Most of us are conditioned for many years to have a political viewpoint - Republican or Democratic, liberal, conservative, or moderate. The fact of the matter is that most of the problems that we now face are technical problems, are administrative problems. They are very sophisticated judgments, which do not lend themselves to the great sort of passionate movements which have stirred this country so often in the past. - They deal with questions which are now beyond the comprehension of most men.
Interpretation
Kennedy emphasizes that many current issues are technical and administrative rather than purely political, highlighting a gap in understanding among the general public.
In this quote, John F. Kennedy points out that many of the pressing challenges faced by society today are not necessarily rooted in political ideology but are rather complex technical and administrative issues. He suggests that these problems require nuanced understanding and sophisticated judgments, which are often overlooked in favor of passionate political movements. This implies a need for a more informed and analytical approach to problem-solving, rather than relying solely on traditional political divisions.
In practice
In a speech about community progress, one might reference this quote to advocate for technical solutions over political debates.
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.
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.
Elected officials shouldn’t get to choose who gets to choose elected officials.
Every vote counts and every vote must be counted
Only votes talk, everything else walks.
And as a matter of fact, governments don't act, governments only react. The bankers make the decisions, and then governments decide how are we going to adjust to this. Government can't do anything unless the bank gives them the money to do it.
Excessive taxation . . . will carry reason & reflection to every man's door, and particularly in the hour of election.
In the hands of politicians grand designs achieve nothing but new forms of the old misery.
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