I ask you tonight to follow in that tradition - to judge me on the basis of my record of 14 years in Congress.
Editor's note · Context
Speech of Senator John F. Kennedy, Greater Houston Ministerial Association, Rice Hotel, Houston, TX
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This has been the most successful campaign since 1945 and, as all of you know very well from your own experience, these things do not just happen; they are made to happen, and it has required a good deal of effort by your chairman and by all of you, and we are very grateful to you.
I want to express my very sincere thanks to all of you and the companies you represent which led the way.
Contrary to repeated warnings, prophecies, and expressions of hope, in the 17 years since the Marshall plan began, I know of no single officeholder who was ever defeated because he supported this program, and the burden is less today than ever before.
And to weaken and water down the pending program, to confuse and confine its flexibility with rigid restrictions and rejections, will not only harm our economy, it will hamper our security.





