JFK describes Sam Houston as one of the most unique and individuals United States politicians that has ever lived. He was a man of many contradictions. He was raised by Indians, but fought his first battles against them. He was ambitious, but in the end he sacrificed all his accomplishments for what he felt was right. JFK says, "But Sam Houston's contradictions actually confirm his one basic, consistent quality: indomitable individualism..." No one really knew what to make of him. One would think they had him figured out, but then Sam would surprise them with a contradiction. This short story starts off with Sam Houston about to speak to the senate. The war hero was much respected, and people listened to him. He spoke out against the highly favored Kansas-Nebraska act. He did this because the act discarded the Compromises of 1820 and 1850, which he viewed as sacred. He knew that his vote would be in the minority and that the bill would pass, but he gave his speech anyway. It took a lot of bravery to stand up in front of the congress and fight a bill that he knew would be passed in the end. This act of courage went unnoticed at the time and the bill was passed. It may have put a setback on Houston's political career as well. He lost many friends as a result. His courage was amazing, but maybe not the smartest decision in his case. But the man was an individual, a war hero, and a man of contradiction. He did not care what anybody else thought as he gave his speech. He made his best interests for the country heard and made a bold statement of standing up when no one else would. Sam Houston should be respected for this.