A key reason why nuclear Armageddon was avoided in the early 1960s? The decision-making of President John F. Kennedy. That’s the opinion of Kennedy experts, Jim Blight and Janet Lang, who will speak April 26 at noon in the Sorrell Center, Room 2018.
Blight and Lang will present their work, which demonstrates that Kennedy used his multitude of physical illnesses, near-death experiences, and lifelong horrific back pain as a form of “ju jitsu,” through which he became skeptical of “experts,” whether medical or military. They will discuss how he transformed his physical weaknesses and defects into the psychological steeliness he demonstrated as a presidential decision-maker, in resisting the advice of his hawkish advisers to take the nation to war.
For a brief animated introduction to Blight and Lang’s views on Kennedy, see their film “Be Kennedy” on their YouTube page.
The event is offered through the Time Travelers program, which provides free museum admission for medical center employees, students, and their immediate family with a valid identification badge, while also offering lectures, workshops and other events on the medical center campus. Employees are encouraged to bring their lunch.