Letter to DU:GD-P

[H2O Man]

{1} "God, whose law it is that he who learns must suffer. And even in our sleep pain that cannot forget falls drop by drop upon the heart, and in our own despair, against our will, comes wisdom to us by the awful grace of God." --Aeschylus

This Memorial Day weekend, I have spent a lot of time thinking about the Kennedy family. In 2003, Thomas Maier published a fascinating book, "The Kennedys: America’s Emerald Kings," which is "a five-generation history of the ultimate Irish-Catholic family." Terry Golway, the co-author of "The Irish in America," noted that, "Thomas Maier reminds us of a story we’ve forgotten. The Kennedys are not simply America’s most famous family. They are an immigrant family, a family that struggled through poverty and oppression on both sides of the Atlantic. "

The news about Ted Kennedy’s health made time stand still for much of our country, and presented the opportunity to recognize how much this man means to us. My young daughters were amazed to hear that he was elected to the Senate before their mother was born. My sons spent time reading about his accomplishments, and we discussed why I believe he is among the most influential politicians in our nation’s history.

A comment by Hillary Clinton brought up the subject of Senator Robert Kennedy’s death, which reminded many progressive and liberal democrats of one of the most painful chapters in their lives. Because the 40th anniversary of his assassination is so close, it is a topic that many of us will continue to think about between now and the first week in June.

I believe that the focus should be on the amazing transformation of Robert Kennedy’s lifetime. I am convinced that the power of the lives of JFK and RFK is the important thing, and that includes being aware of how they viewed the experiences they lived through. There are a number of good books on both JFK and RFK, but one that stands out is "Make Gentle the Life of this World: The Vision of Robert F. Kennedy," by Maxwell Taylor Kennedy.

Much of Maxwell’s book came from a "day book" that President Kennedy kept, and that Robert continued with after his brother’s assassination. In the introduction to the book, Maxwell notes, "He would quote Aeschylus when he spoke to the poorest audiences that a presidential candidate had ever bothered with, and they cheered."

If we are to learn from Senator Kennedy, I would suggest that we not think that feelings of anger and hostility towards another group of democrats pays proper tribute. We can best honor RFK by attempting to find common ground with others, and working towards the goal of a compassionate society. And that leads us to my favorite RFK quote, which we should all think about this weekend.

{2} "Let us not be discouraged by the belief that there is nothing one man or one woman can do against the enormous array of the world’s ills – against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence … Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.

"It is from the numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends a tiny ripple of hope and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." – Robert F. Kennedy in South Africa; June, 1966

There are numerous contributions that we can make this summer and fall that will improve the quality of life in the cities and towns across the country. The range of contributions is large, indeed; however, it does not include insulting others who are attempting to make a contribution different from our own.

In response to Senator Clinton’s remarks, one television journalist said, "This year is already too much like 1968." There are certainly some similarities, and perhaps that allows us the opportunity to look back on that year, which stands out in our nation’s recent history. We have a chance to consider what went wrong, and also what was right.

The anger, fear, and violence was wrong. Let’s not repeat that. But the passion and drive of Senator Robert Kennedy’s brief campaign -- and the ideals of others, from Martin Luther King, Jr., to Eugene McCarthy, to the young people dedicated to changing society, who are remembering things from 40 years past – these are the things we should be concentrating on.

Let’s send millions of ripples of hope and daring, and build the current that RFK spoke of.

Your friend,
H2O Man

[rosesaylavee]

1. One of the best things to come out of this past year

are the young people coming forward to be involved in effecting change in our country for ALL campaigns. It is good to see that activity across the board - gives me great hope for the future.

Thank you for another great post!

[H2O Man]

9. This afternoon,

a small group of young people who are interested in changing themselves so that they can help create change in our society are coming to visit me. I have prepared for a nice sweat lodge ceremony, with 51 rocks (including sandstone, flint, quartz, etc) and a platform of many types of local wood (locus, oak, maple, cherry, apple). We will concentrate on what is needed to unite people of good will in this country.

[Swamp Rat]

25. This ritual you have planned for those young people

will be remembered by them for the rest of their lives. What you are doing for them, and for our country, is a very special, and exceptional thing. I only wish more people could and would do something like it.

