“Searching for the Real John F. Kennedy
(JFK, 1917-63),” Dialogue Given June 20, 2016, 10-11AM, Adshead, Uplands Village,
Pleasant Hill, TN. 38578. bfparker@frontiernet.net (Footnotes
in preparation).
(JFK, 1917-63),” Dialogue Given June 20, 2016, 10-11AM, Adshead, Uplands Village,
Pleasant Hill, TN. 38578. bfparker@frontiernet.net (Footnotes
in preparation).
Betty: Our topic is titled: “Searching for the
Real John F. Kennedy (JFK, 1917-63).”
Why? Because JFK as
U.S. President is wrapped in myth, legend, praised by admirers, put down by
critics. Assassinated Nov. 22,
1963, age 46, frozen in time, yet continually re-examined as a key figure in
history. What was the real JFK
like?
Real John F. Kennedy (JFK, 1917-63).”
Why? Because JFK as
U.S. President is wrapped in myth, legend, praised by admirers, put down by
critics. Assassinated Nov. 22,
1963, age 46, frozen in time, yet continually re-examined as a key figure in
history. What was the real JFK
like?
Frank: To many people JFK was and is special: our youngest, most
charismatic president. He
established the Peace Corps (1961), proposed sending Americans to the moon and
back, saved us from nuclear destruction.
When? Oct. 16 to 28, 12
days in 1962. Why and how?
charismatic president. He
established the Peace Corps (1961), proposed sending Americans to the moon and
back, saved us from nuclear destruction.
When? Oct. 16 to 28, 12
days in 1962. Why and how?
Betty: When
USSR’s Khrushchev secretly built nuclear missile sites in Cuba able to
pulverize the eastern US.
President JFK cautiously negotiated a way to have those missiles removed
peacefully, saving the world from nuclear war. Ten months later he led the USA-USSR-Britain
to agree to a partial nuclear test ban treaty, Aug. 5, 1963,1 a
first step toward easing Cold War tensions.
USSR’s Khrushchev secretly built nuclear missile sites in Cuba able to
pulverize the eastern US.
President JFK cautiously negotiated a way to have those missiles removed
peacefully, saving the world from nuclear war. Ten months later he led the USA-USSR-Britain
to agree to a partial nuclear test ban treaty, Aug. 5, 1963,1 a
first step toward easing Cold War tensions.
Frank: When young U.S. President Kennedy was
pushed by war hawks in the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), Pentagon Joint
Chiefs of Staff, and State Dept. toward a nuclear war, he said NO. Those war hawks, knowing JFK’s
intention in his second term to “pulverize the CIA” wanted JFK removed
permanently.
pushed by war hawks in the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), Pentagon Joint
Chiefs of Staff, and State Dept. toward a nuclear war, he said NO. Those war hawks, knowing JFK’s
intention in his second term to “pulverize the CIA” wanted JFK removed
permanently.
Betty: Little-known even now was
a plan to assassinate JFK in Chicago, Nov. 2, 1963, but JFK, warned in time,
canceled his Chicago trip.
a plan to assassinate JFK in Chicago, Nov. 2, 1963, but JFK, warned in time,
canceled his Chicago trip.
Frank: Twenty
days later in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 22, 1963, JFK was shockingly
assassinated. And on each
anniversary since he is fondly remembered. Betty saw JFK 56 years ago during his 1960 presidential
campaign trip through Austin, Texas, where we then lived.
days later in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 22, 1963, JFK was shockingly
assassinated. And on each
anniversary since he is fondly remembered. Betty saw JFK 56 years ago during his 1960 presidential
campaign trip through Austin, Texas, where we then lived.
Betty: Assassinated JFK instantly became a
martyred legend, studied and re-studied to find what made him so
memorable. Admirers’ answer in one
word: HOPE. His soaring speeches, his charismatic personality, his uplifting
vision spread hope for peace worldwide.
martyred legend, studied and re-studied to find what made him so
memorable. Admirers’ answer in one
word: HOPE. His soaring speeches, his charismatic personality, his uplifting
vision spread hope for peace worldwide.
Frank: JFK’s assassination spread JFK myths and legends in thousands of
JFK books, articles, and films. He is revered at over 1,200 worldwide JFK-named
schools, institutes, streets, parks, squares, eternal flames, and other
memorials. 3
JFK books, articles, and films. He is revered at over 1,200 worldwide JFK-named
schools, institutes, streets, parks, squares, eternal flames, and other
memorials. 3
Betty: JFK is
remembered for his proposal to send astronauts to the moon and back. Now the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration plans to take earthlings to Mars sometime in the 2030s.4
remembered for his proposal to send astronauts to the moon and back. Now the National Aeronautics and Space
Administration plans to take earthlings to Mars sometime in the 2030s.4
Frank:
The real JFK was far from perfect. But in his short presidency he gave us hope
of attaining a better USA in a better world.
The real JFK was far from perfect. But in his short presidency he gave us hope
of attaining a better USA in a better world.
Betty: The real
JFK remains a puzzle. Critics
label him a fraud, a serial womanizer, over rated, over glamorized. Admirers say he brightened the world
with his optimism, lofty speeches, beautiful wife, children, and mystique.
JFK remains a puzzle. Critics
label him a fraud, a serial womanizer, over rated, over glamorized. Admirers say he brightened the world
with his optimism, lofty speeches, beautiful wife, children, and mystique.
Frank: That’s
why the public is always curious about him. That’s why we seek the real JFK, a sickly boy grown up, in
pain much of his life, pushed by an authoritarian father to become U.S.
president.
why the public is always curious about him. That’s why we seek the real JFK, a sickly boy grown up, in
pain much of his life, pushed by an authoritarian father to become U.S.
president.
Betty: We
searched for the real JFK from his childhood through his school and college
years to his last almost 21 years in U.S. government service: 4 years the Navy
(1941-45), plus 14 years in Congress: 6 years in the House of Representatives,
8 years in the Senate, 1953-60, plus U.S. President 1,037 days, just under 3
years
searched for the real JFK from his childhood through his school and college
years to his last almost 21 years in U.S. government service: 4 years the Navy
(1941-45), plus 14 years in Congress: 6 years in the House of Representatives,
8 years in the Senate, 1953-60, plus U.S. President 1,037 days, just under 3
years
Frank: Then, in Dallas, Texas, JFK shot dead, universal grief, little
John John saluting his father’s casket.4-1
John John saluting his father’s casket.4-1
Betty: What were
JFK’s successes, failures, motives, sins, dreams? How do we explain this
complex man?
JFK’s successes, failures, motives, sins, dreams? How do we explain this
complex man?
Frank: JFK was shaped by his dictatorial father, Joseph Patrick Kennedy,
Sr., who pushed his 9 children to be first and best. Joe Sr., growing up in
East Boston, Mass., fighting then prevalent anti-Irish prejudice, skirted the
law to become increasingly rich, powerful, and influential. Why? To rise, to
become U.S. President himself.
When that failed, his drive was to see his first-born son, Joe Jr.,
become president. When Joe Jr. died in World War 2, Joe Kennedy determined to
win the presidency for second son JFK.
Sr., who pushed his 9 children to be first and best. Joe Sr., growing up in
East Boston, Mass., fighting then prevalent anti-Irish prejudice, skirted the
law to become increasingly rich, powerful, and influential. Why? To rise, to
become U.S. President himself.
