JFK Quotes

“If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve
our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more
good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to
all — except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the
alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome
controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights
is the guardian of our security as well as
our liberty.”

“The very word “secrecy” is repugnant in a free and open society; and we
are as a people inherently and historically opposed to secret
societies, to secret oaths and to secret proceedings. We decided
long ago that the dangers of excessive and unwarranted concealment of
pertinent facts far outweighed the dangers which are cited to justify
it. Even today, there is little value in opposing the threat of a
closed society by imitating its arbitrary restrictions. Even today,
there is little value in insuring the survival of our nation if our
traditions do not survive with it. And there is very grave danger
that an announced need for increased security will be seized upon by
those anxious to expand its meaning to the very limits of official
censorship and concealment. That I do not intend to permit to the
extent that it is in my control.”
–John Fitzgerald Kennedy

~ by wynneth on April 29, 2008.