I will send my small, insignificant ripple of hope energy to your gathering today.

[H2O Man]

34. Each ripple

is significant. Thank you.

[riskpeace]

54. Thanks for your time and your energy

to prepare such an important ceremony. Those young men are fortunate to have your guidance. I wish you the best with the day.

Those are great pictures of an inspirational man. Thanks for sharing them and your thoughts.

[Tom Rinaldo]

2. Thank you for this living memorial to Robert F Kennedy

His loss was a wound I have never completely healed from, his life was an example I can never possibly forget.

[H2O Man]

10. Thank you.

I appreciate that we have the opportunity to discuss what RFK's life meant to us. It was a strange time, and he was someone that many of us looked to as representing the best in leadership that this nation produces.

[Tom Rinaldo]

23. I stepped away from electoral politics after Bobby was killed

I could not conceive of a candidate more perfectly suited to the needs of our nation appearing again after Bobby was killed. I knew he knew what was best about America, what was needed for America, and that Americans of all races and classes saw that in him and were responding to Bobby, stepping up to their better selves to stand with him in the struggle to make our nation whole again, and our Democracy right. Black Americans in the most God forsaken ghettos in America trusted Bobby Kennedy, and White Americans in the most isolated time has forgotten hamlets in Appalachia trusted Bobby Kennedy equally.

After that I did not step away form Bobby's mission, just his primary methodology. I could not bear to pin my hopes for America on another human being again, and in a way that was consistent with the message Bobby always had. It is always up to all of us. Instead I devoted myself to community organizing, human services, and social change activism, and never did more than vote again when it came to elections until the 2004 Presidential race loomed large.

By 2004 I believed it was time for activism to move back into the main stream of American politics, and so I did also. I stood with Wes Clark then, another truly honest and decent man who I could see wanted what is best for the people of this nation and the world, who had the personal standing needed to carry an important message into some communities that might not have accepted a different messenger. Others stood with Dennis Kucinich, or Howard Dean, or John Kerry, or John Edwards. But we all basically stood for the same thing; a more just and humane nation, a more just and humane world.

Here we are gathered today. We have this internet to speak through. Collectively we have a voice, and collectively we must make a difference. It is up to all of us to live up to the best that we see in any of our potential leaders.

God Bless Robert F. Kennedy. And may WE LIVE in Peace.

[juajen]

3. Strange that the memories keep pouring back into my brain, mainly

because of Teddy's new struggle, but also because of those wonderful photos in your post. It's impossible to divorce the current catastrophe from the previous ones. Hill's remark just makes it more poignant.

The Kennedy's lives are so much a part of older American's. Their contribution is honored today, but older Americans remember it as it played out in their own lives.

I really appreciate your much needed balm on the waters of a troubled DU, as we struggle to find any common ground in the current political climate.

I'm not sure how all of this will play out, but I will remember what you wrote and will always appreciate that you politely asked DU to consider the bigger picture.

Thanks, waterman.

[H2O Man]

13. I like to sit

in the woods on one corner of my property, and read some of the highlights of the books on RFK that I have. Sometimes 40 years seems like a long time, other times it seems like it went by quickly.

[myrna minx]

4. K&R n/t

[H2O Man]

14. Thank you.

Keep fighting the Good Fight.

[Tatiana]

5. Tweety was right. The parallels are breathtaking in their similarity.

Thank you. This is a beautiful tribute.

[H2O Man]

15. Yep.

There is some unfinished business for progressive/liberal democrats to tend to.

[Forrest Greene]

We've Waited Patiently

...for forty years.

I turned fifteen in 1968. More than any other, that year made me who I am.

[shraby]

6. Great was the Kennedy family's contribution to

our sense of what is right and what is wrong about this country. What is terrible is that so few of the clan is willing to pick up where Jack, Bobby and Ted have left off. The Kennedys will be sorely missed in the fabric of this nation. It's good we have an Obama to pick up the torch. Let him carry it far.

[H2O Man]

16. I think that

a lot of today's generation of Kennedys make important contributions. Those efforts do not include running for public office in the way Jack, Bobby, and Ted have, but the current group are socially conscious activists in other areas. I suspect the next generation will be in office again, at various levels. The politicians skip generations.

