MUST READ: JFK’s torch for Obama
By James Carroll | Monday, February 4, 2008 | The Boston Globe
“…John F. Kennedy is remembered as having given an important speech at American University, and that was noted. JFK’s future orientation, his rhetorical flair, his knack for drawing out the young, his own youthfulness – these were the highlighted points of connection between John Kennedy and Barack Obama. But the content of the 1963 speech suggests what really is at stake when a 21st century presidential candidate steps into the aura of the slain president. At American University John Kennedy laid out an urgent vision for this country. He did not live to advance that vision, and it remains unrealized to this day…”…BS
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There are three fallacies here.
First, that Obama is a candidate of peace. No such thing. He has only stated that he is against “stupid wars.” He has saber-rattled at both Iran (in his AIPAC speech) and Pakistan (in broad comments). Like Hillary, he has said that “no option is off the table” in dealing with those who would harm us.
Second, to suggest that JFK’s 1963 speech is what was or is on Ted Kennedy’s mind vis-a-vis his endorsement of Obama is not simply insupportable, it is about as absurd an assumption as anything I have ever heard.
Third, while a nuclear-free world would be wonderful, it is beyond dreaming to think it will happen. In fact, he says “If humans do not change the way we resolve international conflicts, the planet is ultimately doomed to nuclear devastation.” This is all well and good if nuclear weapons remain only in the hands of “states.” However, it is only a matter of time before either (i) a non-state organization gets its hands on a nuclear device (even a low-level one), or (ii) a country with nukes is taken over by extremists of one type or another. Then what?
Peace.
Posted on 04-Feb-08 at 7:56 pm | Permalink