Presidential Speech: Kennedy\'s Inaugural Address Presidential Speech:

PRESIDENTIAL SPEECH: KENNEDY'S INAUGURAL ADDRESS

Presidential Speech: Kennedy

Presidential Speech: Kennedy's Inaugural Address

On January 20, 1961 newly elected president John F. Kennedy delivered his inaugural address to a nation in the midst of an ongoing "Cold War" with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). In order to put this speech in context one must understand that the previous decades may be characterized as politically tense as the associated conflicts between the two super powers intensified. Anti- communist sentiment and fear was high in the wake of congressional hearings, the Red Scare, the McCarthy era, and the nation's reaction to the 1957 launch of Sputnik, a Soviet satellite which signaled a significant development in the Cold War (Dunar, 2006). In this address Kennedy touched on a number of issues that fed this fear and endeavored to bring about a dialog between the east and the west in order to diffuse some of this tension.

Kennedy began his speech with the declaration that the world is very different now. He notes that mankind possessed the ability to both end all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. The tone of the speech was one of hope as he noted the leadership of the nation has been handed to a new generation, born in the twentieth century, hardened by war, and unwilling to acquiesce to those who would undermine our nation's freedoms.

In a clear message to the Soviet Union, the new president spoke of our resolve to "pay any price, bear any burdens, meet any hardship support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty" (Kennedy, 1961). He also reassured our allies that the country will remain a loyal and faithful friend, stating that together there is little we cannot do, but divided there is little can do.

To the third world nations Kennedy offered friendship and support, and warned that in the past those who foolishly rode "the back of the tiger" ended up inside. He pledged the nation would help the people in huts and villages of half the globe help themselves and do whatever was required no matter how long it was required because "if a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich" (Kennedy, 1961). Furthermore, Kennedy stated that the nation would not tolerate aggression or subversion anywhere in the western hemisphere.

Kennedy made a plea for peace before mankind either accidentally or purposefully destroyed itself though the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science. He noted that the arms race was costly for both sides and asked that serious talks concerning inspection and arms control begin. He proposed a new spirit of cooperation between the two superpowers and painted a vision of a world united battle against the common enemies of man, tyranny, poverty, disease, and war. Kennedy declared that this should be a global pursuit and this endeavor will benefit all who serve it. Kennedy told the people that the success of this effort was in their hands, and said, "And so my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country"(Kennedy, 1961).