[shraby]

26. This is good to hear because they are blessed

with a great social conscious. They are hard to keep track of because they aren't in the limelight much.

[Jakes Progress]

32. I feel sure that RFK would be very proud

of his children and their work. RFK jr. is one of our living heroes. Self-effacing and committed to a better world, we need more like him, a good man in his own right but also a fitting legacy to his father's life.

[zippy890]

7. ripples of hope, not condemnation and hate

We need to focus on the positive and go forward together.

it can and will happen.

we will change the atmosphere with our own personal ripples of hope, with mutual respect and finding that common ground bring our country to a better place for everyone.

thanks.

[H2O Man]

17. Exactly.

We bring about the change.

[AtomicKitten]

8. The Kennedy clan have sacrificed much in their service of America.

Beautiful, fitting, and timely tribute, H20 man.

Well done and thanks. K&R

[H2O Man]

18. Thanks!

It's an important time for us to be remembering what it was Robert was trying to do.

[K Gardner]

11. We need to get it right, this time. Beautiful tribute for those of us who still feel the pain of

his loss. Thank you. K&R

[H2O Man]

19. Right.

We feel the pain of his loss, but more importantly, we can share in the strength of his message. We can make it real, today.

[JohnnyLib2]

12. Finally, words that fit my memories of those years. Thank you.

I believe there is a also a quote from RFK about unity per se, but have not been able to document that. What I saw was very much in the spirit of your comments.

K & R

[H2O Man]

20. I hope that

you and other DUers post favorite RFK quotes on this thread!

[JohnnyLib2]

46. Here is a quote from RFK on Unity:

"That which unites us is, must be, stronger than that which divides us. We can concentrate on what unites us, and secure the future for all our children; or we can concentrate on what divides us, and fail our duty through argument and resentment and waste."

(unfortunately, I can't find the date or speech for it)

[Ichingcarpenter]

21. Berkeley 68

In support of Kennedy’s anti-war stance, Berkeley students pack a California stadium to hear him speak, 1968.



Over tea, Kennedy greets locals at a diner.






Kennedy greets well-wishers at a campaign stop in Oregon. He had initially agonized about entering the race against the Democratic incumbent, Lyndon Johnson. After announcing his candidacy, Kennedy said, “I don’t know what’s going to happen, but at least I’m at peace with myself.”

[H2O Man]

22. Great pictures!

Thanks.

[Ichingcarpenter]

33. The Photos, I hope, compliment your writings.. Others can be seen at

this link:

http://www.vanityfair.com/politics/features/2008/06/rfk_portfolio200806?slide=16#globalNav

[Radio_Lady]

94. Oh, my goodness. October 1966! We were living in NYC and I was at this parade!

[stevedeshazer]

64. I'm quite certain that this photo was taken in St. Helens, Oregon

I was there. The building in the background is the county courthouse annex, which had just been built. I think the girl with the white handbag is Becky Kohlstrand!

Wow, I'd never seen that photo. I was stunned when I saw it.

Brings back all kinds of emotions for me. Bobby came to my home town.

[Swamp Rat]

24. This is the best thread I have ever read in GD-P

:patriot: Thank you H2O Man. :hug:

[H2O Man]

87. Thank you.

That was nice to hear!

[Radio_Lady]

102. H2O, you deserve big hugs for putting that piece together. Great job!

:hug:

[H2O Man]

103. Thank you.

Much appreciated.

[Tom Rinaldo]

27. Do you know any of the story behind that photo of Bobby, H20 man?

It's really wonderful. Does anyone here remember the album record sleeve for the Jefferson Airplan album (I think it was) Crown of Creation? It had a large close up photo of the face of RFK's dog, I think his name was Bruno. His eyes were deep wells of sorrow. I kept that picture tacked on the wall of my bedroom for a very long time.

[H2O Man]

88. I will look through

some of my books. I know that I've seen it mentioned.

It is one of those pictures that speaks a thousand words.

[Me.]

28. Cycles, Circles & Closure

WE are in a period of return, memories, circumstances that evoke those memories. One of the most of the amazing things about this time is that in a way, we are coming full circle.

