Edward Moore (Ted) Kennedy was an American lawyer and politician who served as a U.S. senator from Massachusetts for nearly 47 years. His oratorical skills were known worldwide; he developed his skills as long as he was involved in political activities. Kennedy advocated economic and social equality, argued extensively about social inequality, and was deeply concerned about building democracy in America. During his senatorial career, Kennedy worked to realize universal health care coverage, the goal of his life. By the end of his life, Kennedy had come to be seen as a significant figure and representative of American progressivism.
- You might not appreciate the President, but the Democrats certainly would appreciate the prayer.
Timeline: 00:44-00:58 (Speeches, 2014).
And I wonder if that means that I am a member in good standing.
Timeline: 02:08-02:20 (Speeches, 2014).
Although the first passage sounded like a joke, the phrase expresses Kennedy’s attitude about how the President and the church are perceived. I think he is concerned about how differently society perceives the benefits of democracy: the election of the President and religion. Almost everyone in the United States is Catholic, but many other faiths are just as important and necessary in creating the cultural experience for Americans. Kennedy’s phrase is only half-joking: the second phrase reveals his hope that all American citizens will be treated equally, even though the President professes a minority religion.
- But I also hope that tonight and in the months and years ahead, we will always respect the right of others to differ…
But I do not assume that my conception of patriotism or politics is invariably correct…
Timeline: 02:50-03:50 (Speeches, 2014).
Kennedy opens his monologue-discussion with these words and gradually develops his idea of what choice is and why it always goes hand in hand with respect. He argues about the disagreements that always have been and always will be between people, but he also tries to convince others that this is okay (Speeches, 2014). Every choice may be valid at some point in time, but if there is no respect for other people’s opinions – there can be no question of open reasoning. I refer to a format where people look at the same phenomenon from positive and negative sides. In his speech, it is as if Kennedy is trying to convince us that the correctness of an opinion is not always unequivocal, so we must respect others and learn to admit when we are wrong. He accepts that his views may be inaccurate and tries to teach others to do the same. He acknowledges the existence of objective truth but does not claim it and that is probably his style of politics and life in general.
- For truly we are all yoked together as Americans, and the yoke is the happy one of individual freedom and mutual respect.
Timeline: 05:00-05:10 (Speeches, 2014).
Well, perhaps for me, this is my favorite and best line from Kennedy’s speech: therein lies his desire to see true American freedom and democracy. I like how he uses the word “we” because I wish more people would recognize their cultural identity. Kennedy uses these words to emphasize the importance of every moment that we live as Americans. Moreover, he speaks these words with pride, which pleased me. I want to believe that such words make other people open up as individuals and take pride in their backgrounds. Many cultures deny American identity, and it puts pressure on society. However, when politicians speak out loudly about it, perhaps it is powerful and makes people recognize their culture.
- The founders of our nation had long and bitter experiences with the state, as both the agent and the adversary of particular religious views.
Timeline: 07:05-09:10.
Kennedy has argued a great deal about how religious currents have interfered with America’s state apparatus. At certain times the state has been happy to support it, but at other times it has had difficulty interacting and has been unwilling to continue. Kennedy speaks of Catholics, Baptists, Jews, and all with respect as he continues to demonstrate his stance on freedom and democracy (Speeches, 2014). I like what he says about pluralism: he sees its pros and cons, but he has a clear position on what the state decides in its choice of religion. Kennedy believes that no government can force the people to choose their faith, thought, and reason. He criticizes bans on religious freedom, but he also disagrees that only certain denominations should deal with the moral side of government issues. Kennedy suggests that each religion should express an opinion upon which government officials can base their decisions. According to him, this is how all the moral problems are realized, and I find it correct.
- Four tests.
Timeline: 14:45-25:00.
It is the final part of Kennedy’s speech in which he proposes to define the difference between civil rights and beliefs. First, he speculates about the value of religion: it seems essential for him to emphasize that faith must come from the individual, and everyone must accept it as part of themselves. Second, Kennedy believes that independent judgments based on conscience and belief should be respected and recognized by society (Kennedy, 1983). He stresses the importance of an informed political decision rather than a moral one, but I disagree: morality must, in some cases, come first. Third, the integrity of public deliberation must be recognized by society, regardless of creed. This is also a controversial claim: facts cannot be substituted for faith, but we sometimes draw the correct conclusions from faith. Fourth, “we must respect the motives of those who exercise their right to disagree” (Kennedy, 1983). I agree with this: one may not accept these motives or refuse to believe them or their truth to the speaker, but one may not express disrespect. I like Kennedy’s treatment of this test as a test of different people’s ability to exist. We should be united to believe that we have a unique identity, not alienated by arguments about whose religion is better.
- Kennedy’s hope
Timeline: 25:48-26:40.
Kennedy concludes by summing up and expressing hope for a bright future in free America. I like thinking without borders because it truly expands creation and changes how we think about every issue. It may seem like the U.S. has already achieved a democratic epiphany, but I think we have a lot to strive for. “No modern Inquisition of any kind will ever light the fires of fear, coercion, or angry division” – it describes how important it is for people to unite (Kennedy, 1983). I am confident that the choice is within us, and our identity as free people will not be obscured.
References
Kennedy, E. M. (1983). Faith, truth and tolerance in America [PDF document].
Speeches. (2014). Edward Kennedy truth and tolerance in America [Video]. YouTube.