When that failed, his drive was to see his first-born son, Joe Jr.,
become president. When Joe Jr. died in World War 2, Joe Kennedy determined to
win the presidency for second son JFK.
Betty: Sickly
JFK, boy and man, five times given last rites for the dying, hid his pain
behind good looks and charm.
Little JFK admired, looked up to, yet competed with first-born Joe Jr.,
much favored, molded by Joe Sr. as future president.
JFK, boy and man, five times given last rites for the dying, hid his pain
behind good looks and charm.
Little JFK admired, looked up to, yet competed with first-born Joe Jr.,
much favored, molded by Joe Sr. as future president.
Frank: Joe Jr., died Aug. 12, 1944, piloting a dynamite-loaded plane,
which exploded targeting a Nazi buzz-bomb launch site in Nazi-occupied France.
Then Joe, Sr. thrust the presidential quest onto sickly, carefree JFK.
which exploded targeting a Nazi buzz-bomb launch site in Nazi-occupied France.
Then Joe, Sr. thrust the presidential quest onto sickly, carefree JFK.
Betty: President Kennedy faced
big crises in his short presidency: First, the April 1961 failed Bay of Pigs,
Cuba, invasion. The invaders, CIA
trained, led by Cuban anti-Castro dissidents living in Florida, was planned
under Pres. Eisenhower. Military
and CIA experts assured Kennedy the invasion would succeed.
big crises in his short presidency: First, the April 1961 failed Bay of Pigs,
Cuba, invasion. The invaders, CIA
trained, led by Cuban anti-Castro dissidents living in Florida, was planned
under Pres. Eisenhower. Military
and CIA experts assured Kennedy the invasion would succeed.
Frank: When it failed, Pres. Kennedy was horrified that he had listened
to his advisors, took full blame, privately realizing, too late, that his CIA
and Pentagon Joint Chiefs of Staff had set him up. They deliberately told new Pres. Kennedy that the invaders
would succeed; that Pres. Kennedy as Commander in Chief should order US bomber
support so that Cuba could be retaken.
What these war hawk advisors did not tell JFK was: we set the invasion
up to fail so that Russia would retaliate; so that the USA, now more powerful,
can obliterate Russian communism forever. Pres. JFK knew he faced a possible
horrendous nuclear World War 3.
to his advisors, took full blame, privately realizing, too late, that his CIA
and Pentagon Joint Chiefs of Staff had set him up. They deliberately told new Pres. Kennedy that the invaders
would succeed; that Pres. Kennedy as Commander in Chief should order US bomber
support so that Cuba could be retaken.
What these war hawk advisors did not tell JFK was: we set the invasion
up to fail so that Russia would retaliate; so that the USA, now more powerful,
can obliterate Russian communism forever. Pres. JFK knew he faced a possible
horrendous nuclear World War 3.
Betty: At home, the civil rights movement
burst upon the national scene with sit-ins, Freedom Rides, protest marches,
clashes between black protesters and the police. JFK was slow to help oppressed
blacks. Why?
burst upon the national scene with sit-ins, Freedom Rides, protest marches,
clashes between black protesters and the police. JFK was slow to help oppressed
blacks. Why?
Frank: Because
JFK’s 1960 presidential win was the slimmest in U.S. history. He barely won;
even with father Joe, Sr.’s buying illegal votes for him in Chicago and West
Va. JFK needed conservative Southern votes to win his intended 1964 reelection.
His other first term problems besides Civil Right protesters were: 1-a rising
jobless rate, and 2-awesome USA-USSR Cold War clashes. Those problems made him cautious about
alienating Southern white segregationists.
JFK’s 1960 presidential win was the slimmest in U.S. history. He barely won;
even with father Joe, Sr.’s buying illegal votes for him in Chicago and West
Va. JFK needed conservative Southern votes to win his intended 1964 reelection.
His other first term problems besides Civil Right protesters were: 1-a rising
jobless rate, and 2-awesome USA-USSR Cold War clashes. Those problems made him cautious about
alienating Southern white segregationists.
Betty: Two events
led President JFK to aid protesting African Americans and won him black votes.
First: Martin Luther King, Jr., jailed in a remote Georgia prison, was likely
to be beaten to death. JFK phoned King’s wife Coretta to say that Attorney
General Bobby Kennedy, JFK’s brother, had ordered that Georgia authorities free
King.
led President JFK to aid protesting African Americans and won him black votes.
First: Martin Luther King, Jr., jailed in a remote Georgia prison, was likely
to be beaten to death. JFK phoned King’s wife Coretta to say that Attorney
General Bobby Kennedy, JFK’s brother, had ordered that Georgia authorities free
King.
Frank: Second
event was Martin Luther King, Jr.’s galvanizing August
28, 1963, March on Washington “I have a Dream” speech which impressed a
near tearful Pres. JFK.
event was Martin Luther King, Jr.’s galvanizing August
28, 1963, March on Washington “I have a Dream” speech which impressed a
near tearful Pres. JFK.
Betty: JFK’s
Civil Rights bill, introduced June 11, 1963, blocked in Congress by die-hard
Southern conservatives, was not passed until JFK’s successor, President Lyndon
Johnson (1908-73), a masterful congressional manipulator, pushed it through
with other JFK legislative proposals through Congress. How did Pres. Johnson do it? By appealing to Congress’s and
the public’s great sorrow for the assassinated JFK.
Civil Rights bill, introduced June 11, 1963, blocked in Congress by die-hard
Southern conservatives, was not passed until JFK’s successor, President Lyndon
Johnson (1908-73), a masterful congressional manipulator, pushed it through
with other JFK legislative proposals through Congress. How did Pres. Johnson do it? By appealing to Congress’s and
the public’s great sorrow for the assassinated JFK.
Frank: USA-USSR
Cold War competition, a clash of ideologies, involved the drive to be first in
space. Russia’s Sputnik went up first, but JFK proposed sending men to the
moon and returning them.
Cold War competition, a clash of ideologies, involved the drive to be first in
space. Russia’s Sputnik went up first, but JFK proposed sending men to the
moon and returning them.
Betty Another
Cold War problem was how to stop USSR from communizing colonial people who were
seeking independence from their European masters. Communism was making serious
inroads in colonial countries whose leaders sought independence in Africa,
Latin America, and Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam.
Cold War problem was how to stop USSR from communizing colonial people who were
seeking independence from their European masters. Communism was making serious
inroads in colonial countries whose leaders sought independence in Africa,
Latin America, and Southeast Asia, especially Vietnam.
Frank: JFK’s most crucial Cold War problems
were: 1- Russian-built Berlin Wall, August 13, 1961, to keep
Communist-controlled East Germans from escaping into the free West. And, 2-October 1962 Russian-built
missile sites in Cuba capable of wiping out the eastern USA.
were: 1- Russian-built Berlin Wall, August 13, 1961, to keep
Communist-controlled East Germans from escaping into the free West. And, 2-October 1962 Russian-built
missile sites in Cuba capable of wiping out the eastern USA.
Betty:
Interruption, Frank, a question: many will wonder how we amateurs have gathered
information about John F. Kennedy?
