Implorement

I opened up my laptop to check my mail, Gmail, and blog when Google Chrome sent me a wonderful reminder of the power of rhetoric in civic life by displaying a picture of President Kennedy as the Google theme. January 20, 1960 President John Fitzgerald Kennedy delivered one of the most powerful and remembered inaugural addresses in American history.

On this fifty-year anniversary, I am reminded of the amazing capabilities of rhetoric to unite, incite, and spark a nation in times of need. President Kennedy recognized man’s ability to help one another and solve many of the problems of the world stating that, “man holds in his mortal hands the power to abolish all forms of human poverty and all forms of human life. And yet the same revolutionary beliefs for which our forebears fought are still at issue around the globe.”

He assures the American people that their government will do everything in their power to ensure the liberties, freedoms, and rights of all people nationally and globally. But, what makes this speech so powerful is President Kennedy implores the American public to do everything in their power to individually make a difference. Using careful word choice and his delivery he inspires each and every citizen to become civically engaged. President Kennedy emphasizes the importance of individual civic leadership by delivering this command: “And so, my fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.”

Rhetoric has always been a part of our countries history, and this reflection on an extremely influential speech shines light on just how big of a role rhetoric plays in citizenship, government, and civic engagement.