JFK's undelivered '63 speech offers insights for today

JFK's undelivered '63 speechoffers insights for today
EDITOR:
Once in a while, you can be surprised by a book you have had around for some time but never got around to reading. Such was my fate a few weeks ago while looking through my small library. The book's title was innocuous: "Four Days: The Historical Record of the Death of President Kennedy. & quot;
There are not many my age who have not watched the events as they unfolded before our very eyes, repeatedly, during the time of those tragic events in 1963. Be that as it may, it was irresistible to not open the book and relive those times. This book went a step further. President Kennedy never made the speech that he was going to deliver that day. Thanks to permission from United Press International, I feel privileged to be able to present the conclusion of that undelivered speech:
"America today is stronger than ever before. Our adversaries have not abandoned their ambitions -- our dangers have not diminished -- our vigilance cannot be relaxed. But now we have the military, the scientific and the economic strength to do whatever must be done for the preservation and promotion of freedom.
"That strength will never be used in pursuit of aggressive ambitions -- it will always be used in pursuit of peace. It will never be used to promote provocations -- it will always be used to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes.
"We in this country, in this generation, are -- by destiny rather than choice -- the watchmen on the walls of world freedom. We ask, therefore, that we may be worthy of our power and responsibility -- that we may exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint and that we may achieve in our time and for all time the ancient vision of peace on earth, goodwill toward men. That must always be our goal -- and the righteousness of our cause must always underlie our strength. For as was written long ago: 'Except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh in vain.' & quot;
In the 43 years since these words were to be given to this nation, we may well ask what have we become? In the years prior to World War II, there was talk of a "preventive war." The idiocy of the phrase was evident, without too much thought. War is war, regardless of the circumstance. There are always those who would attempt to topple the king of the hill. It was a favorite child's game many years ago. It is no longer a game.
President Theodore Roosevelt declared, "Speak softly, but carry a big stick.'' He did not advocate swinging the stick, but he took measures to ensure that the United States was always capable of swinging the big stick. The task ahead is enormous, but not insurmountable.
The president has named a blue ribbon panel on Iraq, and is still seeking others to assist in this enormous task. No stone should be left unturned. This should not be a fault-finding expedition, but rather a thought gathering panel. All ideas should be explored, without rancor or criticism. No remark should be tossed aside. The panel should have a secondary panel to receive suggestions and ideas from any and all who feel that they may have something worthwhile to contribute to this enormous undertaking. hey could glean through all the material that may come forth from all over the globe.
President Kennedy's undelivered speech may be the well spring from which we may bring about a renewed effort for peace on earth, goodwill toward men.
LEONARD J. SAINATO
Warren
Pack YSU stadium Saturdayto show team your support
EDITOR:
As a Youngstown State University alumus and former cheerleader, I was happy to see the Penguin football team make the playoffs. It has certainly been a long time coming. Although I don't live in the Valley anymore, I was able to attend a few home games. Game day is an experience in itself. I urge all Penguin fans to turn back the clock to the '90s and pack the stadium Saturday like in the Jim Tressel days.
Ohio State is on hiatus, so you have no reason not to be there. Let's give the Penguins the support they deserve on their quest for a fifth national championship. I'll be there. I hope to see you, too.
DAN PALOSKICleveland