From JFK's Idealism to Trump's Fatalism

As we mark the 100th anniversary of John Fitzgerald Kennedy's birth, I cannot help but contrast JFK's idealism with President Trump's fatalism.

In a little over half a century we have gone from asking what we can do for our country to asking what we can do for Trump. We have gone from a New Frontier back to America First. We have gone from standing with the people of Berlin to telling Berlin it is on its own. We have gone from standing up to Russia to appeasing it. Despite the threat of nuclear war, America had an optimistic outlook when it elected President Kennedy in 1960. This cannot be said of the America which elected Donald Trump in 2016.

Of course, JFK wasn't without his flaws. But JFK possessed a discretion in his 40's that Trump doesn't have in his 70's. Even in the age of Twitter, I believe JFK would have utilized social media as wisely as he excercised the power bestowed upon him. JFK's amorous preoccupations would have spared us those 3 a.m. Tweetstorms. Could anyone imagine JFK comparing this country unfavorably with Turkey much less uttering "how bad America is."

The presidency of John F. Kennedy is one Americans can be proud of on the 100th anniversary of his birth however short-lived. Will Americans feel the same pride in the presidency of Donald J. Trump in 2046? Will America still be a free country in 2046? Only if we ask what we can do for Her.