Few are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world that yields most painfully to change. And I believe that in this generation those with the courage to enter the moral conflict will find themselves with companions in every corner of the globe.
For the fortunate among us, there is the temptation to follow the easy and familiar paths of personal ambition and financial success so grandly spread before those who enjoy the privilege of education. But that is not the road history has marked out for us. Like it or not, we live in times of danger and uncertainty. But they are also more open to the creative energy of men than any other time in history. All of us will ultimately be judged, and as the years pass we will surely judge ourselves on the effort we have contributed to building a new world society and the extent to which our ideals and goals have shaped that event.
The future does not belong to those who are content with today, apathetic toward common problems and their fellow man alike, timid and fearful in the face of new ideas and bold projects. Rather it will belong to those who can blend vision, reason and courage in a personal commitment to the ideals and great enterprises of American Society. Our future may lie beyond our vision, but it is not completely beyond our control. It is the shaping impulse of America that neither fate nor nature nor the irresistible tides of history, but the work of our own hands, matched to reason and principle, that will determine our destiny. There is pride in that, even arrogance, but there is also experience and truth.
In any event, it is the only way we can live."
He was the epitome of what a senator 'should' be. A sad day today for all of the world.
ReplyDeleteI'm proud to say I voted for him for president in 1980- I had to write his name in and it wasn't an easy process but I believed then what I believe now-the dream will never die-sis
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame that such a figure that has done so much that benefits so many, not only in his state but across the globe for such a long time has been defined by a boyish mistake that could happen to us and has happened to so many. It is a matter of a youthful and naive lack of judgement. Not a willful and informed lack of morals that is so prevalent these days including his critics. Godspeed Mr. Senator it is time to rest. Peace
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ReplyDeleteSenator Keenedy will be missed! He was an advocate for early childhood education and pushed several programs forward that I have had to take advantage of for Landon. What a sad time for the Kennedy family and America.
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