Letter: Among the clamor of the holidays, let us remember Kennedy.

Saturday, Nov. 22, marked the 62nd anniversary of the assassination of our 35th president, John F. Kennedy.

To begin, I will first admit that I wholeheartedly supported Richard Nixon in the 1960 presidential election. Over time, however, I've learned things about JFK that have changed my mind.

The first thing that comes to mind is that after meeting with Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, JFK realized that he was dealing with a man who understood only power. When Russian missiles were discovered in Cuba, JFK ordered the Navy to blockade the island. The Russians backed down.

Second, JFK began working to cut income taxes.

Third, JFK's Justice Department began intensive investigation and prosecution of organized crime.

Fourth, JFK realized that U.S. involvement in Vietnam was a losing proposition and planned to withdraw U.S. troops and "advisers."

Fifth, JFK wanted to end the privately owned "Federal" Reserve banking system, which has enabled the U.S. government to spend money like a drunken sailor — U.S. indebtedness will soon surpass $40 trillion.

Sixth, JFK reinvigorated our space program to deter Russia's threats and expansionist policies.

Seventh, John F. Kennedy was a true patriot who loved his country. He should be recognized as one of the greatest Democratic presidents, based on what he planned to accomplish had he lived.

It's lamentable that the party bosses foisted Lyndon B. Johnson on the ticket as JFK's running mate. LBJ gave us inflation, prolonged involvement in Vietnam, which resulted in around 69,000 Americans getting killed and many thousands more wounded in that bloody, fiasco of a war.

George R. Gallagher

Grottoes