Introduction
JFK’s inauguration address was a real turning point in American politics. The speech itself covered all the major points that were the root off American problems. The election period had been very divisive with the results coming close but the winner had been identified. It was now time to heal the nation and bring everyone on board to move forward as a United States of America. He started by thanking all those involved in the fight before him to make America a better place. He reminded the people about the problems that they had faced as a country in the past, the wars they had fought from generation to generation. The inaugural address by President Kennedy was all inclusive as he reached out to both friends and foes to join him in the fight to make America a better place. This speech was meant both for the American citizen and the other nations of the world.
The argument brought in by Mr. Kennedy is that the inauguration ceremony was not his victory party but a ceremony to celebrate the freedom of the country signifying change from old to new. Here the President is trying to gain the trust of the citizens by making them feel comfortable as they prepare for his leadership. He makes a claim that man is now in possession of deadly weapons that can be used to wipe out others but he believes that the rights of man do not come from the state but from God. He reminds the people not to forget the first revolution that defined the fate of America and how the torch has been passed from generation to generation. He also addresses other nations of the world both friends and foes about the policy of America to pursue the success of liberty at all costs. He goes ahead to tell the world that they will not back down until the liberty is achieved and anyone against this will have to face them.
The address was meant for two opposing sides with a view of bringing peace between them and avoiding unnecessary tension. “Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction.” This statement shows how committed he was to end the World’s atrocities that had been witnessed in the previous years. The argument here is to promote peace between the country America and other countries around the world. He does not state a clear way on how to achieve this peace but hopes they never have to cross paths with their enemies in pursuit of liberty success. He reminds the world of the US’s commitment to ensuring the rights and sovereignty of all human beings are respected at all costs. He offers a request to American enemies to begin a new quest for peace between them. This shows how committed he was in ensuring peace prevails not only within the country but also between America and other countries.
The challenges President Kennedy makes to the citizens are very important for the success of the nation. The warrant here is how the presidents plead with the citizens to join hands and tackle their problems together. He argues that the success of the country lies not in his hands but on the hands of the citizens of the country. This is somehow true because for a country to succeed depends more on the citizens than it depends on the government of the day. It is the duty of each citizen to participate in building the country both economically and socially. By setting an example to the leadership a country will never go wrong. The country belongs to the citizens and not the leaders nor the rich but for all. When he says “And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” He is encouraging the citizens not to wait for the government to solve their problems rather to embark on solving them on their own.
When he says “My fellow citizens of the world: ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.” President Kennedy is simply telling the countries not to look up to America to help them on their troubles rather to embark on ways in which they can solve these problems on their own. He goes on by urging the world to “ask of us the same high standards of strength and sacrifice which we ask of you.” This statement is very important as it seeks to inform the world that for all that to be achieved they need to show each other mutual respect by not crossing each other’s paths. And he finishes off by telling the world that while here in this world we must try to protect God’s work by making it our own.
Through this speech Mr. Kennedy was able to reach out to several audiences all at once. He addressed the important issues that needed to be addressed all at once. The main intention of this speech was mainly to bring people together both Americans and the world. We can say that he was somehow successful in the speech as it increased the confidence level of every citizen with the government. However much the election was a close call after this address most people felt at ease with his style of leadership. The county was now able to move forward as a united one with a focused president whose main aim was to lead the country to success and prosperity. In the end the speech was a major success addressing all areas of concern to both citizens and the world at large.
Work Cited
Inaugural Addresses of the Presidents of the United States. 1989.Illustrated and annotated edition of all Inaugural addresses from George Washington to George W. Bush. Retrieved from http://www.bartleby.com/124/pres56.html Accessed on 7th February 2014