On another of your threads there was a brief discussion about astrology, specifically mercury retrograde. Mercury meaning messenger and retrograde, as in going backwards. On election night 2000 mercury retrograde and a mess ensued. For this year's election, what is going to happen is called a Mercury return, mercury retrograde will be exactly where it was on that fateful night in 2000. But as it is a return, it means that what was taken, is given back.

Omen, portent? "And we go round and round and round in a circle game"

But I think we may be seeing what was so important to RFKjr. may be coming full circle.

[H2O Man]

91. There is some

unfinished business that needs our attention in this country. And we are starting to focus on the issues at hand.

[Me.]

105. We Can Start Now

if they press the issue of the Rove subpoena

[H2O Man]

108. One of the biggest positives

about an Obama administration will be Attorney General John Edwards. We need a Justice Department that prosecutes criminals, rather than cuddles them.

[liberaldem4ever]

29. That was beautiful-thank you for writing it

I bookmarked it so my sons can read it later. I hope everyone here reads it. What a wonderful tribute.

[H2O Man]

92. Thank you.

I am glad that you enjoyed it, and I hope that your sons do, too.

[DesertRat]

30. Thank you for a beautiful post

Your words and those photos brought tears to my eyes.

[H2O Man]

93. Thank you.

I'm glad that you liked it. I think it is something that needed to be said on GD-P.

[Lugnut]

31. K&R and thank you! n/t

[H2O Man]

96. Thank you n/t

[Terri S]

35. Thank you so much for this H2O Man

Ted's diagnosis brought up the grief we've all carried just below the surface since those times. I can't think of anything more befitting his memory than your beautiful tribute and the work you are doing in your own life to keep his spirit alive.

You've already quoted my favorite quote, though so much of what he said could have huge quotation marks around them and qualify.
This is a favorite speech on the 'Mindless Menace of Violence'...

link

and the photo that always makes me cry thinking what the world might have been..

[H2O Man]

98. That is a

wonderful picture! Those two gentlemen made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It is important that we honor their memory by continuing to fight the Good Fight.

My children have enjoyed watching highlights of Senator Ted Kennedy as much as I do. In the past few days, we've spent a lot of time discussing what he has done for this country. It helps me to deal with the sadness I have felt, and to realize that he has been a fighter all his life.

[Jakes Progress]

36. K&R the message we need to heed.

My favorite story about Bobby is how he was deeply moved by the poverty he encountered in Appalachia when he went there for John's campaign. I've read that it so changed this son of wealth that he became the committed progressive that we remember, that it caused him to bring a more progressive tone to all of JFK's administration. He saw the poverty of mind and body and spirit that corporate evil had wrought in those mountains and decided to be a source for change.

Thank you for the sanity and the humanity.

[H2O Man]

107. It was that change

that transformed RFK from a person who made many progress and liberal democrats uncomfortable, into one of the champions of our cause.

[H2O Man]

37. Clinton and Obama supporters:

I hope that everyone feels welcome to participate and this thread, and comfortable enough to only focus on that which can unite us.

Now I have something that I have to prepare for this afternoon, which will keep me from being able to check in on this thread from the computer. I appreciate people's responding to it.

Enjoy this day.

[Yael]

38. Beautiful.

K&R

[H2O Man]

117. Thank you. n/t

[Wetzelbill]

39. Aeschylus

That's the quote Bobby Kennedy used when he broke the news to the people in Indiana that Martin Luther King Jr. had been assassinated. The words stun me. MLK. Then shortly after Bobby. I wasn't even alive, but I feel like I lived through it. I feel that pain like it was yesterday.

My uncle was a Senate Page for Senate Majority Leader, Mike Mansfield. Mansfield loaned him out to Bobby, who as a freshman senator did not have his own page. He used to carry Bobby Kennedy's briefcase for him nearly every morning.

My grandfather was friends with JFK and RFK, and to a lesser extent Teddy. He was the President of the National Congress of American Indians back in those days. When he died almost 5 years ago, Ted Kennedy had his secretary call several members of my family, including my dad and my uncle. He wanted to come to the funeral, but we already held it, and he said he'd like to make it to any other memorial that may be held at some point. She said that he felt the Wetzels and Kennedys were "family."

