Profiles in Courage

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Summary: Profiles in Courage by President John F. Kennedy
Review: This work ranks as a first-rate political commentary on the
courageous positions taken by a select group of Americans.
The author cites a number of famous and not so famous
Americans . i.e. John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster and
Edmund Ross. I was impressed by the character of Edmund Ross
in making a very principled choice in the impeachment proceedings
of President Andrew Johnson. Ross transcended considerable
past disagreements with President Johnson to cast an
impeachment vote effectively retaining the unpopular president.
For the post-Lincoln time period, this act required more
than a modicum of political courage. President Kennedy
presented these stories utilizing a simple belles lettres
style of writing which adds to the thrilling crescendo
built into the book. Students of history will find this
work invaluable. In addition, the work is written well.
The vocabulary is superior as is the sentence construction.
This book is required reading on many high school reading lists.
After having read this book, students will have gained a
better perspective on the life and times of the early
American thinkers and politicians.

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Summary: This book brings out the true meaning of patriotism.
Review: With the recent impeachment of President Clinton by the U.S. House of Representatives, and the impending trial in the Senate, "Profiles in Courage" gives an appropriate historical persepective on the impact of the impeachment process. This book allows the reader to truly understand the immense pressure each member of Congress was under at the time of the impeachement of President Andrew Johnson. It also brings into focus the sheer magnitude of the duties we have bestowed on members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate today. This book points out that an impeachement trial should not be taken lightly. As was demonstrated in "Profiles in Courage", John Kennedy skillfully portrays the agony Edmund G. Ross went through before making his decision to cast a not guilty vote - saving President Johnson - from being thrown out of office. Ross'decision would have a resounding impact on the Constitution and the history of our nation. Now, 130 years later, members of the U.S. Senate are being asked to face the same challenges that Senator Ross faced. This portion of "Profiles" should be read by every member of the U.S. Senate before any votes to throw the president out of office are cast.

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Summary: The prescience to transcend
Review: Edmund G. Ross(R). Who is he? How could someone so unknown be so significant in saving our country during a time of unprecedented peril? From threats both near and far, Ross was under a seemingly insurmountable burden to vote for impeachment, he chose, however, to exhibit "the courage to vote according to the dictates of my judgment and for the highest good of the country." This courage to uphold the Constitution and ignore the rabble rouser constituents of his native Kansas and the ever-strident Radical Republicans emboldened him to cast the deciding vote in acquitting President Andrew Johnson from certifiable impeachment -- by one vote. In doing so, Ross sagaciously restored order in the most tumultuous time in our history, and more importantly, forever rescued the dwindling autonomy of the executive branch from an increasingly partisan Congressional autocracy.

While this profound book chronicles the trials and tribulations of an impressive, yet eclectic, group of Senators all the way from the courageous John Quincy Adams up until the principled Robert A. Taft, I found one prevailing theme to be both extolled ad nauseam yet rarely enacted -- the laudable attribute of unassailable principled conviction in a time of unfathomable duress and, oftentimes, leading to grave repercussions.

"The hottest places in hell are reserved for those who, in a time of great moral crisis, maintain their neutrality."
- Robert F. Kennedy in the foreword

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Summary: Thoughts on Moral and Political Integrity
Review: JFK's writings on the courageous actions and integrity of selected Politicians (mainly State Senate) throughout our nations history (up until the early 1900's anyway) was interesting and enlightening. It is disappointing though, to think that these leaders would often have such a hard time doing what is morally correct within themselves, just to have their lives almost totally ruined by the greed of their fellow constituents within their selected regions, and their own political colleagues. Senator Kennedy talks also of the flaws within our Democratic Society and the greed within us all. The book is actually quite simple to read, just as long as the political moves and thoughts here in are of slight interest to the reader. JFK does try to display his thoughts and ideas on political courage through political decision making based on integrity and moral correctness; although, some of his ideas are expressed as a matter of personal and professional opinion. Political stubborness sometimes is expressed as integrity over political correctness, which can be a debatable issue in itself. I do believe that JFK's heart and mind were in the right place when writing this book; although he does give the opinion that he is trying desperately to convince us that certain political actions are of sound judgement. He does let the reader realize his love for political correctness and politics in general. But since 1956, it is too bad that our Nation's Politicians themselves, did not take Kennedy's writings of Courage and Integrity a little more serious.

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Summary: Courage Defined
Review: John F. Kennedy was an award winning writing before he became President. While I have long intended to read his best known book, I have only recently acted on the opportunity. Although my primary interest in American history is relegated to more recent history, I found "Profiles in Courage"to be a very pleasurable read.

