Today, 50 years ago, President Kennedy delivered an inaugural address that set the tone for US engagement for decades to come. Through the address Kennedy sought to renew US leadership in the world, guided by a moral imperative to oppose those who limit opportunity and freedom. Kennedy said, “If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.” These words then paved the way for the first-ever Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and the establishment of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) – commemorating its 50th anniversary this year. The best way to celebrate President Kennedy’s infamous address is to build on his legacy for alleviating poverty worldwide by strengthening USAID, while reforming and refocusing our efforts to meet present day challenges. See below for excerpts from Kennedy’s speech that speak to the national security and moral reasons why America has an obligation to fight poverty:
“To those people in the huts and villages of half the globe struggling to break the bonds of mass misery, we pledge our best efforts to help them help themselves, for whatever period is required — not because the Communists may be doing it, not because we seek their votes, but because it is right.”
“To our sister republics south of our border, we offer a special pledge: to convert our good words into good deeds, in a new alliance for progress, to assist free men and free governments in casting off the chains of poverty.”
“My fellow citizens of the world, ask not what America will do for you, but what together we can do for the freedom of man.”