Blog #4

After reading Abraham Lincoln’s “Gettysburg Address” and John F. Kennedy’s “Inaugural Address” We can see that the two presidents are talking about the United States in their respective times and facing different problems but with only one goal, which is to make all people are treated equal. President Lincoln makes it clear in his speech that people must put aside their differences and focus on coming together so that the lives of those who died on the battlefield are not lost in vain. Lincoln says: “It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Here we can see how Lincoln exercises his role as president of the nation but putting himself in a secondary role as a leader who works with and for the nation.

On the other hand, John F. Kennedy uses this opportunity to send a message and make it clear that he will do whatever it takes to ensure the success of the nation in the future and guarantee the freedom of citizens. Kennedy says: “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.” He also expresses his dissatisfaction with the poverty that exists in the country and sends a message of the union to the Republicans so that they can work together for a better nation.

Comparing the speeches it is clearly seen that the two presidents express their dissatisfaction with the current situation of the country and speak about a union between the opposing parties for the progress of the country and especially where the two agree is that they will do whatever it takes to maintain and ensure the freedom of all citizens of the nation. I currently believe that the United States has not solved these problems. After a long time, the country continues to have differences between them. the black lives matters movement is just one of the many problems the country has to face. Although the United States has changed a lot from 1863 to today, there are some problems that continue to recur and should have been solved long ago.

Comment ( 1 )

  1. Joelle McKenzie
    I agree that both men had a vision for racial equality and total liberty for all. America have yet still to reach the pinnacle of this foresight. There is definitely a lot more work to be done.

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