Kennedy chose a select group of senators with courageous motives to be the subject of his book. The time periods of the senators are as diverse as their deeds. John Q. Adams is the discussed for his valor in voting against the Federalist principles he was elected to defend. His actions made him unpopular in his home state of Massachusetts. Daniel Webster is noted for his attempts to keep the union together. Thomas Hart Benton refused to allow Missouri to leave the union while combating the Kansas-Nebraska Bill. Sam Houston turned most of the state of Texas against himself by refusing to allow Texas to leave the union. Edmund Ross perhaps received more abuse than any of the senators mentioned in the book for being the vote that prevented Andrew Jackson's conviction on impeachment charges. Lucius Quintas Cincinnatus Lamar became the unpopluar southern senator to bridge the gap with the North in the Reconstruction. George Norris caused an end to the political machine the senate had become in his time. Robert Taft became to unpopular spokesman for the illegalities of the Nuremberg Trials. Most of these men sacrificed their political careers for their stance. These stories are refreshing in an era of partisan politics. It is difficult to image similar acts today.

Although Kennedy was never allowed to reach his potential as a President, he proves to be an accomplished writer. Kennedy unintentionally raises questions about the functioning of the senate and government in general. It must be questioned if a democracy is truly working if the main goal of a senator or elected official is to be reelected. With reelection at stake, can any elected official vote for the best interest of the country if it is unpopular with the people? Government is intended to act in the people's best interest. It must be considered if appointed senators were more effective than elected senators. While there may be no easy answer to this, pondering the question and potentially making changes is an example effective democracy.

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Summary: A book reflecting the importance of our Constitution.
Review: John F. Kennedy's Pulitzer Prize winning book is a must read for all Americans interested in the importance of statesmanship and the courage to place principles above personal profit. Each chapter details the works of a U.S. legislator who made a significant impact on the credibility of the United States Constitution, often putting his or her career on the line to defend the foundations of the American republic. Many of these legislators are rarely spoken of today, but the continuing tradition of the democratic process of this nation owes a deep sense of gratitude to these statesmen.(p)

At a time when many of us are questioning the character and the ambitions of our political leaders, this book is a worthy reminder to us that a few good people can make the difference. This book is timely and pertinent when cyncism abounds in the minds of many voters and taxpayers.

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Summary: Grace Under Pressure
Review: "Profiles in Courage" is a rare book - for a number of reasons.

First, of course, is that the author is nothing short of American royalty and the publication of the book in 1956 had an instantaneous impact on Kennedy's political fortunes. In the late 1950s, JFK was a freshman senator without many notable achievements. "Profiles" immediately set him apart from his Congressional colleagues and established him as something of an intellectual heavyweight in Washington and garnered valuable publicity that ultimately vaulted him to the 1960 Democratic nomination and the presidency.

Second, never before has a work of non-fiction been so immediately embroiled in controversy, both because of questions concerning its composition and the fact that it won the 1957 Pulitzer Prize for biography. The consensus today -- nearly half-a-century after its publication and after intense scrutiny -- is that the book was essentially written by committee. JFK may have provided the inspiration for the work, but close aide and confidant Ted Sorenson did most of the heavy lifting around research and writing. In other words, Kennedy was more the "editor" than the "author." Indeed, Herbert Parmet investigated the "who wrote Profiles?" question in detail in his 1980 book "Jack: The Struggle of John F. Kennedy" and concluded that there was no evidence from reams of hand-written notes and memos that JFK contributed anything substantial to the final version of the book. This after Kennedy threatened to sue ABC for millions after syndicated columnist Drew Pearson alleged that the book was ghostwritten during a 1957 appearance on the Mike Wallace Show, an allegation ABC was forced to retract. To add to the brouhaha, the Pulitzer committee never officially nominated "Profiles" in 1957, yet somehow it came away with the award. Rumors swirled that Joseph Kennedy - and good friend and New York Times columnist Arthur Krock - leaned on the committee to get JFK the award, but those charges have never been, nor likely ever will be, verified.

