"This right of free choice is no special privilege claimed by the Germans alone. It is an elemental requirement of human justice."

John F. Kennedy Politics See all quotes by John F. Kennedy →

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More by John F. Kennedy

“Address to Latin American diplomats at the White House”

“Things don't just happen, they are made to happen.”

“Third, and finally, the educated citizen has an obligation to uphold the law. This is the obligation of every citizen in a free and peaceful society — but the educated citizen has a special responsibility by the virtue of his greater understanding. For whether he has ever studied history or current events, ethics or civics, the rules of a profession or the tools of a trade, he knows that only a respect for the law makes it possible for free men to dwell together in peace and progress.”

“InnerVIEWS with Ernie Manouse: Nelley Connally”

“Everything essential to the security of freedom must be done; and if that should require more men, or more taxes, or more controls, or other new powers, I shall not hesitate to ask them. I realize that no public revenue measure is welcomed by everyone. But I am certain that every American wants to pay his fair share, and not leave the burden of defending freedom entirely to those who bear arms. For we have mortgaged our very future on this defense--and we cannot fail to meet our responsibilities.”

“John F. Kennedy Birthplace National Historic Site”

Resonant Thoughts

"The social action approach, assumes there is a disadvantaged segment of the population that needs to be organized, perhaps in alliance with others, in order to pressure the power structure for increas…"

— Charles Zastrow

Psychology1942

#justice

"We have been informed lately that ours will be the lot of Genoa, and Venice, and Holland. But...there is a great difference between the condition of England and those... We have during ages of prosper…"

— Benjamin Disraeli

Politics1804–1881

#justice

"Perhaps you think that the crucial difference between a fly and a human blastocyst is to be found in the latter's potential to become a fully developed human being. But almost every cell in your body …"

— Sam Harris

Science1967

#philosophy

"Those of us who are well fed, well garmented and well ordered, ought not to forget that necessity makes frequently the root of crime. It is well for us to recollect that even in our own law-abiding, n…"

— Alfred Henry Lewis

Journalism1855–1914

#justice