A date which will live in infamy

Seventy five years ago today our nation was dragged into World War II by the Japanese navy's brutal surprise attack on Pearl Harbor. We were so intent on staying out of the war that getting bloodied and having our navy decimated was what it took for us to get in the fight. I can't help but wonder how things might have turned out if the Japanese pressed their advantage. It's comforting to think that everything would have turned out the same, but the more likely outcome would include brutal occupation in territory seized by the Japanese and fierce fighting on both sides. What do you think?

Trump Tower on a hill

On January 9, 1961 before leaving the Massachusetts Legislature to assume the presidency John F. Kennedy gave his final speech to that body. In it he reminded his listeners of Massachusetts's Bay Colony founder John Winthrop's admonition to the his shipmates on the flagship Arbella .
"We must always consider that we shall be as a city upon a hill—the eyes of all people are upon us."

I can't help but consider that statement in light of current events. Additionally, I cannot help but wonder what Donald J. Trump considers his responsibilities to be to his fellow Americans and how the high court of history will judge not only him, but all of us for his assent to the most powerful office on earth.

In that same speech Kennedy said, "For of those to whom much is given, much is required." He offered a yardstick to measure success in "the task of building a new government on a perilous frontier" by answering four questions:

"First, were we truly men of courage—with the courage to stand up to one's enemies—and the courage to stand up, when necessary, to one's associates—the courage to resist public pressure, as well as private greed?

Secondly, were we truly men of judgment—with perceptive judgment of the future as well as the past—of our own mistakes as well as the mistakes of others—with enough wisdom to know that we did not know, and enough candor to admit it?

Third, were we truly men of integrity—men who never ran out on either the principles in which they believed or the people who believed in them—men who believed in us—men whom neither financial gain nor political ambition could ever divert from the fulfillment of our sacred trust?

Finally, were we truly men of dedication—with an honor mortgaged to no single individual or group, and compromised by no private obligation or aim, but devoted solely to serving the public good and the national interest."

Courage—judgment—integrity—dedication if these are the litmus tests for the Trump administration, so far it doesn't look good.