Originally printed in Vol 5, No 10 of The Matador newspaper of San Gabriel High School, San Gabriel, California, on Wednesday, November 27, 1963.

Assassination of the President

our President has been killed --not by an army, but by one very small man with a rifle. If John Kennedy had died because someone bore a grudge against John Kennedy, then the story would be tragic. But there is more: one very small man wished to detroy the highest symbol of law and justice in the country he sought to renounce. But one fatal bullet could not destroy this democracy.

it is a hard thing to be a good President: good is so subjective. It is enough that he was sincere. It is not now important that we agreed or disagreed with his policies, but it is essential that we realize that he was doing what he thought best for the United States. He believed in what he did; he died doing what he believed. Surely all Americans must have deepest sympathy for President Kennedy's loved ones. But we must acknowledge the attitude of defiance and hatred which caused the President's death. The assassin's action was a logical extension of disrespect for authority and lack of appreciation for the United States. It is unfortunate that one so young and dedicated as John Kennedy should die from such hatred.

But there is more: the tragedy grows. Not because the assassin is dead, but because he was denied the rights that any individual has in our democracy. Another very small man chose to attack the system which has made us great. Another very small man has challenged authority: we can not be thankful for that.

Much has been destroyed; but we can not go back. Our deceased President has left us with the greatest challenge of our time. There is much to be done, there are many rapids ahead; but we can not go back. There is only tomorrow.

--T. E. Gray