Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Takes on Democracy

[kerrygoddess]

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Takes on Democracy
June 25th, 2006 @ 8:07 pm

I have long been an admirer of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. While many in the blogosphere, left and right, are discussing the validity of his recent Rolling Stone article, I simply applaud his willingness to take on an issue that many prefer not to discuss. It’s not about changing the results of an election long past, it’s about fighting for the rights and liberties that everyone in this country should hold dear, no matter what side of the aisle your politics lean.

Ron posted a quick note about the article in today’s NY Times about Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., “Another Kennedy Living Dangerously,” earlier today. Upon reading it myself, I once again affirm why I admire Kennedy so much. In my opinion, Bobby Jr. has always been a man not afraid to step out on a limb, like his father before him, Bobby Jr. believes passionately in making a difference in the world. I am reminded in reading the NY Times piece today of my favorite quote from his father, which epitomizes the legacy Bobby Jr. carries on in his father’s name:

Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance. - Robert F. Kennedy

The NY Times piece notes some responses from Senator Edward M. Kennedy in a phone interview for the article by Times writer, Mark Leibovich.

Senator Kennedy, who like his nephew lost brothers well before their time, said, “I think he feels he has to live for a lot of people who’ve been lost.”

The senator made these remarks in the context of his nephew’s lifestyle and political work. Friends say Mr. Kennedy has undergone a gradual adjustment to his priorities through the Bush years. He has broadened his notion of “what you’re supposed to do.” He has, through his professional life, been identified with the environmental movement.

“Now it’s much more fundamental than protecting the environment for Bobby,” said his friend Laurie David, the liberal advocate and producer of “An Inconvenient Truth,” the Al Gore movie. “He fears that the country is being lost, that democracy is at stake.”

So, do I. The assault on our democracy at the hands of the Bush administration has been one continual progression of tearing down our civil rights and liberties. In his fight to protect the environment and the rights of those harmed by the Bush administration’s assault on the environment, Kennedy has fought to protect the rights of every person in this country in harm’s way of Bush’s destructive environmental policies.

MORE & LINKS - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=3425

[Kailassa]

1. "Takes on" generally means "fights against."

I'm relieved to see that is not what Senator Kennedy is doing.

[AtomicKitten]

2. or takes on Democracy as a cause

and damn if it isn't in trouble now. Jr. has broached a subject the MSM has ignored partly because they are complicit by folding on the issue of exit polling which they created as a safeguard against fraud but so quickly surrendered when it exposed the massive fraud being perpetrated by the Republicans. He is an awesome advocate of the environment as well.

I was just thinking about his cousin, JFK Jr., today as I do often. Both fine men.

[babylonsister]

3. Anyone who 'takes on democracy' is okay in my book; he's had

a lot of great teachers, and his name recognition couldn't hurt. Hopefully others with a voice will realize how important this is and follow suit.

[kerrygoddess]

5. Agreed!

:kick:

[Totally Committed]

4. This is one fine young man, from a great political family...

The Kennedys have their faults (who among us doesn't?), but they have always "taken on" causes that have made America a better place, overall. I get a tear in my eye when I consider what our country would be like today if John and/or Bobby had lived. Bobby, Jr., is taking the Kennedy legacy and running with it. Bless his heart!

TC

[WA98296]

6. "It’s not about changing the results"... IT SURE OUGHT TO BE.

[zann725]

7. I greatly admire RFK,Jr.'s recent courage...as well as RFK,Sr. quote...

and the pic of RFK,Jr. with eagle. How appropos.

May his courage be well-"protected." Let us ALL keep him in our prayers and thoughts...against those who are most frightened by those who "speak Truth to Authority."