OPINION — The battle over the name on the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts provides opportunity to contrast a great president with the worst president in our country’s history.
Kennedy, a Harvard graduate, a World War II boat commander and hero, our youngest president, Pulitzer Prize author and often quoted for his “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country,” was assassinated in 1963. Congress honored his service by naming the nation’s performing-arts center after him. We lost a great man on Nov. 22, 1963. The honor bestowed on him posthumously was very much deserved. Our Congress then did something honorable.
Today, our 47th president thinks he can elevate his greatness by putting his name on buildings. Greatness does not reside on the face of buildings but from exceptional works of service, sacrifice and leadership. Lying, bullying, racism and narcissism are not characteristics of great politicians.
