went to a wonderful Obama fundraiser tonight with Bouff. Claire Messud read two quotes which really resonated with me:
There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations much is given. Of other generations much is expected. This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.
– Franklin Roosevelt, 1936 Democratic convention
When power leads men towards arrogance, poetry reminds him of his limitations. When power narrows the areas of man’s concern, poetry reminds him of the richness and diversity of his existence. When power corrupts, poetry cleanses. For art establishes the basic human truth which must serve as the touchstone of our judgment.
– John Kennedy, October 26 1963 (Grace’s birthday), at the dedication of the Amherst College library (I learned that Mum and Dad were both there, though they did not know each other, as was Bouff’s dad – and one month later JFK was assassnated)
That speech by JFK was given during my dad’s freshman fall at Amherst. He always spoke of it as being a defining moment in his life, especially since it was one of the last speeches Kennedy gave. I, too, was moved at its resonance to right now…