|
Summary: Massachusetts Congressman John F. Kennedy makes a powerful statement about the place of religion, specifically his own Catholicism, in politics. Here he criticizes a priest in western Massachusetts for using religion as a political wedge in a local school election, reminding Catholics, who tended to vote Democratic, of the difficulties faced by Al Smith, a Catholic, in his presidential campaign in 1928. John Fitzgerald Kennedy. Autograph Letter Signed as Congressman, to John Mahanna. On stationery “aboard United Air Lines.” Postmarked with 3¢ stamp at O’Hare Airport, Chicago, Illinois, November 6, [1952?]. 2 pp., recto and verso, with envelope addressed by Kennedy. Inventory# 21552 $9,500 Transcript: “I think that the priest up there should be reprimanded by the Bishop for attempting to make a religious war out of a school election. And then they complain about Al Smith’s treatment... To say I was going to call headquarters to talk to the ladies is wholly untrue—I would be glad if you told him so. I shall try and get up this summer if Congress gets out in time. My best to Emma – I shall look forward to seeing you both soon.
Best, Jack”
|
