Dear CCI Friends,
We live in extraordinary times. Or perhaps, we have not ever moved on from attitudes we hoped had been long buried?
John F. Kennedy contended with the fear of nuclear war with Russia and fought what that fear might lead to forcefully. He also confronted the grave responsibility held by a free press in keeping Americans informed of what their government was doing to face that danger. Do we not live in similar times?
The documentary below explains eloquently President Kennedy’s efforts to improve US Russia relations that led to the peaceful resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis, and to the nuclear test ban treaty. It also explains the resistance that President Kennedy faced from those in his own administration who were opposed to such efforts.
JFK: A President Betrayed
And please consider the following words of President Kennedy as we confront current movements to stifle and even criminalize a free press today.
“No President should fear public scrutiny of his program. For from that scrutiny comes understanding; and from that understanding comes support or opposition.
Without debate, without criticism, no Administration and no country can succeed—and no republic can survive. That is why the Athenian law-maker Solon decreed it a crime for any citizen to shrink from controversy. And that is why our press was protected by the First Amendment—the only business in America specifically protected by the Constitution—not primarily to amuse and entertain, not to emphasize the trivial and the sentimental, not to simply “give the public what it wants”—but to inform, to arouse, to reflect, to state our dangers and our opportunities, to indicate our crises and our choices, to lead, mold, educate and sometimes even anger public opinion.
This means greater coverage and analysis of international news—for it is no longer far away and foreign but close at hand and local. It means greater attention to improved understanding of the news as well as improved transmission. And it means, finally, that government at all levels, must meet its obligation to provide you with the fullest possible information outside the narrowest limits of national security–and we intend to do it.”
JOHN F. KENNEDY, “ADDRESS: THE PRESIDENT AND THE PRESS” (27 APRIL 1961)
As always, your thoughts and responses are welcome and appreciated.
Sincerely,
Paula, Pamela and Krishen
Center for Citizen Initiatives