Significant sentences from Kennedy by Theodore Sorenson, a history of the words and philosophy of President Kennedy. Continued.
Sorenson: "Magnanimous in victory, as always, the President turned his attention to the problem of reconciliation." p. 516.
Sorenson: "He [JFK] permitted no gloating by any administration spokesman and no talk of retribution." p. 516.
JFK on Civil Rights: "The Negro baby born in America today, regardless of the section of the nation in which he is born, has about one-half as much chance of completing high school as a white baby born in the same place on the same day, one-third as much chance of completing college, one-third as much chance of becoming a professional...twice as much chance of becoming unemployed...a life expectancy which is seven years shorter, and the prospects of earning only half as much." June 1963. p. 530.
JFK: "I do not say that all are equal in their ability, their character or their motivation...but I say they should be equal in their chance to develop their character,their motivation and their ability." p. 530.
Sorenson: "Simple justice requires this program, he [JFK] would tell the Congress in concluding his Civil Rights message of June 19, 1963, 'not merely for reasons of economic efficiency, world diplomacy and domestic tranquility--but, above all, because it is right.' " p, 531.
JFK: "Any educated citizen who seeks to subvert the law, to suppress freedom, or to subject other human beings to acts that are less than human, degrades his heritage, ignores his learning and betrays his obligations." p. 553.
JFK: "...race has no place in American life or law." p. 556.
JFK on Civil Rights: "...legislation cannot solve this problem alone.... It must be solved in the homes of every American." p. 556.
JFK: "But law alone cannot make men see right." p. 557.
Sorenson: "At times he [JFK] found it hard to believe that otherwise rational men could be so irrational on this subject [of Civil Rights]." p. 568.
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