I know politicians say things. It's why they get elected, they find ways to connect to people. To make them feel special. For all I know, Ted Kennedy tells acquaintences they are like family all the time.

But somehow, I think he meant it. And it makes me feel special. :)

[Tom Rinaldo]

42. I think he meant it too. I'm sure of it

If Senator Kennedy asked to be invited to any subsequent memorial for your grandfather, it's because he wanted to be there. This is another touching story, another circle closing, another sign of us remembering and being made whole.

[Wetzelbill]

43. honestly these last several days

Really been hard for me. I always felt I'd get to meet Senator Kennedy, now to think that he actually could be mortal? It just never occurred to me before.

Just from reading about him, I feel close to Bobby. His scrappiness and intensity, then his love and passion for the people who suffer. He was a fighter. He once played a college football game with a broken leg. I identify with that because I used to wrestled and ride bulls and had lots of injuries I competed with. All the Kennedys have been my heroes for as long as I can remember, I think I identify with Bobby the most. :)

[Tom Rinaldo]

45. Bobby Kennedy spoke to my High School when I was a Senior on Long Island

I can't remember if it was late 1966 or early 1967, but certainly before he was running for President. He was every bit as intense as you think of and know him to be. At times like this I wish I had a perfect memory so that I could recall all of that day, but of course that would also make more painful days even clearer than they remain now. What I do remember Bobby doing was asking our assembly to respond to questions with a show of hands. He asked us how many of us were opposed to the War in Viet Nam, and a clear majority raised their hands. The he asked us how many of us were opposed to the Draft? Again a clear majority of us raised our hands. Bobby then proceeded to lecture us on the moral inequities of the draft, which disproportionately sent minorities and the poor off to fight and die in wars that our leaders ordered, because they did not have the means or connections needed to avoid it.

[Wetzelbill]

47. oh wow, I bet that was great

Thanks for sharing that. I went to listen to Paul Wellstone speak at the WTO in Seattle. I wasn't as into politics as much as I am now, I was interested, was always a partisan Dem, but I didn't spend as much time reading and so on as I do now. But it was life changing. I don't totally remember all that he said, but I just knew I wanted to get more into politics. Michael Moore spoke there too. It was great. I have heard Howard Dean twice in person, and John Kerry as well. I recorded both Dean and Kerry. Glad I did too.

[Radio_Lady]

95. Wetzelbill, now more than ever... you've got to get those pictures published somehow!

Can someone help you scan them in to .jpg files? Even drugstores or stationery stores do this now. Do you happen to use www.photobucket.com or other free photo sites?

If you recall, I suggested this when it was announced that Ted Kennedy has a seizure...

Thanks,

Radio Lady

[Wetzelbill]

116. I know my uncle and I are going to get a scanner

here in the next day or so. He has some pictures, but I'll have to see who has all the rest etc. Problem with it all is family bureaucracy and stuff. I'm not sure if some people would want to share and so on.

[Radio_Lady]

167. Sounds like you're trying, at least. Blessed be...

I've checked with a number of people about brain cancer. It's not clear how Senator Kennedy can function in the Senate anymore. Has there been any discussion of that issue?

[H2O Man]

118. That is something

that we appreciate your sharing on this thread. It illustrates the personal connection that some people had with the Kennedys, and how come so many more feel pain when they think of '63,'68, and Ted's illness.

Here is something from Schlesinger's book on Robert:

"On the day that Robert Kennedy died, a New York Seneca, whose reservation he had visited in 1967, wrote his widow: 'We loved him, too, Mrs. Kennedy. Loving a public official for an Indian is almost unheard of, as history bears out. We trusted him. Unheard of, too, for an Indian. We had faith in him.' Vine Deloria, Jr., ....in a fine sentence, (wrote) he was a man 'who could move from world to world and never be a stranger anywhere'." (pages 853-854)

[Wetzelbill]

164. happy to share.

I know in MT lots of Indians feel that same way. JFK came to MT a few times. Once my grandfather was supposed to introduce him at an event, but he was deemed as being "too political" so they switched to someone else at the last minute. JFK called my grandfather over because he had something in his hands and said: "What do you have there, Blackie?" (My grandfather's Indian name was Six A Num, it means something like Black Man, but everybody called him Blackie) My grandfather had something to give to JFK, it was a gavel made by a Blackfeet artist, so he went over and gave it to the president. He called JFK "High Eagle" I think.

