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Why is JFK considered a great leader?

Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by BaptistBarb, May 2, 2008.

  1. Palatka51

    Palatka51 New Member

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    Well ah, hmmm. I think that Alcott just drove the second nail. :thumbs:
     
  2. Ivon Denosovich

    Ivon Denosovich New Member

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    This thread could just as easily be titled "Why is Reagan considered a great leader?" as their policies and mistakes were identical.
     
  3. swaimj

    swaimj <img src=/swaimj.gif>

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    Ivon, I don't see this at all. Could you elaborate?
     
  4. Ivon Denosovich

    Ivon Denosovich New Member

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    JFK and Reagan were center right politicians. They both cut taxes, believed in what's commonly known as national greatness, and took a moderated hawkish view on foreign policy despite their personal preferences for isolationism. Personally, I see no strategical difference in the Bay of Pigs fiasco and arming our Islamic enemies of today except that the latter mistake was much worse in long term consequences, as they were both complete blunders. That being said, I have no axe to grind with either Reagan or JFK, or any other center right politician. They were both decent Presidents.
     
  5. BaptistBarb

    BaptistBarb New Member

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    you know nothing about what I want or don't want.
    As someone else pointed out --you come on here to point that out?
    If you dont want to post then why come on to throw stones?
    Just ignore the thread.
     
  6. Bro. Curtis

    Bro. Curtis <img src =/curtis.gif>
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    Illegally wiretapped M.L.K.
    Started the Vietnam War.
    His party filibustered the civil rights bill.
     
  7. swaimj

    swaimj <img src=/swaimj.gif>

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    Islam was not a threat to our country in Reagan's time in office. The threat to us was Soviet communism. Islam was kept at bay by the US and Soviet superpowers. When they Soviet Union fell (after Reagan was out of office) Islam began to rise. Given that both Kennedy and Reagan both faced the threat of communism, I think their approaches were remarkedly different and I think that Reagan's appproach was superior.

    While Kennedy's words were inspiring, his actions were timid. His economic advisors believed that the socialistic model of the Soviet Union would eventually out-produce our economy and we would be defeated. Perhaps the greatest expression of this was Kennedy's speech at the Berlin Wall. While that was an inspiring speech and he identified emotionally with the people of that city, he held out no hope that their plight could be solved or improved short of war.

    Reagan was quite different. He referred to the Soviet Union as the "focus of evil in the modern world" and he believed that we could pressure the Soviets economically by engagiing in a defense build-up which would cause their system to collapse. Reagan also viewed the Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD) nuclear policy as immoral. His presidency was dedicated to bringing an end to Soviet rule and his policies accomplished this. The difference in policy with Kennedy is highlighted in Reagan's speech at the Berlin wall. He challenged the Soviets with "Mr. Gorbachov, tear down this wall!" Ultimately, Gorbachov did just that!

    I believe that history will judge Ronald Reagan as one of our great presidents; certainly the greatest of the post WWII period of the 20th century. Kennedy's legacy will pale in comparison.
     
  8. Bob Alkire

    Bob Alkire New Member

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    You are more in line of how I remember him. I know Harry Truman didn't care for him, from reading what he had to say about JFK. Truman said JFK had his ear so close to the ground it was full of grasshoppers, is why he couldn't get anything done. I believe Truman called him the do nothing president.
     
  9. carpro

    carpro Well-Known Member
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    As one of the nation's first neocons, he had a lot of unrealized potential.

    OTOH In today's world, his administration could have rivaled the sleaze of the Clintons.
     
    #29 carpro, May 3, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: May 3, 2008
  10. Magnetic Poles

    Magnetic Poles New Member

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    Actually US involvement was begun under Ike. The space program faltered, and we should have maintained a presence on the moon. Still, the technological advances made in the space program improved consumer products.
     
  11. betterthanideserve

    betterthanideserve New Member

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    Jfk

     
    #31 betterthanideserve, May 3, 2008
    Last edited by a moderator: May 3, 2008
  12. Alcott

    Alcott Well-Known Member
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    Yes or No: Did Kennedy begin our combat involvement in Vietnam?

    Well, yeehaw! Let's send a manned [or would it have to be "personned?"] mission to Titan, and see if that gives us a new method of fasteniong our shoes!
     
  13. Bob Alkire

    Bob Alkire New Member

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    If I recall correctly under Ike we had a few advisers over there but no combat troops and Ike said it would be best if we left there. JFK didn't listen.

    Also why do so many who like JFK don't care for LBJ? If one will read who wasn't around at the time or the ones who were there will see most of what LBJ got through was what JFK said he wanted to get through but didn't.
     
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