Today we hear the term 'courage' bandied about a lot in the political arena. Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle boast about having 'the courage of their convictions,' and insist that some of their colleagues do not. Many hailed Ted Cruz as a courageous leader when he held forth for many hours on the floor of the Senate orating about Obamacare and other matters. Those who stood their ground on the partial government shutdown were said to demonstrate courage; those who sought compromise were accused of lacking it. Some even questioned the courage of Senator John McCain, who during the Vietnam conflict suffered years of harsh imprisonment that broke his body but not his spirit.
So what really defines courage? In the case of those chosen by Kennedy for their "acts of bravery and integrity," the common measure lay in the degree of risk to themselves for the bold actions they undertook. In times of crises — whether in war or peace — true heroes are those who put at risk all that they have striven to possess: their reputations, livelihoods, futures — even their very lives.
We commend members of Congress for holding true to their promises. But they do not necessarily display courage, because there may be little personal sacrifice involved in what they do or say. If they represent 'safe' constituencies, they risk nothing. In fact, for some of them who put themselves out there, the benefits of national publicity and recognition actually outweigh the risks.
Naval Lieutenant (JG) John F. Kennedy aboard his Motor Torpedo Boat, PT-109, in the Pacific Theater. Navy photo.
Today Washington faces unprecedented gridlock, the result, in part, of so few who 'represent' the American people having the courage to do anything but appease those who put and keep them in office. Their vision is as selfishly shortsighted as the next election cycle. Our country is floundering in debt, yet for many Congressmen, raising our debt limit even higher and pushing it onto the shoulders of future generations is a sign of victory. But it is not their money and not their future to lose!
On this solemn anniversary of Kennedy's death, I wonder how many of our current US Senators would qualify to be profiled for their extraordinary courage.
©2013 Doris O'Brien for SeniorWomen.com
Postscript:
Part of the note written by Jaqueline Kennedy to Marie, the widow of Officer J. D. Tippit, shot and killed 45 minutes by Oswald after JFK 's assassination:
Dear Mrs Tippit,
What can I say to you — My husband's death is responsible for you losing your husband. Wasn't one life enough to take on that day?
I lit a flame for Jack at Arlington [Cemetery] that will burn forever. I consider that it burns for your husband too and so will everyone who ever sees it.
With my inexpressible sympathy, Jacqueline Kennedy
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