A Dinner Worth Wishing For by Francisco

A Dinner Worth Wishing For by Francisco - October 2017 Scholarship Essay

I can see it already, just with the thought of it. I’m being seated next a man to have dinner with, but not just any regular man. This is a man who was a true altruist and the epitome of charming. A man who, despite the societal norm, always challenged the status quo. I’m, of course, talking about Former President John F. Kennedy! This is a man who dealt with so many social injustices, founded revolutionary programs for humanity, and negotiated through very dangerous military conflicts. JFK did all of that in just 1,036 days in office. How do you do all of that in so little time? Being around this man for just an hour would be so impactful to our understanding of the nation.
Risk-taking, a trait every politician should aspire to have. Being a risk-taker who challenges what the nation is used to is what made JFK so great at what he did. Despite being born with a back disorder, he wanted to serve his country in World War II by joining the Navy. While serving, he commanded a PT boat in the Pacific Theatre and looked at “death” straight in the face with his squad mates. Nevertheless, he persevered, which saved the lives of most of his crew and himself. After that, he decided he wanted to become a politician and make an impact on a society that needed it. He went on to run for Congress, Senate, and President of the US; winning each of the positions gracefully. As president, he inherited the issues of the Cold War and the danger it brought to the entire planet. He had to juggle threats from Soviet Russia and Cuba for the most part. He, against the Soviet Union, started a “Space Race”. The Space Race was a moment of time where the two powerful nations where competing to see who can get a man to land on the moon first. The USA ultimately won, which brought faith and a newfound respect for JFK and the USA. Cuba has nuclear missiles, not that far away from the US, ready to launch at the push of a button. The situation was M.A.D, Mutually Assured Destruction; which basically comes down to “We know you have nukes, you know I do too, so let’s agree on something without using them”. With some failures with his military, JFK stayed strong and learned from his mistakes, and negotiated his way out of what could’ve possibly been the end of civilization.
Equally important, was his charismatic nature. His ability to inspire action from his audience, and make it look so easy truly speaks volumes for his legacy. Kids grew up wanting to serve the government and fight for what was right. He motivated people to see how they themselves can help the nation, “Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country.” His body language and sharp looks came just in time, as televisions were the new technology at the time. But the most important reason for his highly positive image was his promotion of humanitarian activity. Despite coming from a rather wealthier family, he cared about the lower and middle class. He increased funding for numerous social welfare programs, such as healthcare, education and federal housing. He started the Peace Corps Program, a volunteer program where US citizens go to foreign nations to promote well-being and teach them of America’s culture. His most significant achievement for humanity, however, was his advocacy for the Civil Rights movement. He promoted Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and even met with him and other black leaders to discuss how to solve the injustice of society. JFK came out publically and condemned racial discrimination, calling it intolerable.
All things considered, can you blame me for wanted to have dinner with this man? He is a hero for the ages, a man who just loved his country to the point where all of his life he served it above and beyond. JFK was a stoic, who withstood pain as an individual and as a country, for a better tomorrow. I wish more politicians followed his example of appropriate risk-taking and having the charisma to move the nation forward.