Kennedy gained momentum because individuals including Evangelicals were seeing that he was genuine and egalitarian. Nixon regreted making religion a top issue and decided to not speak about Kennedy's Catholic faith.

Nixon then attempted to get President Eisenhower to ease credit and increase federal spending so that a recession was avoided, and Nixon could boast about an improved economy. Eisenhower would negate the request of Nixon, and Kennedy was able to describe how there was a recession prior to the election. Individuals in multiple states affected by the recession voted for Kennedy along with Evangelicals who saw that Kennedy was sincere. 

"When on October 27 the judge released King, the Kennedys got the credit... The Reverand MLK Sr. announced that he had intended to vote for Nixon on religious grounds but would now vote for Kennedy."- (page 25)

It was noted that while Nixon appeared to care about the Civil Rights Movement, he was indifferent and may have been opposition being an FBI agent in the past. 

"Though he forthrightly supported equal rights during the campaign, his rhetoric was muted compared to Kennedy's. [Nixon would say of the Civil Rights Movement] The issue was more personal than legal, more moral than governmental."- (page 24)

When MLK was placed in jail in 1959 based on racism, Nixon told officials to say they were working on the case while actually doing nothing. JFK actually got involved, called Mrs. King, who was pregnant, to show solidarity and described that he was going to help, and MLK was able to be released. MLK spoke about how JFK really cared about the Civil Rights Movement and Evangelicals saw that JFK cared about equality and justice consistent with Scripture. Being a Catholic in the 1960s, his actions demonstrated that he was a true Christian and conservative. 

MLK Sr. also described how JFK cared about the Civil Rights Movement and true equality. The Reverand stated that he was going to vote for Nixon based on Nixon being a Protestant, but had decided to vote for JFK instead. This caused Evangelicals in different states to vote for JFK instead of Nixon. Catholics also voted for JFK over Nixon in multiple states. African Americans voted for JFK along with Caucasians and won by a 100,000 vote margin in the popular vote and by less than 100 votes in the Electoral College. It was noted that on election night at 7:15 P.M., the news network CBS, stated that Nixon had won the election (even the media had to try to help Nixon.) The next day they stated that it was JFK who actually won the election of 1960.

"As it turned out the election was the closest in history. Kennedy won 49.7 percent of the popular vote to his opponent's 49.5 percent, and his plurality was only 118,550 votes... A total of 303 electoral votes to Nixon's 219."- (page 25-26)

JFK Increased the Minimum Wage of Workers and Allowed African Americans and Minorities to Have Jobs

"The president elect determined to give legislative priority in the coming session to five "must" welfare bills: increased minimum wages, aid to depressed areas, housing legislation, federal assistance to public schools, and hospital insurance for the aged."- (page 97)

"Kennedy's proposal to raise the minimum wage from $1 to $1.25 over three years and extend coverage to four million new workers."- (page 98)

JFK was not only fighting against racism from socialists in the 1960s, but he was also fighting against poverty. JFK made a law to employ African Americans and minorities and also increased the minimum wage to $1.25 from $1. This was when laundry workers were making $0.65 in a 48 hour work week. JFK was told to remove laundry workers from the bill or have the legislation removed. JFK had opposition from business people and yet proceeded to increase the minimum wage while removing laundry workers. JFK was opposed by big business due to his stance to fight poverty. JFK had a large amount of opposition not only in fighting poverty, communism in Cuba, going to space, but also while fighting for civil rights. Despite the opposition, JFK was unique and distinct choosing to fight for the working class. MLK was also fighting for improved wages for the working class. JFK also fought for desegregation in the housing market and also for health insurance for senior citizens and the aged. 

"Its report on November 1963 buried the information that after two years African American employment in the middle grades had risen 4.9% to only 6%, and in upper grades 0.7% to 1 percent."- (page 64)

JFK attempted to increase the number of African Americans and minorities working in the government and the private sector in the 1960s. JFK made Lyndon Baines Johnson the organizer of the committee and yet there was still opposition. In regards to work in the government it was noted that middle grade paying positions had increased 1.1% yet for high grade positions it only increased 0.3%. This describes that there was still opposition to African Americans and minorities improving themselves in better paying jobs. 

While JFK was fighting against segregation attempting to help employ African Americans in  government jobs, there was opposition. JFK had attempted to increase the number of African Americans working in governmental jobs and also in the private industry. The committee created by JFK and led by Lyndon Baynes Johnson also led to a slight increase of African American employment of 5.0 to 5.1 percent from May 1961 to January 1963. White collar job employment increased only from 1.5 percent to 1.6 percent. There were questions concerning how the committee created by JFK and led by Johnson had resulted in such results. JFK wanted to eliminate job discrimination in the civil service and also with private businesses that had government contracts. The intention was to cause private businesses with government contracts to employ African Americans and end segregation in employment in the 1960s. Businesses that were still discriminating based on race and ethnicity would be terminated from having government contracts. It was noted that Johnson never terminated a contract while being in the committee. 

