John F. Kennedy
2008 February 24
Due to popular demand, I have added John F. Kennedy to the Gallery of Heroes. He certainly showed a lot of heroism even before he became president. I noted that he was a Boy Scout in his early days, which fits neatly into the “heroic habit” trend. Did his scouting prepare him for the moment that he saved a crewman’s life when his torpedo boat was sunk?
He was only President for two years. What do you think made him such a popular man?
I have Teddy Roosevelt still to write up, but I’m hoping some of the Teddy fans do it instead. I’m curious to learn more about him. Are there any more Presidents to include?
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I am going to have to say no to this recommendation. While JFK is remembered as a great President, and while he may have done some interesting things in his lifetime, his character was questionable. This man who lived under the Catholic faith was an open adulterer with numerous affairs while in the White House. Furthermore, money he and his family made came from extremely questionable means. Yes, this man did participate in one of the most extremely tense situations during the Cuban Missile Crisis, but it was his advisers that were running the overall show, with JFK serving as a filter between parties. I really do not think this man should be remembered as a hero, rather he should be remembered as an extremely popular public figure with great ideas.
I can agree with that point of view. That’s why he didn’t make my first cut that included FDR, Lincoln, and Washington. However, after reading about him, I believe he truly had a heroic character that had flaws, as we’ve found most of them do.