TWO DIFFERENT VIEWS

November 18, 2003

Ritalin, Codeine, Demerol, Meprobamate, Methadone, Librium, Gamma Globulin, and an assortment of barbiturates sounds like an inventory of your local drug store; however, it’s just the daily meal for John F. Kennedy.

The opening of his medical records that have been protected up til now, has caused a stir in political circles and of course, I expect we’ll hear from a host of libertarians crying foul! There are some that think they have the right to know how many times a public figure picks his nose, spanks his kids, or such nonsense.

How much are we entitled to know about a public figure? And were the pictures of Kennedy playing football and the portrayal of him as healthy deception? Was he capable of handling the Cuban crisis and other major controversies? Wasn’t the fact that he took anxiety drugs proof of his inability to handle the office of president?

Ahh, armchair quarterbacks! People who love to talk and not do. As for me, the proof is in the pudding or shall I say you can tell the nature of a tree by it’s fruit. The recent movie Thirteen Days, which was an accurate portrayal of the actual Cuban crisis, gives us all the proof we need.

As for me, I have a different view of Kennedy. He was a frail man, who inspite of all of his maladies, overcame great odds to not only become president, but to face pain everyday and not let it stop him. We can take several different approaches as to his sicknesses and lack of health but you have to admire his heart, mind, and soul. That’s how I’ll remember him regardless of his weaknesses and humanity.

Written by Ernie · Filed Under Daily Commentary