The great battleground for the defense and expansion of freedom today is the whole southern half of the globe... the lands of the rising peoples. Their revolution is the greatest in human history. They seek an end to injustice, tyranny and exploitation. More than an end, they seek a beginning.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the importance of fighting for freedom and justice in developing nations.
John F. Kennedy highlights the struggles of peoples in the southern hemisphere who are engaged in a revolutionary quest for freedom, justice, and equality. He suggests that their fight is not only against existing injustices and tyranny but is also a movement toward a hopeful new beginning, marking a significant chapter in human history.
In practice
In a speech advocating for human rights, you might quote this to emphasize the importance of supporting global movements for freedom.
I had always enjoyed the title of Commander-in-Chief until I was informed ... that the only forces that cannot be transferred from Washington without my express permission are the members of the Marine Corps Band. Those are the only forces I have. I want it announced that we propose to hold the White House against all odds at least for some time to come.
I am talking about genuine peace, the kind of peace that makes life on earth worth living, the kind that enables men and nations to grow and to hope and to build a better life for their children - not merely peace for Americans but peace for all men and women - not merely peace in our time but peace for all time.
I just received the following wire from my generous Daddy; Dear Jack, Don't buy a single vote more than is necessary. I'll be damned if I'm going to pay for a landslide.
Tolerance implies no lack of commitment to one's own beliefs. Rather it condemns the oppression or persecution of others.
Mankind must put an end to war before war puts an end to mankind.
Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.
Nothing is more certainly written in the book of fate than that these people are to be free.
No man is entitled to the blessings of freedom unless he be vigilant in its preservation.
We do not believe that in this country, freedom is reserved for the lucky, or happiness for the few.
Our spirit is back, but we haven't reinstitutionalized it. We've got to do a better job of getting across that America is freedom - freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom of enterprise. And freedom is special and rare. It's fragile; it needs production [protection].
Independence means we enjoy freedom. We are not colonised by people. And we can govern our own country and develop it independently so that our people can live a better life.
Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.