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 the vulnerable within the society. His concern

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