To the editor:
American presidents both past and present have been mentioned in recent letters to the editor in support or opposition to some reader91Ƶs points of view. All presidents91Ƶ actions become part of the history of the U.S. for whatever their actions, judged by history to be right or wrong.
J.F. Kennedy91Ƶs name was referenced with respect to the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 as an example of a strong president; Mr. Kennedy received a lot of media coverage then and now, for his actions and statements, and sadly his assassination in 1963.
Notably, he was widely quoted for his statement made in his inaugural speech which stated 91ƵAnd so my fellow Americans: Ask not what your country can do for you 91Ƶ ask what you can do for your country.91Ƶ This is generally accepted as an original and inspiring statement. I wonder, however, if Kennedy was aware of a similar comment made by Marcus Tulluis Cicero, better known in history as Cicero the great Roman statesman (106 BC 91Ƶ 43 BC).
Also known as a great orator, it is recorded that in an address to Roman politicians Cicero implored them to: 91Ƶask not what your country can do for you but rather what you can do for your country.91Ƶ
Perhaps as the old adage goes, 91Ƶthe more things change the more they remain the same.91Ƶ
Bill Boyd, Kelowna
To report a typo, email: edit@kelownacapnews.com.
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