JOHN F. KENNEDY

JOHN F. KENNEDY

Gist:

“Ask not what your country can do for you” was the Inaugural Address delivered by John F. Kennedy the 35^th President of the United States on January 20^th 1961. It was a celebration of freedom symbolizing an end, as well as a beginning signifying renewal besides change. He said that forebears fought for the same revolutionary beliefs of equality for all races, men, religions, irrespective of caste, creed, region and colour. The rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the God.

The American government says Kennedy was committed to the equality of races. That is in all spheres of life, the Negroes would be given equal civil rights along with the Whites. He asserted that the American nation was ready to pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, and oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.

Kennedy the true democrat said that if a free state or society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.

Questions with Answers

1. What does Kennedy mean by forebears?

Kennedy used the word ‘forebears’ in the sense of ancestors who took the same solemn oath prescribed nearly a century and three quarters ago.

2. What was the belief of the forebears?

The belief of the forebears was the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God.

3. Explain the statement ‘the belief that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God’

John F. Kennedy believed that the rights of man come not from the generosity of the state, but from the hand of God. Moreover, civility on both sides of the contending parties is not a sign of weakness. Sincerity is always subject to proof.

4. What was America committed to, according to Kennedy?

America was committed to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty. Aggression will be opposed and America intends to remain the master of its own house.

5. Explain in your own words the meaning of the statement ‘United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures

Co-operative ventures can accomplish many things. Freedom can be protected and poverty can be eradicated. And people can pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship support any friend, oppose any foe and thereby liberty can be well protected in a successful manner.

6. Explain in your own words the meaning of the statement ‘Divided, there is little we can do-for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder’

If there is no unity among people, they will be divided on the basis of colour religion, region, race and ethnicity. They can meet and face boldly a powerful challenge at odds only with unity which strength.

7. Expand the statement ‘If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich’

The poor are in large numbers. If the rich cannot extend their help and co-operation to the needy, they too cannot survive. The wealthy can never afford the wrath of the poor and the downtrodden.