Interruption, Frank, a question: many will wonder how we amateurs have gathered
information about John F. Kennedy?
Frank: Our
last year’s book review. titled “The Tumultuous 1960s…,” told of Pres. JFK’s
challenges: minority protests for equal rights at home plus abroad USA-USSR
Cold War crises in Berlin, Cuba,Vietnam.6
last year’s book review. titled “The Tumultuous 1960s…,” told of Pres. JFK’s
challenges: minority protests for equal rights at home plus abroad USA-USSR
Cold War crises in Berlin, Cuba,Vietnam.6
Betty: Earlier we
explored JFK in our 2009 review titled: “The Kennedys of Massachusetts,”7 We
learned much about JFK, knew that JFK’s prime shaper was his father, Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Sr., knew that another
key influence was JFK’s mother, Rose Kennedy (ftnt1890-1995, died age 105), who, having to live with open womanizer Joe,
Sr., was often away from home, often neglecting bedridden JFK and the other
children.
explored JFK in our 2009 review titled: “The Kennedys of Massachusetts,”7 We
learned much about JFK, knew that JFK’s prime shaper was his father, Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Sr., knew that another
key influence was JFK’s mother, Rose Kennedy (ftnt1890-1995, died age 105), who, having to live with open womanizer Joe,
Sr., was often away from home, often neglecting bedridden JFK and the other
children.
Frank: That
sickly schoolboy JFK missed motherly care. At Choate school, Wallingford, CT,
JFK reportedly said to his roommate: my mother is a nothing, recalling when
from the school’s infirmary sick bed he had admonished his mother, about to
depart on a trip, with something like:
Fine mother you are, always leaving us when we need you. FTNT?
sickly schoolboy JFK missed motherly care. At Choate school, Wallingford, CT,
JFK reportedly said to his roommate: my mother is a nothing, recalling when
from the school’s infirmary sick bed he had admonished his mother, about to
depart on a trip, with something like:
Fine mother you are, always leaving us when we need you. FTNT?
Betty: Another
key factor shaping JFK was his lifelong poor health, hidden from the public for
political reasons. They complicated his political career, led him to seek quack
treatments, and to ease excruciating pain with sexual excesses.
key factor shaping JFK was his lifelong poor health, hidden from the public for
political reasons. They complicated his political career, led him to seek quack
treatments, and to ease excruciating pain with sexual excesses.
Frank: Still
another powerful shaping factor was JFK’s guilt feeling that his older brother
Joe Jr. might have volunteered for his fatal secret mission to outdo JFK’s
earlier much publicized PT Boat 109 heroism. Joe Jr. and younger JFK always tried to best each other.11 and 12
another powerful shaping factor was JFK’s guilt feeling that his older brother
Joe Jr. might have volunteered for his fatal secret mission to outdo JFK’s
earlier much publicized PT Boat 109 heroism. Joe Jr. and younger JFK always tried to best each other.11 and 12
Betty: JFK’s last
shaping factor came from within, ennobled him for all time; it was the heart
and soul of the real JFK--what was it?
shaping factor came from within, ennobled him for all time; it was the heart
and soul of the real JFK--what was it?
Frank: Betty,
John Kennedy grew in understanding.
He changed from a moderate anti-communist member of the U.S. House,
then U.S. Senate to a
peace-seeking U.S. President. To save the world from nuclear catastrophe during
the Cuban missile crisis and other Soviet encounters, JFK did the unexpected.
He secretly went over the heads of his own diplomats, CIA, and Pentagon
advisors. He sent secret messages by trusted intermediaries to and received
replies from USSR’s Nikita Khrushchev.
John Kennedy grew in understanding.
He changed from a moderate anti-communist member of the U.S. House,
then U.S. Senate to a
peace-seeking U.S. President. To save the world from nuclear catastrophe during
the Cuban missile crisis and other Soviet encounters, JFK did the unexpected.
He secretly went over the heads of his own diplomats, CIA, and Pentagon
advisors. He sent secret messages by trusted intermediaries to and received
replies from USSR’s Nikita Khrushchev.
Betty: He did it
after seeing aerial photographs of Russian nuclear missile sites being built in
Cuba, 90 miles from Florida.
after seeing aerial photographs of Russian nuclear missile sites being built in
Cuba, 90 miles from Florida.
Frank: He
did it when his military advisors urged, insisted that as Commander in Chief he
approve bombing the missile sites in Cuba. JFK, certain that the Russian would
retaliate, decided firmly, NO. We
must not destroy humanity and our planet with nuclear war.
did it when his military advisors urged, insisted that as Commander in Chief he
approve bombing the missile sites in Cuba. JFK, certain that the Russian would
retaliate, decided firmly, NO. We
must not destroy humanity and our planet with nuclear war.
Betty: JFK first thought of an embargo,
stopping all Soviet ships to Cuba. But an embargo is an act of war. He chose instead a less aggressive,
softer solution, a quarantine by USA warships to stop and search any USSR ship
headed toward Cuba believed to be carrying missiles.
stopping all Soviet ships to Cuba. But an embargo is an act of war. He chose instead a less aggressive,
softer solution, a quarantine by USA warships to stop and search any USSR ship
headed toward Cuba believed to be carrying missiles.
Frank: Luckily, the quarantine gave
Khrushchev time to receive and ponder JFK’s sincerity about a solution fair to
both sides: JFK to pledge in a public speech not to invade Cuba. Khrushchev to
remove the Cuba missiles aimed at the USA. Later, quietly the U.S. would remove
USA missiles in Turkey aimed at the USSR.
Khrushchev time to receive and ponder JFK’s sincerity about a solution fair to
both sides: JFK to pledge in a public speech not to invade Cuba. Khrushchev to
remove the Cuba missiles aimed at the USA. Later, quietly the U.S. would remove
USA missiles in Turkey aimed at the USSR.
Betty: Tell me,
Frank, did JFK’s resentful military, CIA, State Department hard-liners actually
scheme to eliminate JFK?
Frank, did JFK’s resentful military, CIA, State Department hard-liners actually
scheme to eliminate JFK?
Frank: Many
historians believe so. JFK knew
that undercover CIA agents were involved in cover-up killing of believed
pro-Communist, independence-seeking leaders like Congo’s Pres. Patrice Lumumba
and others. Knowing that highly
placed U.S. agents had secretly killed before, JFK sensed that he might be
targeted. Many historians believe that JFK’s peacemaking that led to his
assassination.
historians believe so. JFK knew
that undercover CIA agents were involved in cover-up killing of believed
pro-Communist, independence-seeking leaders like Congo’s Pres. Patrice Lumumba
and others. Knowing that highly
placed U.S. agents had secretly killed before, JFK sensed that he might be
targeted. Many historians believe that JFK’s peacemaking that led to his
assassination.
Frank: Now,
before we shift to key JFK biographical events, we briefly mention the best
books we used.
before we shift to key JFK biographical events, we briefly mention the best
books we used.
Author, title, date, Significance
Betty: 1. Robert F. Dallek, An Unfinished Life:
John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963. NY: Little, Brown and
Co., 2003, critics cite it as the best one volume book on JFK In church
library.
John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963. NY: Little, Brown and
Co., 2003, critics cite it as the best one volume book on JFK In church
library.
