John F. Kennedy in Detroit

If John Kennedy came to Detroit today, this is what he would say: There are many people in the world who really don't understand, or say they don't, what is the great issue between free men and progressive men.

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Let them come to Detroit! There are some who say that progressivism is the wave of the future. Let them come to Detroit!

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There are some who say we can work with the progressives. Let them come to Detroit! And there are even a few who say that it is true that progressivism is an evil system, but it permits us to make economic progress. Let them come to Detroit! Freedom has many difficulties and capitalism is not perfect. But they have never reduced a once proud city and people to the devastation and despair we see about us today. While Detroit remains the most obvious and vivid demonstration of the failures of the progressive system, we take no satisfaction in this failure, for it is an offense not only against history but an offense against humanity. What is true of this city is true of America—that lasting liberty and prosperity can never be assured where progressivism reigns. This generation of Detroiters yearns to live free from violent criminals, corrupt politicians and tyrannical bureaucrats. You dwell in the epitome of a “workers’ paradise”, but you know it does not have to be that way. So let me ask you, as I close, to lift your eyes beyond the devastation and despair of today, to the hopes of tomorrow, beyond the rebirth merely of this city of Detroit, to the rebirth of liberty and prosperity throughout the United States. Freedom is indivisible, and when one American is shackled by progressivism, all are not free. When all are free, then we can look forward to that day when this city and this country will rise again. When that day finally comes—as it will—the people of Detroit can take sober satisfaction in the fact that they overcame the worst that the progressives could inflict. When that day comes, all Americans, wherever they may live, will be citizens of Detroit. Therefore, as a free man, I will take pride in the words "I am a Detroiter!"

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