Profiles in Courage for Our Time

By Caroline Kennedy

Book Overview

In the spirit of John F. Kennedy's Pulitzer Prize-winning Profiles in Courage, 13 essays honoring modern-day political heroes, penned by a collection of stellar authors Nearly half a century after then-Senator John F. Kennedy was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Profiles in Courage, his masterful portrait of American heroes, the words "politician" and "courage" are rarely uttered in the same breath. But, as this celebration of modern political bravery amply demonstrates, there are countless examples of heroism among today's elected officials. Profiles in Courage for Our Time pays tribute to 13 such heroes, each a recipient of the prestigious Profile in Courage award. The essays' authors are as noteworthy as their subjects: Anna Quindlen writes about Governor James Florio's passing of the strictest gun control law in the nation; Al Hunt details Russell Feingold and John McCain's efforts to reform political financing; Bob Woodward writes on former President Gerald Ford's controversial decision of conscience to pardon former President Richard Nixon. "The Profiles in Courage Award seeks to honor those whose lives of service prove that politics can be a noble profession. We hope that Americans realize that there are men and women serving at all levels of our government who are legends of our time." -- Caroline Kennedy Renowned authors and award-winners featured in Profiles in Courage for Our Time: Michael Beschloss on Carl Elliot, Sr.Bill Kovach on Charles WeltnerE. J. Dionne on Lowell Weicker, Jr.Anna Quindlen on James FlorioPete Hamill on Henry GonzalezSteve Roberts on Michael SynarMarian Wright Edelman on Corkin CherubiniMaryanne Vollers on Charles PriceRon Suskind on Nickolas C. MurnionMichael Daly on Irish Peace MakersAnthony Walton on Hilda SolisAl Hunt on Russell Feingold and John McCainTeresa Carpenter on John LewisBob Woodward on Gerald Ford

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0786867930
• ISBN13: 9780786867936
• Release Date: May 2002
• Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
• Length: 354 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 6.0" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

JFK , Carl Elliot

President John F. Kennedy: John F. Kennedy said "US will never start a war. We do not want war. We do not expect war. This generation of Americans has had enough - more than enough - of hate and expression". JFK profile of courage was a suggestion of massive reform: 1. Major tax reform starting with the cutting of taxes which benefited low-income households 2. The revision of the capital gains laws would free capital investment and encourage economic growth. 3. The removal of tax privileges that favored mineral companies, such as, oil 4. A migration from a floating currency back too the gold standard, as means to control inflation and deflation and the printing of debt free money. 5. The dismantling of the Federal Reserve 6. Tighter budgets policies to be implemented that significantly reducing military spending. 7. Accepting the conclusion, South Vietnam war was their war and affective immediately the withdrawal of US troops from the region. JFK wrote in his book, "In whatever arena of life one may meet the challenge of courage, whatever may be the sacrifices he faces if he follows his conscience-the loss of his friends, his fortune, his contentment, even the esteem of his fellow men-each man must decide for himself the course he will follow. The stories of past courage can define that ingredient-they can teach, they can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But they cannot supply courage itself. For this, each man must look into his soul." Carl Elliott: Congressman Carl Elliott from Alabama fought for equal opportunity in education and was redistricted out of his congressional seat in retaliation for his principled stand. "Elliott fought for equal opportunity in education and was redistricted out of his congressional seat in retaliation for his principled stand. What Elliot cared about was "seeing that folks got what they deserved, good or bad; seeing that the less fortunate weren't denied at least the same opportunity to get an education, earn a decent income, have a home and raise a family as people who happened to be in better circumstances." Elliott believe the Congressman should not just look out for himself and profit from monies from special interest groups, but that the Congressman should "mind the store" and hear what the American people's problem were. In 1958 Elliot and Senator Lister Hill were key champions of the $900 million National Defense Education Act, known as the Hill-Elliott Act. 40,000 grant-in-aid college scholarships were proposed with the aim of producing scientist, engineers, mathematicians, and linguist. Elliot realized that if he took the wrong stand on race, he would be out of office. "White Southerners in Congress were under ferocious pressure to take their stand with the segregationist of Dixie." Elliot did not side with the segregationist telling one reporter, "Anybody who had a grain of sense knew that blacks had to be given their rights. The question was, how were we going to do it. Then

Every amercian should read it

During our time one lonley man steped up to the plate to take on polotics and america as we know it. If you are intrested into polotics or Amercian history this book has it all and maby if you read it you might become class President just like I did.

Inspirational

This book is a compilation of short biographies of the winners of the Profile in Courage Award. It is a group effort, being the work of numerous historians and writers. I found these stories inspiring because many of them illuminate political leaders who took actions they knew would be detrimental to their careers. Yes, most of the award winners have been on the liberal side, but personally I find that a healthy antidote to the sort of "leadership" the mainstream media prefers to applaud these days. And don't forget good old Gerald Ford, whose biography (by Bob Woodward, no less) eloquently makes his case for his pardoning of Richard Nixon. Many readers will disagree with some of the choices for the awards and with some of the conclusions of the authors of these biographies. Nevertheless Profiles in Courage For Our Time is an inspiring effort meant to remind us of the highest qualities we should expect from our leadership.

Another Success

Mrs. Kennedy has once again demonstrated her keen inteligence and her practice of an on-going dialoque with the American people. The book keeps with the spirit of her father's work, is equally as lucid, yet adapted to our times. Mrs. Kennedy said in a discussion about the book that if her work turns out to be half as good as her parents, then she will be proud. Indeed, Mrs. Kennedy should be very proud.

Real courage inspired by the man who defined leadership.

This is a great buy for anyone who admires real courage and those who define it not through grandstanding and media posturing but through selfless acts with outcomes that cannot be controlled. Courage is not simply reacting to a situation with correct but obvious actions, but rather stepping out of the box and a zone of self comfort to right a wrong situation regardless of the personal consequence. After September 11th, many politicians, right up to the top, have acted admirably, but have not done anything particularly courageous. This is not to say they are bad people or bad leaders, or that they have not acted correctly, but they either aren't like, or haven been given the opporutinty to be like, the individuals whose stories grace this well written, well researched and entertaining collection; People like Representative Elliot, who fought bigotry and hatred and was subjected to practical homelessness and bankrupcy long after the country came around because of it. Since the heady days of the 1960's, the nation has been searching for heroes like those men and women who led the country through the decade and into the future, some making, in the case of Ms. Kennedy's father and uncle, the ultimate sacrifice. Hopefully this book will help us to better identify those people who are quitely working through conviction and nobility to make the country and the world a better place.