Frank: 2. James W. Douglass, JFK and the Unthinkable:
Why He Died and Why It Matters. NY: Simon & Schuster, 2008, Author is Catholic peace
disciple of peace-seeking monastic writer Thomas Merton, Gethsemani, KY.
Why He Died and Why It Matters. NY: Simon & Schuster, 2008, Author is Catholic peace
disciple of peace-seeking monastic writer Thomas Merton, Gethsemani, KY.
Betty: 3. Hersh, Seymour M. Hersh, The
Dark Side of Camelot. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1997, journalist uncovered
JFK’s many sins.
Dark Side of Camelot. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1997, journalist uncovered
JFK’s many sins.
Frank: 4. James W.
Hilty, Robert Kennedy; Brother Protector.
Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1997, how Bobby as U.S. Attorney
General and JFK worked so well together.
Hilty, Robert Kennedy; Brother Protector.
Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 1997, how Bobby as U.S. Attorney
General and JFK worked so well together.
Betty: 5. Gareth Jenkins, John F. Kennedy Handbook. NY: St. Martin’s Press, March 1, 2006,
rich in JFK photos at practically every age.
rich in JFK photos at practically every age.
Frank: 6. Larry J. Sabato, The Kennedy Half
Century: The Presidency, Assassination, and Lasting Legacy of John F. Kennedy. NY: Bloomsbury, 2013, especially good
on how JFK’s 9 succeeding U.S. presidents of both parties quoted JFK to support
their various different political approaches.
Century: The Presidency, Assassination, and Lasting Legacy of John F. Kennedy. NY: Bloomsbury, 2013, especially good
on how JFK’s 9 succeeding U.S. presidents of both parties quoted JFK to support
their various different political approaches.
Frank: NOW to JFK’s biographical
highlights by Date and Event.
highlights by Date and Event.
Betty: (May 29,
1917): JFK born and lived first 10
years in Brookline section of Boston, Mass. Kennedys then lived in more exclusive Bronxville, New York
City, 3 years; moved again to Riverdale, N.Y. JFK attended best nearby private schools.
1917): JFK born and lived first 10
years in Brookline section of Boston, Mass. Kennedys then lived in more exclusive Bronxville, New York
City, 3 years; moved again to Riverdale, N.Y. JFK attended best nearby private schools.
Frank: Growing
up during the 1930s Great Depression, JFK knew little about it, read about it
later in college. With his father Joe, Sr. often away in Hollywood making films
and money, and his mother regularly in Europe or elsewhere, servants cared for
the children, with Joe, Jr., at meals sitting at the head of the table.
up during the 1930s Great Depression, JFK knew little about it, read about it
later in college. With his father Joe, Sr. often away in Hollywood making films
and money, and his mother regularly in Europe or elsewhere, servants cared for
the children, with Joe, Jr., at meals sitting at the head of the table.
Betty: (Sept. 1931-35): JFK
attended 9th through 12th grades at Choate School, famous then and since for
educating many prominent Americans.
Older brother Joe Jr., already at Choate, was outstanding in academics
and sports.16
attended 9th through 12th grades at Choate School, famous then and since for
educating many prominent Americans.
Older brother Joe Jr., already at Choate, was outstanding in academics
and sports.16
Frank:
JFK was a mediocre student, but a rapid reader of history and political
biographies. He was mischievous, led rowdy friends who exploded a firecracker
that broke a toilet seat. The
headmaster in chapel held up the broken toilet seat and denounced the
perpetrators.
JFK was a mediocre student, but a rapid reader of history and political
biographies. He was mischievous, led rowdy friends who exploded a firecracker
that broke a toilet seat. The
headmaster in chapel held up the broken toilet seat and denounced the
perpetrators.
Betty: To save JFK from expulsion,
Joe Sr. visited Headmaster George St. John (1859-1947), who told Joe Sr.: Young JFK’s
chief gift is making friends, adding: "When he flashes his smile, he could
charm a bird off a tree,” an early insight into JFK’s winsome personality.
Joe Sr. visited Headmaster George St. John (1859-1947), who told Joe Sr.: Young JFK’s
chief gift is making friends, adding: "When he flashes his smile, he could
charm a bird off a tree,” an early insight into JFK’s winsome personality.
Frank: JFK’s later speeches contained striking insights from Choate
Headmaster George St. John’s powerful chapel messages. Example: Headmaster St. John; “Ask not what Choate can do for you,
ask what you can do for Choate,” used by JFK in his Presidential Inaugural as:
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for [your
country.”17
Headmaster George St. John’s powerful chapel messages. Example: Headmaster St. John; “Ask not what Choate can do for you,
ask what you can do for Choate,” used by JFK in his Presidential Inaugural as:
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for [your
country.”17
Betty: (1934): JFK,
often ill at Choate, was sent to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., diagnosed with
colitis, another lifelong problem.
often ill at Choate, was sent to Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., diagnosed with
colitis, another lifelong problem.
Frank: (1935):
JFK, a 1935 Choate graduate, age 18, ranked 64th in
class of 112. Later that year JFK took his first trip abroad with his parents.
He intended studying at London School of Economics as Joe, Jr. had done. But
illness forced JFK’s return home.
JFK, a 1935 Choate graduate, age 18, ranked 64th in
class of 112. Later that year JFK took his first trip abroad with his parents.
He intended studying at London School of Economics as Joe, Jr. had done. But
illness forced JFK’s return home.
Betty: (Fall 1936-1940): JFK attended Harvard
College, ages 19-23, from which his father and Joe Jr. graduated. Joe Sr., then U.S. ambassador to
England (1938 to 40), during Harvard holidays and other breaks, sent Joe, Jr.
and JFK as investigating aides to U.S. Embassies in Europe, where they learned
much about Hitler’s Nazi Germany, Stalin’s USSR, Franco’s Spain.
College, ages 19-23, from which his father and Joe Jr. graduated. Joe Sr., then U.S. ambassador to
England (1938 to 40), during Harvard holidays and other breaks, sent Joe, Jr.
and JFK as investigating aides to U.S. Embassies in Europe, where they learned
much about Hitler’s Nazi Germany, Stalin’s USSR, Franco’s Spain.
Frank:Having
gathered much inside information about pre-World War 2 Europe, JFK wrote his
Harvard senior thesis on “Appeasement at Munich,” about why Britain was
unprepared for WW 2. Joe Sr. paid New York Times
journalist Arthur Krock to rewrite the thesis, published as Why England
Slept. Through Krock’s influence it became a New York Times
best seller.
FTNT?
gathered much inside information about pre-World War 2 Europe, JFK wrote his
Harvard senior thesis on “Appeasement at Munich,” about why Britain was
unprepared for WW 2. Joe Sr. paid New York Times
journalist Arthur Krock to rewrite the thesis, published as Why England
Slept. Through Krock’s influence it became a New York Times
best seller.
FTNT?
Betty: (1941-42): Joe Jr. enlisted early
as a Navy flyer. The Army twice
rejected JFK because of his health. Joe, Sr. maneuvered JFK into U.S. Naval
officer training, somehow bypassing a physical exam.
as a Navy flyer. The Army twice
rejected JFK because of his health. Joe, Sr. maneuvered JFK into U.S. Naval
officer training, somehow bypassing a physical exam.
Frank: (1942-44):
When JFK’s PT Boat 109 was cut in half by a speeding Japanese destroyer on a
dark night in the Solomon Islands, South Pacific, JFK saved the lives of his 11
crew members. He suffered a lower back injury, which plagued him the rest of
his life. Joe Sr. had major U.S. magazine publish articles about JFK’s heroim. Older brother Joe Jr.’s Aug. 12, 1944,
death on a secret Navy mission piloting a dynamite-filled plane haunted JFK,
who feared that his own much publicized PT Boat 109 heroism had prompted his
brother to risk the hazardous mission on which he died.
When JFK’s PT Boat 109 was cut in half by a speeding Japanese destroyer on a
dark night in the Solomon Islands, South Pacific, JFK saved the lives of his 11
crew members. He suffered a lower back injury, which plagued him the rest of
his life. Joe Sr. had major U.S. magazine publish articles about JFK’s heroim. Older brother Joe Jr.’s Aug. 12, 1944,
death on a secret Navy mission piloting a dynamite-filled plane haunted JFK,
who feared that his own much publicized PT Boat 109 heroism had prompted his
brother to risk the hazardous mission on which he died.
Betty: (1945-46): JFK, discharged from the Navy (March 1, 1945), was hired as
a journalist by his father’s friend William Randolph Hearst to cover the United
Nations’ birth in San Francisco, and then to cover politics in Britain.
a journalist by his father’s friend William Randolph Hearst to cover the United
Nations’ birth in San Francisco, and then to cover politics in Britain.
Frank: (June
17, 1946): JFK, age 29, gaunt, still suffering from his war wounds and his bad
back, won his first election to the U.S. House of Representatives, assembled a
competent staff, met constituents’ needs, and prepared for his upward political
climb.
17, 1946): JFK, age 29, gaunt, still suffering from his war wounds and his bad
back, won his first election to the U.S. House of Representatives, assembled a
competent staff, met constituents’ needs, and prepared for his upward political
climb.
Betty: (Fall 1947):
JFK, age 30, ill in London, was for the first time accurately diagnosed with
Addison’s disease, a hormonal disorder that causes fatigue, weakens the immune
system, usually leads to early death. Joe Sr. arranged that all JFK’s medical
records in various physicians’ offices be kept under assumed names.18
JFK’s Addison’s disease, kept from public notice, plagued JFK the rest of his
life.
JFK, age 30, ill in London, was for the first time accurately diagnosed with
Addison’s disease, a hormonal disorder that causes fatigue, weakens the immune
system, usually leads to early death. Joe Sr. arranged that all JFK’s medical
records in various physicians’ offices be kept under assumed names.18
JFK’s Addison’s disease, kept from public notice, plagued JFK the rest of his
life.
Frank: (1948-1952):
JFK re-elected to the House of Representatives second term then third term. In 1952 JFK, grandson of low class
“shanty Irish,” ran for the U.S. Senate against Boston’s highest upper class
Brahman Republican incumbent U.S. Senator Henry Cabot Lodge II (1901-85). Lodge later laughingly said: I was
beaten by those damned Kennedy ladies (JFK’s mother, sisters, Democratic women
activists), by their ‘Vote for Kennedy’ teas and coffees held all over
Massachusetts.
JFK re-elected to the House of Representatives second term then third term. In 1952 JFK, grandson of low class
“shanty Irish,” ran for the U.S. Senate against Boston’s highest upper class
Brahman Republican incumbent U.S. Senator Henry Cabot Lodge II (1901-85). Lodge later laughingly said: I was
beaten by those damned Kennedy ladies (JFK’s mother, sisters, Democratic women
activists), by their ‘Vote for Kennedy’ teas and coffees held all over
Massachusetts.
Betty: (Sept. 12,
1953): U.S. Senator JFK, age 36, intent on becoming president, needing a wife,
married beautiful Jacqueline Bouvier (1929-94), at age 24 12 years younger, the
elder daughter of a Wall Street stockbroker. Jackie attended Vassar, spent her
junior year at French universities, and received her degree from George
Washington University, majoring in French Literature.
1953): U.S. Senator JFK, age 36, intent on becoming president, needing a wife,
married beautiful Jacqueline Bouvier (1929-94), at age 24 12 years younger, the
elder daughter of a Wall Street stockbroker. Jackie attended Vassar, spent her
junior year at French universities, and received her degree from George
Washington University, majoring in French Literature.
Frank: Jackie became a Washington Times-Herald photographer, met JFK at a 1952 dinner party. Like Rose Kennedy
with Joe, Sr., Jackie (whose parents had divorced) was hurt by but quietly
tolerated JFK’s womanizing .
with Joe, Sr., Jackie (whose parents had divorced) was hurt by but quietly
tolerated JFK’s womanizing .
Betty: Jackie became a greatly admired First
Lady. After JFK’s assassination,
she modeled his unforgettable funeral after that of Pres. Lincoln. Later she
asked author Theodore White (1915-86) to write for Life magazine
an article emphasizing that JFK loved listening to recordings of the musical
“Camelot”, particularly its last line: “Don’t let it be forgot, that once there
was a spot, for one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot,” creating the myth of JFK as a
modern knight of Camelot fighting off evil enemies.
Lady. After JFK’s assassination,
she modeled his unforgettable funeral after that of Pres. Lincoln. Later she
asked author Theodore White (1915-86) to write for Life magazine
an article emphasizing that JFK loved listening to recordings of the musical
“Camelot”, particularly its last line: “Don’t let it be forgot, that once there
was a spot, for one brief shining moment, that was known as Camelot,” creating the myth of JFK as a
modern knight of Camelot fighting off evil enemies.
Frank: (Dec 2, 1954): The U.S. Senate voted to censure Wisconsin Republican
Senator Joseph McCarthy (1908-57), whose false charges of government leaders
being communists ruined many careers, JFK was the only Democratic senator not
voting against McCarthy, ostensibly because he was ill in hospital on voting
day. He could have voted by note, phone, or proxy. JFK’s not voting against
McCarthy displeased leading Democrat Eleanor Roosevelt and other liberals to
oppose Kennedy’s 1960 presidential nomination.
Senator Joseph McCarthy (1908-57), whose false charges of government leaders
being communists ruined many careers, JFK was the only Democratic senator not
voting against McCarthy, ostensibly because he was ill in hospital on voting
day. He could have voted by note, phone, or proxy. JFK’s not voting against
McCarthy displeased leading Democrat Eleanor Roosevelt and other liberals to
oppose Kennedy’s 1960 presidential nomination.
Betty: (Dec
2, 1954, Cont’d.): Explanation: JFK probably deliberately missed McCarthy censure vote
because 1-Joe, Sr. was a strong McCarthy supporter, 2-McCarthy dated JFK’s
sister Patricia, 3-JFK’s younger brother Bobby worked as lawyer for McCarthy’s communist
investigation sub-committee. JFK’s not voting: was it a moral lapse or family
loyalty?
2, 1954, Cont’d.): Explanation: JFK probably deliberately missed McCarthy censure vote
because 1-Joe, Sr. was a strong McCarthy supporter, 2-McCarthy dated JFK’s
sister Patricia, 3-JFK’s younger brother Bobby worked as lawyer for McCarthy’s communist
investigation sub-committee. JFK’s not voting: was it a moral lapse or family
loyalty?
