Actually, children did cheer at the announcement. I was 12 at the time and our principle called all the students at our school to the auditorium to make the announcement. Quite a few of the children cheered the news. It's one of those things you never forget, like where you were and what you were doing on 9-11.
I was in Colorado at the time, and no one cheered, not even JFK's enemies (and he had a lot in CO in those days). Everyone realized the gravity of the murder of a sitting president, regardless of party affiliation.
Many people don't realize that a large group of Americans thought that Kennedy was a war-mongering, loose cannon who was goading the Commies into starting a nuclear war; or, at least, so inept that war would result from his actions. What is said about President Bush was said about him.
Arkie, I believe you. I was a young GI in Munich when we got the news and I saw young soldiers like myself almost come to blows in the barracks. Feelings were running high and it was the first time I knew of anyone having political feelings about any president. Many young people of the day reflected what their parents felt about Kennedy.
As for folks who question your veracity on this thread, they can kiss off.
Actually, at least one FReeper did as well.
I was walking back to my next college class, after having spent most of the afternoon down town, when someone screamed at me : " THEY'VE SHOT THE PRESIDENT ". I yelled back : " SOMEONE SHOT PRESIDENT xxx ? " ( The president of the college )" NO ", PRESIDENT KENNEDY !"
" GOOD ! " , I replied and walked on, a smile on my face, amidst a sea of tearful ones.
Posted by nopardons to onyx On News/Activism 11/17/2003 8:52:43 PM PST #140 of 168