**Assertion- JFK's Inaugural Address

On January 20, 1961, John F. Kennedy gave one of the most powerful speeches that America had ever heard. This inaugural address was a call for action from our nation, and even the world. The necessity of peace and unity was proclaimed and the audience was challenged to make a change in this direction. Peace can only be achieved through unity and through unity; we should all try to make these changes in this world.

At the beginning of the address, Kennedy states that, "...man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life". This is incredibly true as man has as much power to destroy as they do to improve. Poverty is a big issue, but we have the power to abolish it in its entirety. We should use our power to solve worldwide issues like poverty as opposed to causing destruction of one another. Yet we must all work together within our nations and within the world to use our power effectively. "United, there is little we cannot do in a host of cooperative ventures. Divided, there is little we can do—for we dare not meet a powerful challenge at odds and split asunder."

Kennedy said, "If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich." Our efforts should be from our hearts not ulterior motives, though. Millions are in need worldwide and we should have the desire and passion to help them simply because it is the ethical thing to do. America is one of the richest nations of the world; however, we are often to selfish to help others. This presents a major ethical dilemma. If we all shared a portion of our wealth with those less fortunate, then the poverty levels would decrease significantly. A population will always live at a lower quality of life no matter what, but it is our job to stop being selfish and help them in whatever ways we are able. Yet, nations across the globe continue to put funds towards the destruction of one another.

Warfare and conflicts happen every day. Our world tends to act like a bunch of kindergartners and finds any reason to fight. John F. Kennedy made a very sophisticated and applicable statement when he said, "Finally, to those nations who would make themselves our adversary, we offer not a pledge but a request: that both sides begin anew the quest for peace, before the dark powers of destruction unleashed by science engulf all humanity in planned or accidental self-destruction." As we keep fighting one another, we are developing more destructive weapons and will eventually cause our own end. These technologies also cost millions of dollars. Is destruction really what we want to spend millions of dollars on? Let's instead spend this money on providing adequate water to every person and then begin to distribute food to all in need. Or even, let's use science for advancements and exploration of our universe.

Now all these tasks cannot be completed overnight, but we should always strive for better. JFK clearly represents this as he says, "All this will not be finished in the first 100 days. Nor will it be finished in the first 1,000 days, nor in the life of this Administration, nor even perhaps in our lifetime on this planet. But let us begin." Let's make changes on our Earth for the better. Only together can we solve our problems. We must unite, beginning in our communities, states, and nations, to make a difference in the creation of a peaceful world.