Entry for 4/30/2008 at 5:04:33 AM

Wednesday, April 30, 2008 3:04 PM

John F. Kennedy entered the public eye at a time where change was needed more than anything, and he brought forth a new way of looking at the world: through peace. Although Kennedy realized that it is important to learn from the past, he was a visionary who also tapped into the dire need for moving forward in a new direction. Unfortunately, people do not readily accept change, instead they cling to what’s familiar, even if it’s not what’s best. Since the dawn of time, history can show us that people who bring change are martyred, persecuted, and oppressed. Take for example Jesus, Gandhi, MLK, or JFK. Jesus fought to liberate people from Roman rule and oppression, showing them that they had within themselves the power to decide their future. Gandhi led peaceful protests against British imperialism in order to help bring better lives for the citizens of India. Martin Luther King Jr. was a man who had faith in humanity to rise above the dehumanizing racial intolerance that surrounded him. Each of these men worked ceaselessly to illuminate love and shine light on the darkness of hate. Each of these men transcended the close-mindedness and mediocrity of society, and in turn were met with violence.
The ignorant use violence and aggression when faced with change, hence the assassination of so many great minds. It takes a truly enlightened person to see that violence does not equal power or strength, that diplomacy and peace do not equal weakness. John F. Kennedy was leagues ahead of his time, and could see the peace is the answer. Just like Abraham Lincoln, JFK fought for civil rights, and they both gave their lives for their cause. Today, as we head towards the November presidential election, we invite a new opportunity for growth, change, and global reformation. In fact, many comparisons can be drawn between presidential hopeful Barack Obama and John F. Kennedy.
As the first black man to represent the Democratic party in a U.S. presidential election, Obama is the very picture of change. Like Kennedy, he projects progressive and different ideals, bringing forth messages of peace and diplomacy, as well as something even more important: hope. Hope is like the lighthouse that can guide our country through the stormy, violent sea that is war and destruction. Hope can pick up the pieces of a divided country and join them together as one, and right now, hope is what our country lacks the most. Kennedy brought the United States great change and a new way of thinking, and perhaps it is time for our new president to do the same. After all, nothing can stand in the way of the power of millions of voices calling for change.

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