I'll try to find an article and send it to you.

[Tom Rinaldo]

40. Let's keep this bumped while H20 Man is busy with his young folks

In 1968, when I drove a car load of supplies to Martin Luther King's Ressurection City encampment in Washington DC, which still went forward after MLK's death, I met a local middle aged African American man there who I will never forget. He helped me unload my car and then he invited me over to his apartment for awhile. On the way he gave me a tour of the poorer Black neighborhoods of DC, and showed me places where rioting had occurrred after King was shot, and where rioting was averted through the efforts of local activists intervening. He tould me there was just as much pain and anger in those slums when RFK was killed, and that the city came close to full scale rioting on that night were it not for the efforts of many resident leaders standing up in those streets and reminding people what Bobby's life stood for. Bobby of course had done the same regarding Martin after Martin was shot. Bobby's loss was felt there that deeply.

[Swamp Rat]

41. We can win through peace.

Thanks for sharing that.

[Wetzelbill]

48. I second this

[Bluenorthwest]

44. Bobby's murder

Was the day that defined my political life. I was 8. Dad and I put a Bobby poster up in my room that day that we got from RFK headquarters. That night we took it down in tears. The only promise my father ever aked me to make he ask that night. The next day, I was beaten up by Republican kids who knew my folks supported Bobby. They laughed that he had been killed. They took joy, and expressed it with violence. That is when I knew that it was not just my folks. I was a Democrat too. Like Bobby and Rosie Grier. I knew that day why my folks were Democrats and I was thankful that they were. They were the good guys.
It is something I can not really write about without sounding like a campaign speech, and I promised I'd never be making those, that night, for my Dad.
The context and historic knowlege in this OP is just what we need and have been needing. The tonic for the toxic. Let us all go to the sweatlodge of the mind. Waterman, this is an honorable and wise posting for which I thank you.

[Wetzelbill]

50. right on

Thanks for sharing that.

[DearAbby]

49. Thank you H2Oman

:grouphug:

[H2O Man]

123. Thank you.

I am glad that people are enjoying this thread.

[Catherina]

51. Thank you! Bookmarked and recommended

RFK with Cesar Chavez

[H2O Man]

119. Great picture!

Robert's friendship with Cesar Chavez was one of the keys to his transformation.

[RichardRay]

52. The Heart of Wisdom

The essence of RFK's greatness was compassion.

The core practice of Buddhism is bodichitta - translated as 'Compassion'.

The core teaching of Mahayana Buddhism is contained in The Sutra of the Heart of Wisdom. It is only a few paragraphs long.

The Sutra of the Heart of Wisdom

The first two paragraphs and the last one are 'boilerplate' content used in almost all sutra. The part towards the end that is rendered in the original Sanskrit is the the mantra of the Heart of Wisdom. It contains the essence of even those few paragraphs.

OM GATE GATE PARAGATE PARASAMGATE BODHI SOHA

It doesn't translate effectively - it's like a macro that expands into content far greater than the words - but here's the standard rendering:

Sanskrit-------------English--------------------Pronunication
---------------------------------------------------------------
Gate, gate---------Go, go-----------------------Gattay, gattay
paragate-----------go completely----------------para gattay
parasamgate--------go completely and fully------para sam gattay
bodhi soha---------into that Great Wisdom-------bodie swaha


Among it's applications, it is used to help guide a person into the transition of death, and to help those of us who remain to understand what's going on.

I say it many times, everyday.

It can do no harm. You might want to add it to what you teach your young friends today.

[H2O Man]

120. Compassion

is what separates the democratic party, on the national "leadership" level, from the republican party. And so it is important that people at the grass roots, community-based level always remind our elected officials that we must have compassionate policies. That is the best way to insure that we have a healthy society.

In a sweat lodge ceremony, in the third "round" (which is the hottest and longest), we pray for those who we may identify as our "enemy," and those who identify us as their's. We look for insight on the dynamics in those relationships that cause stumbling blocks.

