” Now the trumpet summons us again — not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are — but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle, year in and year out, “rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation” — a struggle against the common enemies of man: tyranny, poverty, disease, and war itself.”
Over the next 17 months we must take on an extra challenge. We must recall the foundational premises and fundamental promises of the American Endeavor. We must allow pseudo-patriots and reactionary Neoconfederates to revive the bigotry of bygone days whether they seek to do so via slogans [America First], slurs [Go back where you came from], or divisive, deceitful, dishonorable actions and speeches.
Equally important we must not let differences of opinion distract us from our shared commitments. Some may want to move faster than others, but all of us want to go in the same direction. We may suggest different tactics or alternative strategies, but we have common concerns, congruent creeds, and compatible commitments. We may not want exactly the same things but the things we each want are not polar opposites either.
In contrast, our opponents are ruthlessly opposed to all we hold true and dear. They may speak pompously about the “land of the free and the home of the brave,” but they are more fully citizens of the land of the tree and the home of the knave. From Oppressor-dent Bone Spurs, Twitch McTurtle, and the denizens of the Freakdom Caucus, all but a few of the RepubliKlan Party are ravenous to rule and oblivious to governance of the people, by the people, and for the people.
“In the long history of the world, only a few generations have been granted the role of defending freedom in its hour of maximum danger. I do not shrink from this responsibility — I welcome it. I do not believe that any of us would exchange places with any other people or any other generation. The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it — and the glow from that fire can truly light the world.
And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you — ask what you can do for your country.”
With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking fortune’s blessing and progress’ help, but knowing that here on earth truth’s work must truly be our own.” With just a tiny paraphrase, JFK’s words reveal the creed that has inspired me since I was fifteen.
If this turns out to be my last presidential election, I hope it can be one in which I am finally able to once again help elect another worthy successor to the first American President who spoke of patriotism and governance in words that formed the mystic chords of memory which have given reality and resonance to my civic faith for almost six decades.
The Trumpet Summons Us Again 