Fiercely Proud to be a Liberal: Thanking JFK

[babsbunny]

Fiercely Proud to be a Liberal: Thanking JFK

Submitted by mark karlin on Fri, 11/26/2010 - 8:14am.

http://blog.buzzflash.com/node/11995

BUZZFLASH EDITOR'S BLOG FOR TRUTHOUT BY MARK KARLIN

In a personal sense, like many Americans, I have much to be thankful for: family and friends who enrich me, a healthy life, and the comforts of food, clothing and shelter.

Politically, I am thankful for a September 14, 1960 speech by John F. Kennedy in New York, in which he unapologetically and eloquently declared himself a liberal. His words inspire, energize and give us much to be thankful for as we pursue a just society.

So, I thank a martyred president who didn't look to a mythical "center" to guide his politics, but rather summoned his and our better angels.

Here is some of what JFK said in defense of liberalism, as he ran against Richard Nixon in a defining year for America:

But if by a "Liberal" they mean someone who looks ahead and not behind, someone who welcomes new ideas without rigid reactions, someone who cares about the welfare of the people - their health, their housing, their schools, their jobs, their civil rights, and their civil liberties - someone who believes we can break through the stalemate and suspicions that grip us in our policies abroad, if that is what they mean by a "Liberal," then I'm proud to say I'm a "Liberal."

[EarthFirster]

1. Kennedy = Ron Paul on one issue....

[Merlot]

3. No, not on any issue do they equal.

[Name removed]

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[Merlot]

2. That is one of my favorite quotes. Thank you JFK