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The new president then moved on to argue that the best thing to be done was that of continuing the plan instated by Kennedy, through which he planned on making the United States a better and more prosperous country. "And now the ideas and the ideals which he so nobly represented must and will be translated into effective action" (Johnson). As most political analysis would argue, the continuation of the previous plan is not only a strategy to gaining popularity, but also one which stands the most chances of retrieving successful outcomes, due to consistency and the ability to capitalize on the investments which had already been made.
Johnson continued his speech by appealing to the pride of being an American, which was raised by the reiteration of the American goals, strengths and commitments. The country would continue its efforts to make the world a better place, and would offer its support to friends and allies. "This Nation will keep its commitments from South Viet-Nam to West Berlin. We will be unceasing in the search for peace; resourceful in our pursuit of areas of agreement even with those with whom we differ; and generous and loyal to those who join with us in common cause. […] Those who test our courage will find it strong, and those who seek our friendship will find it honorable. […] We will serve all the Nation, not one section or one sector, or one group, but all Americans....
These are the United States -- a united people with a united purpose" (Johnson).
The new president then revealed a vulnerable side, that of a man mourning the loss of a friend and a great man. And he said that Kennedy's death put the immense burden of presidency upon his shoulders, and that he could not do it alone. By speaking these words, he revealed his human side, getting as such the compassion of the audience, as well as their support and dedication.
A more delicate matter was that of the bill on taxation. He urged that more consideration be given to the voting of the bill, not only as the late president had fought so hard to instate it, but also as it would protect the American economy, and as such the people, from future recessions.
At the time Johnson finished his speech, the audience would have gone through the emotions of grief, to those of national pride, to ambition and eventually to commitment to continuing the plan of Kennedy, as it would now be represented by LBJ. "We meet in grief, but let us also meet in renewed dedication and renewed vigor. Let us meet in action, in tolerance, and in mutual un-derstanding" (Johnson).
References:
Stubbs, J., LBJ Goes to War, Plattsburgh State University, http://faculty.plattsburgh.edu/john.stubbs/pw/page3.html last accessed on January 20, 2010
Lyndon B. Johnson's Let us continue Speech
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