Profile in Courage
In the Spring of 2000, a high school senior was honored for his prize-winning entry in the national John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students. Students were encouraged to write an essay about a current political issue at the local, state, or national level and an elected official in the United States who is acting courageously to address that issue. Here is a short excerpt from the essay that won the top prize:
"Cynical candidates have developed an ability to outgrow their convictions in order to win power. Cynical citizens have given up on the election process, going to the polls at one of the lowest rates in the democratic world. Such an atmosphere inevitably distances our society from its leadership and is thus a fundamental threat to the principles of democracy. It also calls into question what motivates a run for office – in many cases, apparently, only the desire to occupy it. Fortunately for the political process, there remain a number of committed individuals who are steadfast enough in their beliefs to run for office to benefit their fellow Americans. Such people are willing to eschew political and personal comfort and convenience because they believe they can make a difference. One outstanding and inspiring example of such integrity is the country’s only Independent Congressman, Vermont’s Bernie Sanders...Sanders’ positions on many difficult issues are commendable, but his real impact has been as a reaction to the cynical climate which threatens the effectiveness of the democratic system. His energy, candor, conviction, and ability to bring people together stand against the current of opportunism, moral compromise, and partisanship which runs rampant on the American political scene. He and few others like him have the power to restore principle and leadership in Congress and to win back the faith of a voting public weary and wary of political opportunism. Above all, I commend Bernie Sanders for giving me an answer to those who say American young people see politics as a cesspool of corruption, beyond redemption."
Who authored this lovely 'Profile in Courage' of Bernie Sanders you might wonder? Pete Buttigieg.
On this matter, I agree with Pete 100%. I love that Bernie has never outgrown his convictions. I love that Bernie does not accept contributions from billionaires. I love that Bernie does not coordinate with SuperPacs to influence elections using negative attack ads on television. I love that Bernie's campaign has been entirely funded by grassroots donations from individuals only. I love that Bernie has given young people an answer to those that say American politics is beyond redemption!
#Bernie2020 #BernieIsMyPresident
Read Pete's entire prize-winning essay here: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest/past-winning-essays/2000-winning-essay-by-peter-buttigieg
"Cynical candidates have developed an ability to outgrow their convictions in order to win power. Cynical citizens have given up on the election process, going to the polls at one of the lowest rates in the democratic world. Such an atmosphere inevitably distances our society from its leadership and is thus a fundamental threat to the principles of democracy. It also calls into question what motivates a run for office – in many cases, apparently, only the desire to occupy it. Fortunately for the political process, there remain a number of committed individuals who are steadfast enough in their beliefs to run for office to benefit their fellow Americans. Such people are willing to eschew political and personal comfort and convenience because they believe they can make a difference. One outstanding and inspiring example of such integrity is the country’s only Independent Congressman, Vermont’s Bernie Sanders...Sanders’ positions on many difficult issues are commendable, but his real impact has been as a reaction to the cynical climate which threatens the effectiveness of the democratic system. His energy, candor, conviction, and ability to bring people together stand against the current of opportunism, moral compromise, and partisanship which runs rampant on the American political scene. He and few others like him have the power to restore principle and leadership in Congress and to win back the faith of a voting public weary and wary of political opportunism. Above all, I commend Bernie Sanders for giving me an answer to those who say American young people see politics as a cesspool of corruption, beyond redemption."
Who authored this lovely 'Profile in Courage' of Bernie Sanders you might wonder? Pete Buttigieg.
On this matter, I agree with Pete 100%. I love that Bernie has never outgrown his convictions. I love that Bernie does not accept contributions from billionaires. I love that Bernie does not coordinate with SuperPacs to influence elections using negative attack ads on television. I love that Bernie's campaign has been entirely funded by grassroots donations from individuals only. I love that Bernie has given young people an answer to those that say American politics is beyond redemption!
#Bernie2020 #BernieIsMyPresident
Read Pete's entire prize-winning essay here: https://www.jfklibrary.org/learn/education/profile-in-courage-essay-contest/past-winning-essays/2000-winning-essay-by-peter-buttigieg
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