Frank: (1954-1956): U.S. Senator JFK, then ages 37-39, aided by
his speechwriter Theodore Sorensen (FTNT1928-2010), wrote his book, Profiles
in Courage, about heroic U.S. senators
who stood steadfast for their principles against majority opinion. Joe Sr. got NewYork Times friend Arthur Krock, leading Pulitzer prize board member, to persuade other
board members to award the 1957 Pulitzer prize to Profiles in Courage, making Kennedy the only president to receive the Pulitzer prize.
his speechwriter Theodore Sorensen (FTNT1928-2010), wrote his book, Profiles
in Courage, about heroic U.S. senators
who stood steadfast for their principles against majority opinion. Joe Sr. got NewYork Times friend Arthur Krock, leading Pulitzer prize board member, to persuade other
board members to award the 1957 Pulitzer prize to Profiles in Courage, making Kennedy the only president to receive the Pulitzer prize.
Betty: (Aug. 16,
1956): At the Democratic National Convention, JFK gained national attention
when he introduced its nominee, Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson (1900-65), who
then asked the convention to choose his vice presidential running mate. JFK, in
the running, lost to Tennessee’s Estes Kefauver, yet JFK’s prominence at that
1956 Democratic convention boosted his candidacy for the 1960 presidential run.
1956): At the Democratic National Convention, JFK gained national attention
when he introduced its nominee, Illinois Gov. Adlai Stevenson (1900-65), who
then asked the convention to choose his vice presidential running mate. JFK, in
the running, lost to Tennessee’s Estes Kefauver, yet JFK’s prominence at that
1956 Democratic convention boosted his candidacy for the 1960 presidential run.
Frank: (1957):
JFK’s brother Bobby became chief prosecutor for the U.S. Senate Rackets
Committee investigating criminal use of labor union retirement funds. Bobby’s
relentless pursuit of Jimmy Hoffa’s (ftnt1913-75) teamsters’ union and mafia
criminal heads, made mafia leaders hate the Kennedys enough to become suspects
in JFK and Bobby assassinations.
JFK’s brother Bobby became chief prosecutor for the U.S. Senate Rackets
Committee investigating criminal use of labor union retirement funds. Bobby’s
relentless pursuit of Jimmy Hoffa’s (ftnt1913-75) teamsters’ union and mafia
criminal heads, made mafia leaders hate the Kennedys enough to become suspects
in JFK and Bobby assassinations.
Betty: (Nov.
27, 1957): JFK’s daughter Caroline Bouvier Kennedy born. She is now U.S. Ambassador to Japan. On Nov 25, 1960, Jackie gave birth to John F. Kennedy, Jr., who
while piloting a private plane died in a 1999 crash.
27, 1957): JFK’s daughter Caroline Bouvier Kennedy born. She is now U.S. Ambassador to Japan. On Nov 25, 1960, Jackie gave birth to John F. Kennedy, Jr., who
while piloting a private plane died in a 1999 crash.
Frank:
(July 13, 1960): JFK won the hard-fought Democratic Convention
battle to become presidential nominee. On father Joe, Sr.’s advice, JFK
chose Texan Lyndon Johnson, JFK’s fiercest competitor, as his vice presidential
running mate to help win Southern conservative votes.
(July 13, 1960): JFK won the hard-fought Democratic Convention
battle to become presidential nominee. On father Joe, Sr.’s advice, JFK
chose Texan Lyndon Johnson, JFK’s fiercest competitor, as his vice presidential
running mate to help win Southern conservative votes.
Betty: (Sept. 12,
1960): Fearing defeat from strong anti-Catholic bias, JFK faced the religious
issue boldly by saying to a Houston, Texas, Protestant ministerial group (Sept.
12, 1960): I do not speak for my Catholic church. My Catholic church does not
speak for me. As U.S. president, my guide will be the U.S. Constitution, not my
church. JFK received a standing ovation, largely ending anti-Catholic bias.
1960): Fearing defeat from strong anti-Catholic bias, JFK faced the religious
issue boldly by saying to a Houston, Texas, Protestant ministerial group (Sept.
12, 1960): I do not speak for my Catholic church. My Catholic church does not
speak for me. As U.S. president, my guide will be the U.S. Constitution, not my
church. JFK received a standing ovation, largely ending anti-Catholic bias.
Frank1960: First ever TV presidential debates. Republican
Richard Nixon, better known as
Pres. Eisenhower’s Vice President, with no makeup, was bested by photogenic,
handsome, articulate JFK, who convinced the audience he was competent and ready
to be president. Radio listeners preferred Nixon’s content. JFK won the larger
TV audience. Nixon did not
challenge JFK’s extremely narrow election win, despite talk that father Joe, Sr. bought JFK
votes in Chicago and West Virginia.
Richard Nixon, better known as
Pres. Eisenhower’s Vice President, with no makeup, was bested by photogenic,
handsome, articulate JFK, who convinced the audience he was competent and ready
to be president. Radio listeners preferred Nixon’s content. JFK won the larger
TV audience. Nixon did not
challenge JFK’s extremely narrow election win, despite talk that father Joe, Sr. bought JFK
votes in Chicago and West Virginia.
Betty: (Jan. 20, 1961): JFK Inauguration: freezing sunny winter’s
day, JFK sworn in, then as U.S. President said
famously: “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 the success of liberty.” fTNT?
day, JFK sworn in, then as U.S. President said
famously: “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 the success of liberty.” fTNT?
Frank: Besides these soaring words: “Ask not what your
country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country,” JFK also said
these less remembered lines: “My fellow citizens of the world…ask not what
America can do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
JFK, as he was driven past the reviewing stand, stood, locked eyes with father
Joe, Sr. in the audience, tipped his top hat, tears welled, a moment to
remember.
country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country,” JFK also said
these less remembered lines: “My fellow citizens of the world…ask not what
America can do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”
JFK, as he was driven past the reviewing stand, stood, locked eyes with father
Joe, Sr. in the audience, tipped his top hat, tears welled, a moment to
remember.
Betty: (March 1, 1961): JFK by Executive Order 10924 created
the Peace Corps.
the Peace Corps.
Frank: (March 13, 1961): JFK announced a USA and Latin American
"Alliance for Progress."
"Alliance for Progress."
Betty: (April 16-19, 1961): Joint Chiefs of Staff
military and CIA advisors urged JFK to approve the earlier planned, under Pres.
Eisenhower, Bay of Pigs, Cuba, invasion aimed at overthrowing Castro.
military and CIA advisors urged JFK to approve the earlier planned, under Pres.
Eisenhower, Bay of Pigs, Cuba, invasion aimed at overthrowing Castro.
Frank: (Same, April 16-19, 1961): JFK, though uneasy, accepted CIA
advisers’ assurance that Florida-based U.S. Army-trained anti-Castro Cubans
would invade Cuba and install a government friendly to the US. JFK was shocked
when an alerted superior Castro defense force killed over 200 and imprisoned
1,197 invaders (later freed when U.S. paid a large sum for medicine needed by
Cuban children).
advisers’ assurance that Florida-based U.S. Army-trained anti-Castro Cubans
would invade Cuba and install a government friendly to the US. JFK was shocked
when an alerted superior Castro defense force killed over 200 and imprisoned
1,197 invaders (later freed when U.S. paid a large sum for medicine needed by
Cuban children).
