Robert F Kennedy Essay, Research Paper
Robert Francis (?Bobby?) Kennedy
Robert F. Kennedy was born in 1925 in Brookline Massachusetts , and was
raised with traditional family values. He was a true patriot, with a strong
sense of nationalism. While Attending Harvard University, he saw that his
country needed his help, so he put his undergraduate studies on hold to
serve his country?s Navy in World War II. When he returned home, he
finished his Bachelor?s degree at Harvard, and received an LL.B. from the
university of Virginia Law. In 1951 he served as Attorney to the U.S.
Department of Jjustice, but in 1952 he resigned to manage his brother
John?s senatorial campaign.
In 1953, he served as assistant counsel under Senator Joseph
McCarthy?s permanent investigators subcommittee. He resigned in 1956
because he didn?t agree with all of Senator McCarthy?s ideas and methods.
He then in 1957 was elected to be chief council for the Senate Rackets?
committee. During that time he exposed mofia figureheads such as Jimmy
Hoffa and Dave Beck. He seemed to be obsessed with dismantling the
Mofia. Under his brother?s administration, he continued his attack on the
Mofia. Robert Kennedy had no sympathy for the mob, nor did he care that
he was being criticized by the media for his ?harsh measures? such as his
extensive use of wiretaps .
In 1964 he resigned as Attorney General to subsequently gain a Senate
seat from New York. While being a Senator, his views on government
slightly changed. He was now paying more attention to the needs of the
poor minorities, and was criticizing the involvement of the United States in
the Vietnam War.
In March of 1968, he announced that he would be running for
President on the Democratic ticket. His charismatic personality appealed to
voters of all ethnic backgrounds and ages. This helped him to win the
primaries in Indiana, Nebraska, and California. On the day when he won
the California primary, he was leaving a victory celebration when an
immigrant from Jordan by the name of Sirhan B. Sirhan fatally shot
Kennedy. The assassin was arrested at the scene and later convicted of
murder in the first degree. The next day Kennedy died in a hospital bed
with his widow Ethel at his side. He was buried in Arlington National
Cemetery, close to his brother John who also fell victim to assassination
five years earlier.
Robert Kennedy is alive through his eleven children, the last one being born
after his father?s death.
Robert F. Kennedy, if not for his premature death, possibly could
have led this country through a new era. He could have made some very
positive changes. If he had lived and succeeded in his mission, he probably
would have brought the United States to a greater awareness of its
responsibility to the poor and
for Civil Rights and the needs of the poor were an inspiration to many
Americans at that time .
I Would like to conclude this report with a poem I found on Robert Francis
(?Bobby?) Kennedy written by Ron Wilson.
RFK
So high above the mountaintop
where Martin made his stand,
and far beyond the golden sky
of Johns’ bold promised land;
would not our Bobby lead us on,
to glories yet unknown,
onward to peace and love for all
where none would be alone?
The promise of these things to come,
was heard by young and old,
belief was in the hearts of all
for one so young and bold.
But on the coronation night,
assassins see their fill
of hate and greed and victory,
and vultures wait the kill
of one just crowned and given to
the people of our land,
the cheers of those supporting him
assassins couldn’t stand!
He, standing there amid the crowd
in glory and in pride,
proclaiming all his plans aloud,
for all, both far and wide;
such plans of love, and brotherhood,
a peace, and hope we’d know,
and it was clearly understood,
support could only grow!
All hearts were one, yes, he and they,
and cheers of victory
within their minds would show the way
for all the world to see.
But all the love that was therein
can’t change the hands of fate,
and what was heard every where,
was but the sound of hate!
The shots rang out! While the world
witnessed in great surprise,
the risen giant, in his fall,
now tumbling from the skies!
Does any leader ever cry
alone in darkened night
does any leader mourn alone,
out of the public?s sight?
Oh! No! The millions saw his tears,
for love of all he knew,
and in his death, his tears were for
the things he couldn’t do!
We cried before; and at his side;
and kneeling at his stone!
While their assassins gloried in
the deeds they’d done alone!
He gave the best that he could give,
but shortened by the call
of blood, and comrad, gone before;
and come to meet him in the hall!
In delivering his fallen brother?s eulogy, Senator Ted Kennedy made a statement
which many Americans still remember because it summarized so eloquently Robert
Kennedy?s life:
?Some men have seen things and asked why;
My brother dreamed of things and asked why not??
SOURCES:
The New Grolier Multimedia Encyclopedia – 1994 Edition
Microsoft Encarta 1995 Edition on CD-ROM
Several Periodicals from the White House, Office of the Press Secretary