In 1960, when I was just beginning my adult life, as a Catholic, I was energized by the candidacy of John F. Kennedy. But it was more than just the fact that he was running to be the first Catholic President. There was an excitement about the possibilities of the country after the seeming gray years of Eisenhower. But the antipathy to Kennedy because he was Catholic was real, not imagined. I sometimes think it was worse in certain academic circles than in the Masonic halls.

Yet he won. And more importantly, he did open the door to the vision of a future far different than the one we have lived.

His American University speech in June 1963, was an invitation to the world to set aside the hostility of the cold war and seek a just world for the children that we cherish.

Kennedy's promise ended on that dreadful November day in Dallas. Johnson won his first term on the strength of the Kennedy legacy and then, began the long decline and the rightwing resurgence, the culmination of which was Bush II.

It's been 48 years since any candidate for President has excited the audacity of hope the way JFK did. It was dispiriting, to say the least. That Bill Clinton and Hillary were the best we had to offer was most dispiriting.

Now, we have another candidate for President who seems to inspire and enthuse the national spirit in much the manner of JFK. Hope is alive. That there are some poor souls trapped in the past should not surprise us. What we can not do is let it deter us.

Nixon fought JFK to a near draw. McCain will not be able to do the same with Obama. I have nothing but pity for those trapped by their racism who can't kick-back and enjoy this ride.

It was said once of the great democratic leaders that their hallmark was that "they dreamed a great dream for us."

In the end, that will be the issue in this campaign: can we trust the dream that Obama is dreaming for us. Pity the man or woman who can not dream along.

johnklotz.blogspot.com

Maybe I really am too old but the Bradley fighting vehicle is not, and never was a tank. It's an overgrown armored personnel carrier (APC).

The APCs were designed to carrier infantry into battle alongside tanks. That way the whole fighting force could be mobile and protected. Tanks were designed to carrier heavy canons. The tank crew remains in tyhe Tank and oesn't leave unless its destroyed. The soldiers carried in an APC, like the ones in the story, have the mission to get out and fight eventually.

That the Bradleys have more firepower than the older APC's was an evolutionary thing. The old APC's had .50 caliber machine gun mounted on top and that weapon has evolved into more firepower. BUT, it's not a canon like that carried by a tank.

In WWII terms, the Bradley is the lineal descendant of the hlaf-track you sometimes see in WWII films.

I sincerely doubt that anyone who has ever has actually worn a uniform with a crossed sabers and tank insignia would call a Bradley a tank.

And by the way, its procurement was a mess and boondoggle for which, as always, the steepest price is being paid by the GIs.

sincerely,

Old Armored Platoon Leader

alias johnklotz.blogspot.com

Hillary's problem is the old picket fence: I I I I. Even when she wept in New Hampshire, her statement was about how "I" wanted to help solve the problems.

There was a fairly successful public official who was a picket fence. I summarized his campaign speech as follows: "I want to thank you for giving me the chance to be a great person."

While it's impossible not to give a campaign speech without an occasional "I," listen to how often Obama talks about "we" and "us."

It's not just a difference in rhetoric. Obama has succeeded because of his emphasis on "we" and Clinton is failing because she can't escape from her picket fence.

Hillary's a talented person. I only hope that Obama is a sincere one. "I" am betting he is.

johnklotz.blogspot.com

Why is this day different than any other primary day? It's the day that Obama may finally pass-over.

I was in a sour mood the morning of the PA primary, because the Zogby tracking poll had caught a swing to Hillary. Now, he's showing a strong Obama surge in North Carolina and even a small lead in Indiana. From his lips to God's ear. An Obama win in Indiana would really seal the deal.

If Zogby is right than it will really be over except for the Applachin vote in two states which voted for Bush. The only issue is when will Hillary and her die-hards understand the real damage she is doing, not just to the party, but to herself.

Her ridiculous pander on the gas tax has made her look like her Republican enemies worse caricature of her. She's much smarter -- and better -- than that.

If Zogby's off this time and she pulls some chestnuts out of the file - actually only one, a near win in NC, than it gets worse.

But right now, save some wine for Elijah.

johnklotz.blogspot.com

Joan:

I haven't read all 406 comment that precede this so maye its old news. But in this morning's Errol Louis in the NY Daily News that the National Press Club event was organized by Rev. Dr. Barabra Reynolds, who is supporting Hillaruy Clinton. Maybe the next time Hillary speaks about Wright she should also demonize her supporter, Rev. Dr. Reynolds, who is orchestrating Wrigfht's reemergence.

Is this the ultimate dirty trick or what?

johnklotz.blogspot.com