Instead Johnson decided to allow businesses to make a pledge of voluntary disclosure that would then lead to reduce discrimination. The agreement was called "Plans for Progress" yet it did not accomplish that. While 115 businesses were a part of such agreement, there were no contract cancellations and individuals saw through the lies. Instead of leading to more jobs for African Americans based on the cancellation of government contracts to said businesses, there was no manner of knowing if businesses were actually complying because no contracts were cancelled and there was no voluntary information from businesses describing if there was discrimination or not. RFK found that there were discrepancies in "Plans for Progress", informed JFK, and talked with Johnson about the dismal performance of the committee. Johnson decided to not enforce his authority in the committee and allowed businesses to keep being contracted without canceling contracts based on racial discrimination. JFK had opposition from different individuals and also at different times. Despite the opposition, JFK kept fighting for justice and equality in the work place.

JFK Created Jobs in the United States in Regions That Had Bad Economies

JFK not only fought against poverty in the United States by raising the minimum wage but also created jobs. JFK created a committee to create jobs in areas that had been affected by negative economies. There were economies that were stagnated, and JFK created close to more than 34,000 jobs (JFK would create additional jobs training and employing workers who were displaced due to automation from assembly line machines creating 600,000 jobs). JFK wanted to add jobs to areas that did not have a stable economy in the Great Lakes, Alaska and Appalachia. JFK was able to create jobs in various areas and was slandered by bureaucrats who said that it was only half of those jobs that were actually created. While fighting racism and poverty, there were still bureaucrats who slandered JFK saying that he only created half the number of jobs reported.

JFK created the committee to create jobs in different regions including regions that were affected from depleted natural resources described in coal mining and fishing. Despite actually creating more than 34,000 jobs the committee did not receive funding, was disbanded, and removed in 1963. In 1965, a bureaucrat committee was created that did exactly the same attempting to create jobs in regions with stagnated economies. While citing JFK's committee a failure and disbanding the committee, bureaucrats in 1965 copied his committee.

JFK Wanted to Go to Space in 1960

"Why the moon? Why does Rice play Texas?"

JFK wanted to go to the moon in 1960. JFK wanted to inspire younger generations to know that the United States had talent and inspiration to go to space and discover a new frontier. JFK wanted to send a man to the moon while fighting poverty, racism, and socialism. JFK actually attempted to send a man to the moon, and again he was opposed by bureaucrats. I do not know all the details but there were bureaucrats that prevented JFK from sending a man to the moon.

After denying JFK a space mission to send an astronaut to the moon, it was noted that in 1969 an astronaut was sent to the moon. There are theories that state that the US went to the moon in 1969, and there are also theories that state that the US did not go to the moon in 1969. Regardless of if a man went to the moon or not, it was JFK who took initiative in the year 1960. The Soviets had sent a satellite to space in the 1950s, but had not sent a man to the moon. Socialist bureaucrats in the US may have impeded JFK's efforts out of envy. JFK was quite impressive.

JFK Created the Peace Corps

"There is not enough money in all America to relieve the misery of the underdeveloped world in a giant and endless soup kitchen. But there is enough know-how and knowledgeable people to help those people help themselves."

"Kennedy as idealist, summoning America to alleviate world suffering through the Peace Corps or to conquer space for the good of mankind."- (page 31)

JFK created the Peace Corps in order for individuals in the US to share their knowledge and skill set with individuals in other countries. US Peace Corps volunteers were sent to Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia to help individuals learn English and acquire a positive skill set. Peace Corps volunteers helped individuals improve describing the importance of genuine empathy and caring about others in the 1960s. Kennedy described that while resources were limited, the US was able to help individuals improve by sharing their skill set with others. JFK described that the US was a benevolent nation that was not tyrannical like the socialists.

In the first year of the service program, 900 volunteers out of college were sent to developing countries. There the Peace Corps volunteers taught English, established fishery programs, and trained health workers. The Peace Corps grew by 1968 to include 15,000 workers in 50 different countries (Reader's Digest America A to Z page 271). Individuals have volunteered in order to share their skills with individuals from other countries and learn from the service they provide. This describes the importance of caring about others and how there is no need for enmity, hate, and war.

The Cuban Missile Crisis

The Soviet Union began to be hostile to the US after the Second World War and increased hostilities in the 1960s. After Stalin was no longer Soviet leader, the Soviet socialists placed nuclear warhead missiles in Cuba aimed at the United States. Once JFK was notified, JFK organized the FBI to fight against Cuba. The operation was known as the Bay of Pigs invasion that looked to remove the missiles. JFK looked to remove the missiles from being a threat, yet did not have the full cooperation of the FBI.

The Bay of Pigs invasion was described as a failure and blamed on JFK's young age and supposed inexperience. The reality was that the FBI also decided to stand down and not fight against the socialists in Cuba. Similar to the times JFK had to use the marshals and national guard instead of the FBI against racist socialists when fighting for civil rights, the FBI had decided to stand down against socialism in Cuba. Despite being blamed for the Bay of Pigs invasion, JFK kept fighting tyranny and never gave up. While being opposed by bureaucrats at different times concerning legislation, fighting poverty, fighting racism, fighting communism, and even getting the FBI to fight organized crime (prior to going after organized crime the FBI only went after bootlegged movies and clandestine boxing fights), JFK did not falter. JFK was appreciated by the working class but despised by envious socialist bureaucrats.