Betty: (Same, April
16-19, 1961): JFK
took full responsibility for the failed invasion but increasingly feared the
military. This failed Cuban invasion plus other later JFK peace-seeking moves,
many believe, triggered angers leading to the assassinations of both JFK and
Bobby.
16-19, 1961): JFK
took full responsibility for the failed invasion but increasingly feared the
military. This failed Cuban invasion plus other later JFK peace-seeking moves,
many believe, triggered angers leading to the assassinations of both JFK and
Bobby.
Frank: (May 25, 1961): JFK announced plans to land a man on the moon by
the end of the decade and return him to earth.
the end of the decade and return him to earth.
Betty: (May 31-June 3, 1961): JFK and
Jackie in Paris, talks with Pres. Charles DeGaulle who told JFK what to expect
in his planned talks with Khrushchev.
Jackie charmed the French with her beauty and mastery of the French
language.
Jackie in Paris, talks with Pres. Charles DeGaulle who told JFK what to expect
in his planned talks with Khrushchev.
Jackie charmed the French with her beauty and mastery of the French
language.
Frank: (June 3-4, 1961): JFK-Nikita Khrushchev talks in Vienna, Austria,
went badly for JFK. Khrushchev was belligerent, as JFK later privately told
brother Bobby: “Khrushchev thought me young, inexperienced, naïve, weak;
he wiped the floor with me.” FTNT
went badly for JFK. Khrushchev was belligerent, as JFK later privately told
brother Bobby: “Khrushchev thought me young, inexperienced, naïve, weak;
he wiped the floor with me.” FTNT
Betty: (August 13,
1961): Khrushchev built the Berlin Wall to stop East Germans from fleeing
to the free West. The Wall was a direct challenge to the three Allies (U.S.,
France, Britain) controlling the other sectors of Berlin.
1961): Khrushchev built the Berlin Wall to stop East Germans from fleeing
to the free West. The Wall was a direct challenge to the three Allies (U.S.,
France, Britain) controlling the other sectors of Berlin.
Frank: (Dec. 19, 1961): Joe Sr. suffered a stroke, partially paralyzed,
wheelchair bound, unable to speak except for a guttural drawn-out “Nooo.”
wheelchair bound, unable to speak except for a guttural drawn-out “Nooo.”
Betty: (March 1962):
JFK forced the steel industry to eliminate a price increase, which would have
hurt the economy.
JFK forced the steel industry to eliminate a price increase, which would have
hurt the economy.
Frank: (Oct. 16-28, 1962):
U.S.A. photos of Soviet nuclear missile sites in Cuba led to the Cuban Missile
Crisis. JFK’s naval quarantine of Cuba, and JFK’s secret contacts with
Khrushchev avoided nuclear war. Bobby Kennedy shared these secret negotiations
with Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin (1919-2010) in Washington, DC, to
assure that the secret messages reached Khrushchev.51Ftnt:
U.S.A. photos of Soviet nuclear missile sites in Cuba led to the Cuban Missile
Crisis. JFK’s naval quarantine of Cuba, and JFK’s secret contacts with
Khrushchev avoided nuclear war. Bobby Kennedy shared these secret negotiations
with Soviet Ambassador Anatoly Dobrynin (1919-2010) in Washington, DC, to
assure that the secret messages reached Khrushchev.51Ftnt:
Betty: (June 10,
1963): Five
months before his assassination, Pres. JFK gave his masterful peace
speech at American University Commencement, paraphrased: The peace we seek is
not won by weapons of war but by making “life on
earth worth living…[and enablng] men and nations to grow…to hope, …to build a
better life for their children--not merely peace for Americans but peace for
all [the world]--not merely peace in our time but peace [for] all time.”
1963): Five
months before his assassination, Pres. JFK gave his masterful peace
speech at American University Commencement, paraphrased: The peace we seek is
not won by weapons of war but by making “life on
earth worth living…[and enablng] men and nations to grow…to hope, …to build a
better life for their children--not merely peace for Americans but peace for
all [the world]--not merely peace in our time but peace [for] all time.”
Frank: June 26, 1963, Kennedy, after visiting the Berlin Wall, spoke in
a nearby square to 120,000, attacked the communist system, and famously shouted
“Ich bin ein Berliner.”
a nearby square to 120,000, attacked the communist system, and famously shouted
“Ich bin ein Berliner.”
(Aug 5, 1963): JFK-led U.S-Soviet Union-Britain
agreement to a limited nuclear test-ban treaty.
agreement to a limited nuclear test-ban treaty.
Betty: (Nov. 2, 1963): Plan to assassinate JFK in Chicago was
aborted. Told of the plan, JFK canceled his Chicago trip.
aborted. Told of the plan, JFK canceled his Chicago trip.
Frank: (Nov.
22, 1963): JFK, with Jackie, went to Texas to heal a liberal-conservative split
among Texas Democrats whose votes JFK needed for his second term election.
Knowing that other Democratic leaders visiting Texas had been roughly treated,
JFK told Jackie: “We’re headed for nut country.”
22, 1963): JFK, with Jackie, went to Texas to heal a liberal-conservative split
among Texas Democrats whose votes JFK needed for his second term election.
Knowing that other Democratic leaders visiting Texas had been roughly treated,
JFK told Jackie: “We’re headed for nut country.”
Betty: (Nov. 22,
1963, Cont’d.): Despite some heckling signs, JFK was well received in San
Antonio, Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas:
In Dallas, open limousine, cheering crowds, Democratic Gov. Connally’s
wife Nellie, sitting in the front seat looked back, said: “Mr. President, you
can’t say that Dallas doesn’t love you.”
1963, Cont’d.): Despite some heckling signs, JFK was well received in San
Antonio, Houston, Fort Worth, Dallas:
In Dallas, open limousine, cheering crowds, Democratic Gov. Connally’s
wife Nellie, sitting in the front seat looked back, said: “Mr. President, you
can’t say that Dallas doesn’t love you.”
Frank: (Nov.
22, 1963, Cont’d.): Open Limousine slowed, Dealey Plaza, past Texas Book
Depository, Crack! Bullet into back of JFK’s neck, exited his Adam’s apple. JFK
was sped to Parkland Hospital and pronounced dead. Vice Pres. Lyndon Johnson took the Oath of Office, Lady Bird on one
side, and widow Jackie in blood and brain stained pink suit on the other. The world mourned.
22, 1963, Cont’d.): Open Limousine slowed, Dealey Plaza, past Texas Book
Depository, Crack! Bullet into back of JFK’s neck, exited his Adam’s apple. JFK
was sped to Parkland Hospital and pronounced dead. Vice Pres. Lyndon Johnson took the Oath of Office, Lady Bird on one
side, and widow Jackie in blood and brain stained pink suit on the other. The world mourned.
Betty: Frank, our conclusion.
Frank: The real JFK did more in his under
three years’ presidency than many presidents did in their 4 years or 8 years.
We list his major accomplishments:
three years’ presidency than many presidents did in their 4 years or 8 years.
