I woke up this morning

and remembered what day it was. As you get older you accumulate memories of events that have affected you profoundly. The day becomes etched in your memory to be recalled with crystal clarity on its anniversary. As time has gone on, JFK's death has seemed to fade from the American consciousness replaced by other tragic events with more sound bites.

AGITPROP: Version 3.0, Featuring Blogenfreude: November 22, 1963: "We feel something was stolen from us. Who knows what Kennedy would have done? At the time of his murder, it was not clear that he would be re-elected. But when I think of the stage JFK was setting (onto which LBJ would soon stride) I still believe. Given our present 'leadership,' I feel the loss even more acutely."

It is devastating. To go from open optimism to closed paranoia in a generation has parallels in history, none of which bode well for the future of our country. As you go through this day try to remember the spirit of what JFK meant and not how it has been implemented to the detriment of the American people.

Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.

Where is the hope?