[RichardRay]

158. Giving and Taking

In Buddhism we have a practice called tonglen - giving and taking - that might come close to the third round practice in your sweat lodge practice. It goes with breathing (big surprise, Buddhists are really into breathing). The inhalation 'takes' some sort of suffering (dukha) in and the exhalation gives back compassion. First I do it for someone I love, then for all the people I love, then for all beings whether I know them or not, and then specifically for 'enemies'. As I get better at it I carry it out of the practice in the isolation of daily practice and into the moment to moment interactions with other people - that can be the really challenging part :-).

Namaste' - I hope your lodge ceremony is fruitful.

[Tatiana]

53. Day of Affirmation Address - June 6, 1966

Robert F. Kennedy
University of Capetown
Capetown, South Africa
June 6, 1966
(As delivered)

Mr. Chancellor, Mr. Vice Chancellor, Professor Robertson, Mr. Diamond, Mr. Daniel, Ladies and Gentlemen:


I come here this evening because of my deep interest and affection for a land settled by the Dutch in the mid-seventeenth century, then taken over by the British, and at last independent; a land in which the native inhabitants were at first subdued, but relations with whom remain a problem to this day; a land which defined itself on a hostile frontier; a land which has tamed rich natural resources through the energetic application of modern technology; a land which was once the importer of slaves, and now must struggle to wipe out the last traces of that former bondage. I refer, of course, to the United States of America.

But I am glad to come here, and my wife and I and all of our party are glad to come here to South Africa, and we are glad to come here to Capetown. I am already greatly enjoying my visit here. I am making an effort to meet and exchange views with people of all walks of life, and all segments of South African opinion -- including those who represent the views of the government. Today I am glad to meet with the National Union of South African Students. For a decade, NUSAS has stood and worked for the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights -- principles which embody the collective hopes of men of good will around the globe.

Your work, at home and in international student affairs, has brought great credit to yourselves and your country. I know the National Student Association in the United States feels a particularly close relationship with this organization. And I wish to thank especially Mr. Ian Robertson, who first extended this invitation on behalf of NUSAS, I wish to thank him for his kindness to me in inviting me. I am very sorry that he can not be with us here this evening. I was happy to have had the opportunity to meet and speak with him earlier this evening, and I presented him with a copy of Profiles in Courage, which was a book written by President John Kennedy and was signed to him by President Kennedy's widow, Mrs. John Kennedy.

This is a Day of Affirmation -- a celebration of liberty. We stand here in the name of freedom.

At the heart of that western freedom and democracy is the belief that the individual man, the child of God, is the touchstone of value, and all society, all groups, and states, exist for that person's benefit. Therefore the enlargement of liberty for individual human beings must be the supreme goal and the abiding practice of any western society.

The first element of this individual liberty is the freedom of speech; the right to express and communicate ideas, to set oneself apart from the dumb beasts of field and forest; the right to recall governments to their duties and obligations; above all, the right to affirm one's membership and allegiance to the body politic -- to society -- to the men with whom we share our land, our heritage and our children's future.

Hand in hand with freedom of speech goes the power to be heard -- to share in the decisions of government which shape men's lives. Everything that makes man's lives worthwhile -- family, work, education, a place to rear one's children and a place to rest one's head -- all this depends on the decisions of government; all can be swept away by a government which does not heed the demands of its people, and I mean all of its people. Therefore, the essential humanity of man can be protected and preserved only where the government must answer -- not just to the wealthy; not just to those of a particular religion, not just to those of a particular race; but to all of the people.

And even government by the consent of the governed, as in our own Constitution, must be limited in its power to act against its people: so that there may be no interference with the right to worship, but also no interference with the security of the home; no arbitrary imposition of pains or penalties on an ordinary citizen by officials high or low; no restriction on the freedom of men to seek education or to seek work or opportunity of any kind, so that each man may become all that he is capable of becoming.

These are the sacred rights of western society. These were the essential differences between us and Nazi Germany as they were between Athens and Persia.

They are the essences of our differences with communism today. I am unalterably opposed to communism because it exalts the state over the individual and over the family, and because its system contains a lack of freedom of speech, of protest, of religion, and of the press, which is characteristic of a totalitarian regime. The way of opposition to communism, however, is not to imitate its dictatorship, but to enlarge individual human freedom. There are those in every land who would label as "communist" every threat to their privilege. But may I say to you , as I have seen on my travels in all sections of the world, reform is not communism. And the denial of freedom, in whatever name, only strengthens the very communism it claims to oppose.