We list his major accomplishments:
Betty: 1-He averted a catastrophic
nuclear conflict in the Oct. 1962, Cuba missile crisis.
nuclear conflict in the Oct. 1962, Cuba missile crisis.
Frank: 2-After calling civil rights a moral
crisis (June 11, 1963), JFK prepared the strongest ever Civil Rights Act and after
JFK’s death Lyndon Johnson won Congressional passage of it.
crisis (June 11, 1963), JFK prepared the strongest ever Civil Rights Act and after
JFK’s death Lyndon Johnson won Congressional passage of it.
Betty: 3-His June 10, 1963,
American University “Peace Speech” prepared the way for the limited (US, USSR,
Britain) nuclear test ban, a milestone toward easing the Cold War.
American University “Peace Speech” prepared the way for the limited (US, USSR,
Britain) nuclear test ban, a milestone toward easing the Cold War.
Frank; 4-His
Sept. 12, 1960, Houston Texas, address to Protestant ministers on separation of
church and state helped perpetuate the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution
and answered forever that a Catholic can be president.
Sept. 12, 1960, Houston Texas, address to Protestant ministers on separation of
church and state helped perpetuate the first amendment of the U.S. Constitution
and answered forever that a Catholic can be president.
Betty: 5-His January 20, 1961,
Inaugural “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for
your country,” ranks with Franklin Roosevelt’s 1933 “We have nothing to fear
but fear itself” speech in extending hope and courage in troubled times. These
two are the most remembered 20th century inaugural addresses.
Inaugural “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for
your country,” ranks with Franklin Roosevelt’s 1933 “We have nothing to fear
but fear itself” speech in extending hope and courage in troubled times. These
two are the most remembered 20th century inaugural addresses.
Frank: 6,
last: His founding of the Peace Corps, March 1, 1961, is a lasting legacy which
if duplicated by other countries would
help upliift more and more of the world’s needy, poor, sick, troubled, marginal people everywhere.
last: His founding of the Peace Corps, March 1, 1961, is a lasting legacy which
if duplicated by other countries would
help upliift more and more of the world’s needy, poor, sick, troubled, marginal people everywhere.
Three short John
Fitzgerald Kennedy quotes:
Fitzgerald Kennedy quotes:
1-Let us not seek the
Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.
Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer.
2-Mankind must put an
end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
-3=We are tied to the
ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we
are going back from whence we came.
ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we
are going back from whence we came.
I end with what Kennedy’s closest advisor, speechwriter Theodore
Sorenson, said on hearing of
JFK’s death:
Sorenson, said on hearing of
JFK’s death:
"How
could you leave us, how could you die? We are sheep without a shepherd
could you leave us, how could you die? We are sheep without a shepherd
when
the snow shuts out the sky.”
the snow shuts out the sky.”
Thank you, our audience for being here. We couldn’t have done it without you Bless all in this
house. END. (Footnotes in preparation as of June10, 1016). Email: bfparker@frontiernet.net
house. END. (Footnotes in preparation as of June10, 1016). Email: bfparker@frontiernet.net
(JFK, 1917-63),” Dialogue Given June 20, 2016, 10-11AM, Adshead, Uplands Village,
Pleasant Hill, TN. 38578. bfparker@frontiernet.net (Footnotes
in preparation).
Betty: Our topic is titled: “Searching for the
Real John F. Kennedy (JFK, 1917-63).”
Why? Because JFK as
U.S. President is wrapped in myth, legend, praised by admirers, put down by
critics. Assassinated Nov. 22,
1963, age 46, frozen in time, yet continually re-examined as a key figure in
history. What was the real JFK
like?
Real John F. Kennedy (JFK, 1917-63).”
Why? Because JFK as
U.S. President is wrapped in myth, legend, praised by admirers, put down by
critics. Assassinated Nov. 22,
1963, age 46, frozen in time, yet continually re-examined as a key figure in
history. What was the real JFK
like?
Frank: To many people JFK was and is special: our youngest, most
charismatic president. He
established the Peace Corps (1961), proposed sending Americans to the moon and
back, saved us from nuclear destruction.
When? Oct. 16 to 28, 12
days in 1962. Why and how?
charismatic president. He
established the Peace Corps (1961), proposed sending Americans to the moon and
back, saved us from nuclear destruction.
When? Oct. 16 to 28, 12
days in 1962. Why and how?
Betty: When
USSR’s Khrushchev secretly built nuclear missile sites in Cuba able to
pulverize the eastern US.
President JFK cautiously negotiated a way to have those missiles removed
peacefully, saving the world from nuclear war. Ten months later he led the USA-USSR-Britain
to agree to a partial nuclear test ban treaty, Aug. 5, 1963,1 a
first step toward easing Cold War tensions.
USSR’s Khrushchev secretly built nuclear missile sites in Cuba able to
pulverize the eastern US.
President JFK cautiously negotiated a way to have those missiles removed
peacefully, saving the world from nuclear war. Ten months later he led the USA-USSR-Britain
to agree to a partial nuclear test ban treaty, Aug. 5, 1963,1 a
first step toward easing Cold War tensions.
Frank: When young U.S. President Kennedy was
pushed by war hawks in the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), Pentagon Joint
Chiefs of Staff, and State Dept. toward a nuclear war, he said NO. Those war hawks, knowing JFK’s
intention in his second term to “pulverize the CIA” wanted JFK removed
permanently.
pushed by war hawks in the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency), Pentagon Joint
Chiefs of Staff, and State Dept. toward a nuclear war, he said NO. Those war hawks, knowing JFK’s
intention in his second term to “pulverize the CIA” wanted JFK removed
permanently.
Betty: Little-known even now was
a plan to assassinate JFK in Chicago, Nov. 2, 1963, but JFK, warned in time,
canceled his Chicago trip.
a plan to assassinate JFK in Chicago, Nov. 2, 1963, but JFK, warned in time,
canceled his Chicago trip.
Frank: Twenty
days later in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 22, 1963, JFK was shockingly
assassinated. And on each
anniversary since he
days later in Dallas, Texas, Nov. 22, 1963, JFK was shockingly
assassinated. And on each
anniversary since he
Betty: (June 10,
1963): Five
months before his assassination, Pres. JFK gave his masterful peace
speech at American University Commencement, paraphrased: The peace we seek is
not won by weapons of war but by making “life on
earth worth living…[and enablng] men and nations to grow…to hope, …to build a
better life for their children--not merely peace for Americans but peace for
all [the world]--not merely peace in our time but peace [for] all time.”
1963): Five
months before his assassination, Pres. JFK gave his masterful peace
speech at American University Commencement, paraphrased: The peace we seek is
not won by weapons of war but by making “life on
earth worth living…[and enablng] men and nations to grow…to hope, …to build a
better life for their children--not merely peace for Americans but peace for
all [the world]--not merely peace in our time but peace [for] all time.”
Frank: June 26, 1963, Kennedy, after visiting the Berlin Wall, spoke in
a nearby square to 120,000, attacked the communist system, and famously shouted
“Ich bin ein Berliner.”
a nearby square to 120,000, attacked the communist system, and famously shouted
“Ich bin ein Berliner.”
(Aug 5, 1963): JFK-led U.S-Soviet Union-Britain
agreement to a limited nuclear test-ban treaty.
agreement to a limited nuclear test-ban treaty.
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