Kennedy Center flap: A great president vs. one of our worst

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Today, our 47th president thinks he can elevate his greatness by putting his name on buildings. Greatness does not reside on the face of buildings but from exceptional works of service, sacrifice and leadership. Lying, bullying, racism and narcissism are not characteristics of great politicians.”

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OPINION —  The battle over the name on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts provides opportunity to contrast a great president with the worst president in our country’s history. 

Kennedy, a Harvard graduate, a World War II boat commander and hero, our youngest president, Pulitzer Prize author and often quoted for his “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” was assassinated in 1963. Congress honored his service by naming the nation’s performing-arts center after him. We lost a great man on Nov. 22, 1963. The honor bestowed on him posthumously was very much deserved. Our Congress then did something honorable.

Today, our 47th president thinks he can elevate his greatness by putting his name on buildings. Greatness does not reside on the face of buildings but from exceptional works of service, sacrifice and leadership. Lying, bullying, racism and narcissism are not characteristics of great politicians.

Approaching the midterms, the famous Kennedy quote seems to resonate. What we can do is vote, encourage others to vote and remind all of the greatness of past presidents like Lincoln, Eisenhower and Kennedy prior to the overwhelming decline in the Trump era.

“There can be light after darkness” seems so meaningful. This administration is among the darkest times in American history. We need to seek the light, engage in the effort to return America into the country of law and order, upholding the Constitution and holding violators accountable.

With the 47th president’s attempt to take our right to vote, we must vote. We have the right to free speech, to civil protest and to vote. We do not have the right to bully, intimidate or infringe on the rights of others. 

This writer is using a pen name. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines.