Ninety-nine percent of the men and women of the FBI... are just

Listen, O children of wisdom, to the words of John F. Kennedy, a leader whose vision for a fair and just society rings through the ages. He spoke thus: "Ninety-nine percent of the men and women of the FBI... are just professionals. I don't want Americans, if an FBI agent knocks on their door, to have to be worried about well, is he a Democrat or a Republican? He's an FBI agent." These words, spoken with the authority of a president committed to the rule of law and the integrity of the institutions that uphold it, remind us of the vital importance of neutrality and professionalism in positions of power. Kennedy’s statement speaks not just to the role of the FBI, but to the broader principle that institutions of justice must operate free from the biases of partisan politics.

At the heart of Kennedy's statement is the idea that justice must be blind, not shaped by the political ideologies of the moment, but by unwavering principles of truth and fairness. When a man or woman serves as an agent of the law, as an enforcer of justice, their allegiance must lie not with parties or factions, but with the greater good of society. The FBI agent, standing at the door of a citizen, should represent only the law and the safety of the public, not the personal beliefs that might cloud their judgment. Kennedy’s message is one of unity, reminding us that, in matters of justice, there is no room for divisions born of party lines.

Consider, O children, the ancient courts of Athens, where the very foundations of democracy were laid. The Athenian jury system, though not perfect, was based on the principle that justice should be blind to wealth, status, and politics. The judges and jurors, selected at random from among the citizens, were tasked with upholding justice not for their own gain or political beliefs, but for the community. They acted as stewards of a system that was designed to rise above the influence of faction, upholding the law in service to the public good. Kennedy’s words echo this same ideal: that justice, in its purest form, must be impartial, not swayed by the winds of political division.

In modern times, the Watergate scandal provides a powerful example of how justice must remain neutral and above reproach. When Richard Nixon’s presidency was threatened by allegations of wrongdoing, it was the impartiality of the FBI and the judiciary that ensured the matter was handled according to the rule of law, not political favor. The investigation and subsequent resignation of Nixon were proof that when institutions like the FBI remain dedicated to their duty and free from political manipulation, they can protect the integrity of the system. Kennedy’s vision for the FBI was realized in this moment: the agents who investigated Watergate were not swayed by political affiliations, but by their commitment to truth and justice.

But Kennedy’s words also remind us of a more personal responsibility: we must each act with professionalism and integrity in our own lives. Just as an FBI agent must rise above political bias, so too must we navigate the world with honesty and neutrality in our dealings with others. In the marketplace, in the workplace, and in our relationships, we must learn to judge each other not by political affiliation, but by the merits of character, the truth of actions, and the unwavering adherence to ethical principles. This is the lesson Kennedy imparts: that we should not allow the divisions of politics to cloud our judgment of each other, but should instead act as stewards of fairness and integrity.

The lesson from Kennedy’s words is one of unity, fairness, and professionalism. When we serve the public, whether in law enforcement, in government, or in any capacity, we must be ever mindful of the duty we hold. We are entrusted with power, and it is our responsibility to wield that power with impartiality, honor, and service to the greater good. Let us not become distracted by the divisiveness of the times, but instead focus on the values that unite us. In our daily lives, let us rise above petty differences, striving to treat each person with fairness and respect, and serving the common good with honor and professionalism.

And so, O children, take this lesson with you into the world. Let the wisdom of Kennedy’s words guide you, whether you are in a position of power or simply living your daily life. Seek to act with integrity, fairness, and professionalism, free from the influence of division. By doing so, you contribute not just to your own well-being, but to the strength and unity of the society in which you live. May we all work toward a future where justice is impartial, free from the sway of political factions, and firmly rooted in the principles of truth and the public good.