Finally, the book is rare and important because of its content and theme. Contrary to other reviews, this book is NOT about "doing the right thing." The author(s) stress that each vignette concerns Senators who deliberately took a stand of conscious, which they knew would be unpopular with their constituents and likely cripple their political careers. Their stories have nothing to do with being right in time. Indeed, was Webster "doing the right thing" when he pursued compromise in 1850, including acceptance of the hated Fugitive Slave Law, which so appalled abolitionist Massachusetts? Was Norris right for scuttling Wilson's attempts to arm the American merchant fleet that was being decimated by German U-Boats before the US entry into the First World War? The central issue is the willingness to accept malicious public abuse, the loss of friends, power, prestige and the sacrifice of future aspirations on an issue of moral conscience, regardless how posterity judges that particular position. Kennedy et.al. demonstrate the admirable virtue of political courage through a collection of historical anecdotes of senators - some legends (Webster) and others forgotten (Ross) - across the expanse of US history.

The profiles are all crisp, lively and engaging (kudos to Sorenson!). Each is inspiring in its own way without resorting to mawkishness sentimentality. However, one should be cautioned from fully embracing each story in its entirety. For instance, the author(s) credit Kansas Senator Edmund G. Ross with single-handedly casting the vote that acquitted Andrew Johnson from impeachment charges in 1868, thus saving the executive from gross encroachment by the legislative branch. Some noted historians of the era, such as Eric Foner, note that there were a number of acquittal votes waiting in the wings to ensure that Johnson was not thrown out of office and that Ross ultimately received a number of patronage posts from the president in return for his vote, therefore undermining the notion in "Profiles" that Ross' actions was purely selfless and in the interest of the nation.

In sum, "Profiles in Courage" is a highly readable collection of anecdotes from Senatorial history with a positive, inspiring theme - regardless who wrote the book.

Rating:
Summary: The courage to do the right thing
Review: President Kennedy has managed to write a remarkable book a generation ago that still resonates today. He has explained how at various times during the nations history leaders stepped up to the plate and "did the right thing". Most of these men did not like the enemy or cause they were protecting. The President mentions frequently throughout his book how more often than not the man of courage was a bitter enemy of the man he was protecting. This book is about the American ideal. During times of crisis, somebody always comes through. All of the men paid a dear price politically. Most of them disappeared into the annuals of history and were not recognized until much later how imporant their contribution actually was to the United States. Kennedy also points out these were normal ordinary men in extraordinary circumstances. He also points out they were not all truly nice men. Many of them were arrogant demi-gods, but at that moment they rose to the occasion.

President Kennedy's book is remarkable for the fact that it shows how amazing the United States actually is. Where other countries have fallen apart because they could find their way through difficulties, the united States survived and flourished. It may be pure luck on our part, but I think it is who we are. We may not like each other much of the time, but during times of crisis we pull together as a nation. The beauty of this book is that some of the stories have been told of the great men who showed such courage when it would have been easier to go with the crowd. this book is a must read.

Rating:
Summary: Must be read!
Review: Profiles in courage is really well written piece of work about some courageous American Senators.
Courage was the best virtue in the eyes of JFK.
He had wrote it when he was sick, so it shows that he was a great author.
He had dedicated his book to his wife , I found that act very nice and that shows his love for her.
Some jealous people had said that it was Ted Sorensen who wrote the book but you really understand and knew him you it was the real writer.
He tells about John Quincy Adams, Daniel Webster...
That shows that he had a big history acquaintance.
I Highly recommended it to all people Kennedy fans or not.

Rating:
Summary: Conscience over Capitulation
Review: While recuperating in the hospital from a near fatal episode of infection after a surgery, Senator John F. Kennedy took that time to begin writing about U.S. Senators who had exhibited explicit courage at some point in their political careers. This turned into the Pulitzer Prize wining Profiles in Courage. In the book, Kennedy examines eight senators who followed their own convictions and took what they believed to be the right stances on issues while the pressures of their parties, constituents, and career prospects weighed down on them to do otherwise. Robert F. Kennedy has written a forward to this book in which he explains John Kennedy's esteem for the attribute of human courage. In the preface, the former president gives the reader a glimpse of some of the pressures faced by U.S. Senators and the environment in which they work. The men profiled begin with John Quincy Adams and lead up to Robert A. Taft. Profiles in Courage is divided into four parts, each with a brief introduction to "The Time and The Place." One gets a real feel for America through the eyes of these eight senators. This work could be look upon as a history lesson (which it is in part), but the theme that courses through every page is real life accounts of individuals who stand up for their convictions even when the cause seems and really is lost. Flanked by a forward by Robert Kennedy and a brief biography of the president, this edition does take its chance to extol the man John F. Kennedy, but it does not detract from the body of the work itself. While not a book definitive on any subject, Profiles in Courage is a piece of America, and would it behoove any American to read it.