Well-written speech, as were most of JFK's.
"Compare to modern Democratic thinking"...OK, but first an important caveat: That was four decades ago, and much has changed. Kennedy was responding appropriately to the world situation and the particular circumstances of the Cold War. But--and I know this is a difficult point for Conservatives--al Qaeda is not the Soviet Union. A Democratic President--or any President--who tried to approach terrorism like a confrontation with a superpower, and tried to apply conventional military tactics, would be guilty of gross incompetence and negligence.
Given that, what's important is not a military prescription for the Cold War that happens to resonate with Bush's approach to terrorism. What's important are the eternal principles that inform a modern Democrat (and Progressive and Liberal et al).
On leadership and strength:
I want to discuss with you today the status of our strength and our security because this question clearly calls for the most responsible qualities of leadership and the most enlightened products of scholarship. For this Nation's strength and security are not easily or cheaply obtained, nor are they quickly and simply explained. There are many kinds of strength and no one kind will suffice. Overwhelming nuclear strength cannot stop a guerrilla war. Formal pacts of alliance cannot stop internal subversion. Displays of material wealth cannot stop the disillusionment of diplomats subjected to discrimination.
Above all, words alone are not enough. The United States is a peaceful nation. And where our strength and determination are clear, our words need merely to convey conviction, not belligerence. If we are strong, our strength will speak for itself. If we are weak, words will be of no help.
(Hard to imagine Kennedy squeaking "Bring it on!" like a cornered mouse, isn't it?)
On the relationship of domestic and foreign security:
Finally, it should be clear by now that a nation can be no stronger abroad than she is at home. Only an America which practices what it preaches about equal rights and social justice will be respected by those whose choice affects our future. Only an America which has fully educated its citizens is fully capable of tackling the complex problems and perceiving the hidden dangers of the world in which we live. And only an America which is growing and prospering economically can sustain the worldwide defenses of freedom, while demonstrating to all concerned the opportunities of our system and society.
On the justification for war and the proper use of strength:
That strength will never be used in pursuit of aggressive ambitions--it will always be used in pursuit of peace. It will never be used to promote provocations--it will always be used to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes.
We in this country, in this generation, are--by destiny rather than choice--the watchmen on the walls of world freedom. We ask, therefore, that we may be worthy of our power and responsibility, that we may exercise our strength with wisdom and restraint, and that we may achieve in our time and for all time the ancient vision of "peace on earth, good will toward men." That must always be our goal, and the righteousness of our cause must always underlie our strength. For as was written long ago: "except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain."
I realize that Kennedy's words don't square with your straw man Democrat, but then that's the weakness of the straw man tactic.
Nevertheless, thanks for bringing Kennedy's last speech to light. Kennedy's words are still, after so many years, a candle in the dark.