Robert F Kennedy example essay topic

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 countrys Navy in World War II. When he returned home, he finished his Bachelors 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 Justice, but in 1952 he resigned to manage his brother Johns senatorial campaign. In 1953, he served as assistant counsel under Senator Joseph McCarthys permanent investigators subcommittee.

He resigned in 1956 because he didnt agree with all of Senator McCarthys 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 brothers 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 fathers 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 publics 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 conrad, gone before; and come to meet him in the hall! In delivering his fallen brothers eulogy, Senator Ted Kennedy made a statement which many Americans still remember because it summarized so eloquently Robert Kennedys 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.