[Persistance]

Nothing I've seen, read or remember about JFK would make me characterize him as a "nurturing" male -- any more than millions and millions of healthy males.And the (what they told him was) "spastic colitis," (but could have been ulcerative colitis or any number of things), along with Addison's disease, and subsequently, osteoporosis caused by damage to his verterbre caused by the steroids he took for Addisons -- none of that came from anything in his personality. The only message I take away from this, is awe at how much one man was able to accomplish and give to the country despite all these problems, and his strength and resolve in suffering silently with it.

 

[Persistance]

I realize that, Tom.But you're trying to come to some kind of hypotheses based upon his having IBS or other health problems, and being "nurturing." I said that I had never heard anything to attest to JFK being particularly "nurturing" as opposed to millions and millions of healthy men.And I said that Addison's disease and the back problems were not any that could be a result of his being a "nurturing" person, anyhow.

 

[Persistance]

I just don't get -- or agree with -- the connection you're trying to make, on several grounds.First of all, that "nurturing" males get more IBS. That one seems far-fetched. When women get IBS it has to with their hormones, not their nurturing natures -- and the reasons males get IBS is still rather more a mystery.2/And several things specifically about JFK. What is your definition of "nurturing?" You mention one who would "befriend" rather than "fight or flight." One doesn't think of the Bay of Pigs Kennedy or the tough Civil Rights Kennedy this way. JFK was certainly one of the more compassionate among our presidents, but I doubt many could say "nurturing," with its feminine connotations, was the predominant side of his personality. Tough, resolved, brave and stoic -- with the fairness, kindness and decency all the Kennedys share. Unless you have special knowledge of him, I cannot see where he falls into that special category of "nurturing male" that would prove your theory. I wonder where you are getting this from?3/Healthy males without IBS also have "nurturing sides." Clinton adored Chelsea and was very playful with her. He has no IBS. Jimmy Carter. He has no IBS. I could go on and on.

 

[Persistance]

Maybe tomorrow, Tom. I will look for the article. It's obvious you are using these terms in a different way than I am used to.Just wanted to say that in no way did I think you were making a value judgement or saying JFK wasn't manly, or assessing him in any way. But, for one thing, I don't see "president" as being in the helping professions like teacher or social worker. And frankly, I see him as more of a "fighter" than a "befriender." My problem was not with your assessment of the man, but with the theory.