If this nation is to be wise as well as strong, if we are to achieve our destiny, then we need more new ideas for more wise men reading more good books in more public libraries. These libraries should be open to all—except the censor. We must know all the facts and hear all the alternatives and listen to all the criticisms. Let us welcome controversial books and controversial authors. For the Bill of Rights is the guardian of our security as well as our liberty.
Senator JOHN F. KENNEDY, response to questionnaire, Saturday Review, October 29, 1960, p. 44.
Source: Bartleby.com
Dion sings Abraham and Martin and John
Today is the 45th anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. It is probably the only clear childhood memory I have — the desk where I sat and the terror I felt that the world had spun so out of control that the President of the U.S. could be shot.