JFK’s Legacy Lives On

Jacqueline Kennedy, Robert Kennedy

November 22, 2013 is the 50th Anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (JFK).   JFK was the 35th president of the United States, but was assassinated before he could even finish his first term.   JFK was in Texas that day to start campaigning for a second term.   He was riding in the back of a convertible with the First Lady and the Governor of Texas as part of a motorcade in downtown Dallas.   Gunfire rung out just after 12:30pm as the motorcade was passing the Texas School Book Depository.  The president’s neck and head were struck with bullets.  He was pronounced dead only 30 minutes later.

            Lee Harvey Oswald was accused of the crime and was brought in by police that evening. Only two days later, a local nightclub owner named Jack Ruby shot and killed Oswald before a trial could take place.  This happened on live television!  While there was overwhelming evidence that Lee Harvey Oswald was the killer, there were many theories about why he killed the president and whether he acted alone or with others.   Many of the stories about the anniversary of JFK’s assassination are about these different theories.  One theory is that there were multiple gunmen who fired at the president.  Another theory is that Jack Ruby was involved and killed Oswald in order to keep him from talking to the police. Some people believe that Oswald was working for the Russians, while others think that the mafia or the CIA itself was behind the plot to kill the president.

            Instead of spending too much time arguing about the conspiracy theories about the assassination, I believe it is more important to remember JFK’s legacy and all of his positive accomplishments.  He is the founder of the Peace Corps, he made progress toward international peace with the International Test Ban Treaty, and avoided conflict with the Soviet Union during the Cuban Missile Crisis.  Even though he made many mistakes, such as the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, his presidency inspired many Americans and people all around the world and offers important lessons even for today.  The advice he gave during his famous inauguration speech- “My fellow Americans; ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do your country” – is still an important message for today.

~Luke

An American Argument About a Syrian Problem

 

The looming possibility of another war has everyone arguing.  Some feel the need to go to Syria, while others feel we should stay at home, and deal with our own conundrums.  There are others still who don’t even know what is really going on.  Sooo… what’s going on?  Syria became its own country in 1947, when it became independent from France.  The country had a shaky start, and never was really back on their feet.  Two years ago, though, was when it really started.  2011, the Arab Spring, caused Syrians to stand up for what they wanted, which was democracy.  The government responded in a cruel manner, kidnapping, torturing, and killing.  A civil war broke out.  It wasn’t until recently that this event got the U.S.’s attention.  Why now, after they’ve killed so many?  The Syrian government used chemical weapons, I repeat, chemical weapons, against their own people.  The U.S.A. has been contemplating going in.  Now, the question remains.  Should we really go in?

I, personally support both sides.  Originally, primer to debating it, I didn’t want America to go in.  My opinion was that it has nothing to do with us.  Let them kill each other.  They haven’t threatened us, so why bother going in?  War results in casualties, and we just fought one.  We don’t need another reason to lose our own people.  It could be another Vietnam, and that was bad.  Once I debated the topic, I learned what was going on.  Innocents lose their homes, and their lives, everyday.  Unarmed citizens are being killed by their own government.  How horrible is that?  Imagine living in fear everyday, worried that your home is going to get bombed, or that your parents aren’t going to come home.  That’s a sickening thought.  It makes me sad.  Where do you stand?

~Alyssa

Just Like The Jets Beat The Cowboys, The United States Is Beating Terrorism on 9/11

The New York Jets victory caps numerous tributes on the 10th university of 9/11. Coach Rex Ryan wanted a win badly the first game of the season of 2011. He got lucky when Nick Folk nailed a 50 yard field goal to put them up by 3 at the end of the game. The Jets went on to win after this energy boost by a score of  27-24. This day (9/11) American flags spread the fields of every team NFL team. In addition the Jets did warm ups in navy blue Ts with the words “never forgotten” on the back to remember 9/11. On game day there were bomb sniffing dogs at the stadium to make sure no one one would ruin such a special night. After the many ways that 9/11 was remembered that night the Jets went on to win a very emotional game.

This was a great win for the Jets on a very emotional day. I also think it was great for every team to spread an American on all the fields on the anniversary of 9/11. I personally love the Jets and admired the hard fought win at home. I was pleased on the effort and heart the players showed on both sides of the field. It just seemed like the Jets wanted it more and the score showed it on a hard fought game.

~David Moran