John F. Kennedy Quotes

524 Sourced Quotes

We also need the provisions in the tax bill that will permit working mothers to increase the deduction from income tax liability for costs incurred in providing care for their children while the mothers are working. In October the Commission on the Status of Women will report to me. This problem should have a high priority, and I think that whatever we leave undone this year we must move on this in January.

John F. Kennedy
We have some of the most influential Members of Congress here today, and I do hope that we can get this appropriation for these day-care centers, which seems to me to be money very wisely spent, and also under consideration of the tax bill, that we can consider the needs of the working mothers, and both of these will be very helpful, and I would like to lobby in their behalf.

John F. Kennedy
No responsibility of government is more fundamental than the responsibility of maintaining the highest standard of ethical behavior for those who conduct the public business.

John F. Kennedy
One-third of the world, it has been said, may be free- -but one-third is the victim of cruel repression--and the other one- third is rocked by the pangs of poverty, hunger and envy. More energy is released by the awakening of these new nations than by the fission of the atom itself.

John F. Kennedy
Our responsibility is one of decision, for to govern is to choose.

John F. Kennedy
While we cannot guarantee that we shall one day be first, we can guarantee that any failure to make this effort will make us last.

John F. Kennedy
Space offers no problems of sovereignty; by resolution of this Assembly, the members of the United Nations have foresworn any claim to territorial rights in outer space or on celestial bodies, and declared that international law and the United Nations Charter will apply.

John F. Kennedy
I know there's been disturbance about the van Allen belt, but van Allen says it's not going to affect the belt, and it's his! [Laughter]

John F. Kennedy
If my church attempted to influence me in a way which was improper or which affected adversely my responsibilities as a public servant sworn to uphold the Constitution, then I would reply to them that this was an improper action on their part. It was one to which I could not subscribe.

John F. Kennedy
When my office would require me to either violate my conscience or violate the national interest, then I would resign the office; and I hope any conscientious public servant would do the
same.

John F. Kennedy
To exclude from positions of trust and command all those below the age of 44 would have kept Jefferson from writing the Declaration of Independence, Washington from commanding the Continental Army, Madison from fathering the Constitution, Hamilton from serving as secretary of the treasury, Clay from being elected speaker of the House and Christopher Columbus from discovering America.

John F. Kennedy
I hear it said that West Berlin is militarily untenable - and so was Bastogne, and so, in fact, was Stalingrad. Any danger spot is tenable if men - brave men - will make it so.

John F. Kennedy
It is extremely important that adequate provision be made for reasonable levels of income to them, for the care of the children which they must leave at home or in school, and for protection of the family unit. One of the prime objectives of the Commission on the Status of Women, which I appointed 18 months ago, is to develop a program to accomplish these purposes.

John F. Kennedy
I think the American people expect more from us than cries of indignation and attack. The times are too grave, the challenge too urgent, and the stakes too high--to permit the customary passions of political debate.

John F. Kennedy
The American presidency will demand more than ringing manifestos issued from the rear of the battle. It will demand that the President place himself in the very thick of the fight; that he care passionately about the fate of the people he leads.

John F. Kennedy
In a time of turbulence and change, it is more true than ever that knowledge is power.

John F. Kennedy
We don't want to be like the leader in the French Revolution who said There go my people, I must find out where they are going so I can lead them.

John F. Kennedy
No President should fear public scrutiny of his program. For from that scrutiny comes understanding; and from that understanding comes support or opposition and both are necessary.

John F. Kennedy
Is this Nation stating it cannot afford to spend an additional $600 million to help the developing nations of the world become strong and free and independentan amount less than this countrys annual outlay for lipstick, face cream, and chewing gum?

John F. Kennedy
While much remains to be done to achieve full equality of economic opportunity-for the average woman worker earns only 60 percent of the average wage for men-this legislation is a significant step forward.

John F. Kennedy
The Federal Government is the people and the budget is a reflection of their need.

John F. Kennedy
Will Rogers once said it is not the original investment in a Congressman that counts; it is the upkeep.

John F. Kennedy
Lofty words cannot construct an alliance or maintain it; only concrete deeds can do that.

John F. Kennedy
I am fully aware of the fact that the Democratic Party, by nominating someone of my faith, has taken on what many regard as a new and hazardous risk.

John F. Kennedy
Abroad, the balance of power is shifting. There are new and more terrible weapons--new and uncertain nations--new pressures of population and deprivation.

John F. Kennedy
We must recognize that every nation determines its policies in terms of its own interests.

John F. Kennedy
Of the multitude who throughout history have spoken for human dignity in times of great suffering and loss, no voice is more compelling than that of Anne Frank.

John F. Kennedy
Every president has taken comfort and courage when told...that the Lord "will be with thee. He will not fail thee nor forsake thee. Fear not-neither be thou dismayed."

John F. Kennedy
A police state finds that it cannot command the grain to grow.

John F. Kennedy
Let's not talk so much about vice. I'm against vice in all forms.

John F. Kennedy