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35th POTUS, John F. Kennedy (1961 – 1963) - What do I recall?
The grown folks around me sure thought he was a good POTUS. Didn't know much, but saw no reason to disagree with them. Have always believed that this man would have been one of the best presidents. But we will never know, as he was cut down by an assassin's bullet or bullets. To this day, the identity of his murderer or murderers has never been confirmed. But the day he was shot is etched in my memory forever. People – the adults, that is, in my neighborhood were showing a range of emotions: sorrow, shock, despair, anger, dread. My older sister made a scrapbook of newspaper clippings – everything she could find about JFK. Sadly, don't know what happened to it. Wish I had kept it. Its historical value would have been priceless.
Kennedy's assassination completely changed my understanding of this thing called “politics” in America, and in the world. Politics is dangerous! Not only dangerous but confusing. To want to get rid of a bad leader – like a ruthless dictator or a really cruel monarch - that's understandable. Not saying that's the right thing to do. But to kill a good leader? That is so clearly and obviously wrong. WHY?? Does this mean the good really do die young?? (O.o)
Thoughts from a child's heart. ♥
Next two POTUS Dots: Lyndon B. Johnson and Richard M. Nixon
- SUGGESTED READING: The single best book to start with is An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917–1963 by Robert Dallek. It’s widely regarded as the most balanced, deeply researched, and readable full biography of JFK, drawing on newly released archival material to give a nuanced portrait of his personal life, political rise, presidency, and health challenges. (REF: Burack, Emily. “The 11 Best Books About John F. Kennedy.” Town & Country, 20 Nov. 2023, https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/politics/g45838494/best-jfk-books-biographies/.)
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