Is Obama the Next Kennedy?

“Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.” President John F. Kennedy in his inaugural speech in 1961.

Recently in a speech, the unfortunately named Barrack Hussein Obama, made a call for Americans to serve their country rather than wait for their country to serve them. Oh how that simple statement plucked at the heart strings of our aging hippie population.

Keyboards in newsrooms across the country clicked with glee. Every two-bit reporter with a tape recorder or camera went out to the streets, looking for someone to give a useful sound bite that leant credibility to their hypothesis (read hope) that Obama was the next John Kennedy.

But, how closely do Mr. Obama's other statements and proposed policies reflect President Kennedy's?

Kennedy: Worked with “friendly” Central and South American governments to prevent their takeover by Communist revolutionaries.

Obama: Has stated that he would consider attacking Pakistan, one of our only allies in the mid-east.

Kennedy: In 1963 President Kennedy proposed a tax reform package that cut the income tax by a nearly unprecedented amount.

Obama: Has stated numerous times that he would increase income taxes and roll back existing tax cuts.

Kennedy: Spoke from a position of authority when calling America's citizens to serve. President Kennedy honorably served our country in World War II, earning Navy and Marine Corps Medal for his bravery in rescuing a brother in arms. Kennedy also provided a route for Americans to serve by creating the Peace Corps.

Obama: So far he has only made it clear that he will enlarge government programs to keep America's poor and underprivileged dependant on the government dole.

Kennedy: Held strong against the Soviet Union, even at the brink of Armageddon as nuclear missiles were placed in Cuba. Using US military might, President Kennedy forced the Russians to remove the missiles without spilling a drop of blood.

Obama: Has stated that he would sit down with terrorist parties to negotiate and even possibly help the Taliban return to power in Afghanistan.

Notice the difference yet? The disparities go on and on. However, to be sure, I am not saying that John Kennedy was the best president we've had. He was far from it. Nor am I stating that Obama is a terrible person. What I am stating is that any comparison can only be superficial. Sadly, Democrats must realize that there will never be another John Kennedy, just as Republicans must see that there will be another Ronald Reagan. I truly hope for someone who is, in their own way, as good as and better than both of them.