JFK Fought Against Segregation

"There seemed no escape from crisis in the spring of 1963. George Wallace had won election as governor of Alabama the previous year, vowing to defend segregation by standing "in the schoolhouse door". When two African American students arrived on the University of Alabama campus on June 11 with a federal court order requiring their admittance, there he stood, blocking the entrance. He yielded to superior force later in the day after the president nationalized the Alabama national guard."- (page 89)

The civil rights movement was opposed by racist socialists who did not want African Americans and minorities to obtain basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution and Bill of Rights. We learn that African Americans and minorities were seen as individuals who were not supposed to receive an education being kept semiliterate so that they would remain working in jobs where pay was cheap in labor fields and also not work at white collar jobs. JFK fought against segregation and racism in the United States allowing students to go to university when racist governors attempted to prevent them from entering into the classroom. JFK allowed a student in Mississippi to be enrolled and attend classes when the racist governor attempted to place obstacles and opposition based on envy and hate. Idolatrous socialists are envious and racist regardless of what race or ethnicity they are (there are racist idolators/socialists that are White, African American, Asian, and Latin American including Mexican American. This is because they practice idolatry and not because of the race and ethnicity. There are also righteous individuals from all races and ethnicities.)  JFK mobilized the marshals and army to allow the student to go to school. The student was able to go to school and attain a university education.

"On June 19, 1963, Kennedy sent Congress a civil rights bill embodying most of the movement's urgent demands. The best efforts of the Justice Department having failed to enfranchise African Americans in the Deep South, Kennedy's bill further strengthened voting rights laws. African Americans in Birmingham had marched by the thousands to petition for equal treatment in public places; the president's bill outlawed discrimination in such places of public accomodation as hotels, motels, movie theaters, sports arenas, retail stores, gas stations, restaurants, and lunch counters."

In another instance, the governor from Alabama attempted to prevent two African American students from going to school. JFK again sent the Alabama national guard, and the students were able to go to school. JFK decided to stand with the civil rights movement instead of being a part of racism and envy. JFK would be able to make a bill that desegregated public places while also fighting against segregation in the universities. It was noted that JFK had won eleven million Republican voters from Nixon and only lost six and a half million Democrats of which four million Democrats left because of his civil rights stance. JFK was going to win the 1964 presidential re-election (page 93). JFK began to tour Texas to prepare to campaign for re-election in 1963. Matusow's book, the Unraveling of America, described that JFK was opposed at different times yet kept fighting injustice. Matusow described the turbulence of the 1960s and opposition that existed against the Civil Rights Movement. JFK did not back down and kept fighting seeking re-election for 1964.

"But 63 percent of the American people backed his civil rights bill and 60 percent continued to approve his conduct of the presidency."- (page 63)

The Assassination of JFK

JFK was assassinated because he was going to win the 1964 re-election while fighting poverty, corruption, socialism, racism, and wanting to go to space. It was noted by pollsters that JFK was going to win re-election in 1964 after passing his Equal Opportunity in Employment Law that also ended segregation. JFK was able to lead the United States by choosing to fight racism. JFK was a devout Catholic who was righteous and fought against tyranny and evil. While probably being intimidated by Hoover and his FBI associates, JFK was able to lead the country far from racism into desegregation, justice, and equality. JFK decided to fight against evil despite the intimidation and envy. 

JFK was going to visit Texas in a motorcade when he was shot by an idolatrous socialist using a sniper rifle. JFK was told days before, that there may be threats against him, and JFK did not fear. JFK was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald who was a known socialist. A day after Lee Harvey Oswald had killed JFK, Lee Harvey Oswald was also shot and killed by Jack Ruby describing how socialism does not help anyone. Instead of being given a vacation or a reward, Lee Harvey Oswald was shot by, most likely, another idolatrous socialist. This was to prevent Lee Harvey Oswald from speaking the truth and telling others who sent him to murder JFK. JFK probably had a lot of enemies since he chose to be distinct and different by fighting for civil rights instead of standing down. JFK similar to MLK may have been hated and envied by Hoover, Sullivan, and the FBI, socialists, communists, idolators, monopoly "capitalists", and racists who opposed the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Racism was business as usual for the socialists also seen in the Soviet Union where a caste system benefits the few at the expense of the majority. JFK gave us hope to know that despite opposition, being righteous is preferred. The civil rights movement would be a success and the Soviet Union would collapse in the 1990s with Reagen, Pope John Paul II, and Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn speaking truth and fighting for righteousness. (Despite the times that we live, we can keep persevering obeying the commandments of Moses and preaching King Jesus Christ. We can persevere preaching truth and not believe the temporary lies of the snake that wants individuals to fight with each other over ethnicity, social class, age, gender, and even over sports teams.)