Blog 9: Civil Rights

The President’s Stance: Two-Way Street

            Kennedy says he encouraged people to hold demonstrations if they are unhappy with something, but he wants to make sure that the demonstrations are peaceful.  He also states that people and government need to do something to help fix the reasons that people feel that they need to demonstrate in the first place.

The President’s Stance: 180 Million People

            180 million people elected Kennedy and much of the government officials to take care of the problem that is being demonstrated about.  The problem is not just on the day of the march, but is every day.  Kennedy wants people that are concerned to come to Washington and meet or see their congressmen.

The President’s Stance: Essential Matters

            Kennedy says that the government’s stance on civil rights may indeed be harming his political prestige, but he believes that whoever is president should do what they can to protect the rights of every citizen.

After watching these three video clips of Kennedy, I have become fond of his leadership.  It seemed that Kennedy wanted what was best for the citizens of the United States and not what was best for him, as I think a majority of government officials today do what is best for themselves instead of the people.  Kennedy fully accepted the right of citizens to protest peacefully, instead of being worried or ignoring the people.  Kennedy knew he had to do what was right for everyone even if that meant that he lost prestige, he also thought that is what any president would do if and when they are faced with this issue or a similar one.