Many nations have set forth their own definitions and declarations of these principles. And there have often been wide and tragic gaps between promise and performance, ideal and reality. Yet the great ideals have constantly recalled us to our own duties. And -- with painful slowness -- we in the United States have extended and enlarged the meaning and the practice of freedom to all of our people.

For two centuries, my own country has struggled to overcome the self-imposed handicap of prejudice and discrimination based on nationality, on social class or race -- discrimination profoundly repugnant to the theory and to the command of our Constitution. Even as my father grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, signs told him that "No Irish Need Apply". Two generations later, President Kennedy became the first Irish Catholic, and the first Catholic, to head the nation; but how many men of ability had, before 1961, been denied the opportunity to contribute to the nation's progress because they were Catholic, or because they were of Irish extraction? How many sons of Italian or Jewish or Polish parents slumbered in the slums -- untaught, unlearned, their potential lost forever to our nation and to the human race? Even today, what price will we pay before we have assured full opportunity to millions of Negro Americans?

In the last five years we have done more to assure equality to our Negro citizens and to help the deprived, both white and black, than in the hundred years before that time. But much, much more remains to be done.

For there are millions of Negroes untrained for the simplest of jobs, and thousands every day denied their full and equal rights under the law; and the violence of the disinherited, the insulted and the injured, looms over the streets of Harlem and of Watts and Southside Chicago.

But a Negro American trains as an astronaut, one of mankind's first explorers into outer space; another is the chief barrister of the United States government, and dozens sit on the benches of our court; and another, Dr. Martin Luther King, is the second man of African descent to win the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent efforts for social justice between all of the races.

We have passed laws prohibiting discrimination in education, in employment, in housing; but these laws alone cannot overcome the heritage of centuries -- of broken families and stunted children, and poverty and degradation and pain.

So the road toward equality of freedom is not easy, and great cost and danger march alongside all of us. We are committed to peaceful and non-violent change and that is important for all to understand -- though change is unsettling. Still, even in the turbulence of protest and struggle is greater hope for the future, as men learn to claim and achieve for themselves the rights formerly petitioned from others.

And most important of all, all the panoply of government power has been committed to the goal of equality before the law -- as we are now committing ourselves to achievement of equal opportunity in fact.

We must recognize the full human equality of all of our people -- before God, before the law, and in the councils of government. We must do this, not because it is economically advantageous -- although it is; not because the laws of God command it -- although they do; not because people in other lands wish it so. We must do it for the single and fundamental reason that it is the right thing to do.

We recognize that there are problems and obstacles before the fulfillment of these ideals in the United States as we recognize that other nations, in Latin America and in Asia and in Africa have their own political, economic, and social problems, their unique barriers to the elimination of injustices.

In some, there is concern that change will submerge the rights of a minority, particularly where that minority is of a different race than that of the majority. We in the United States believe in the protection of minorities; we recognize the contributions that they can make and the leadership they can provide; and we do not believe that any people -- whether majority or minority, or individual human beings -- are "expendable" in the cause of theory or policy. We recognize also that justice between men and nations is imperfect, and that humanity sometimes progresses very slowly indeed.

All do not develop in the same manner and at the same pace. Nations, like men, often march to the beat of different drummers, and the precise solutions of the United States can neither be dictated nor transplanted to others, and that is not our intention. What is important however is that all nations must march toward increasing freedom; toward justice for all; toward a society strong and flexible enough to meet the demands of all of its people, whatever their race, and the demands of a world of immense and dizzying change that face us all.

In a few hours, the plane that brought me to this country crossed over oceans and countries which have been a crucible of human history. In minutes we traced migrations of men over thousands of years; seconds, the briefest glimpse, and we passed battlefields on which millions of men once struggled and died. We could see no national boundaries, no vast gulfs or high walls dividing people from people; only nature and the works of man -- homes and factories and farms -- everywhere reflecting man's common effort to enrich his life. Everywhere new technology and communications brings men and nations closer together, the concerns of one inevitably become the concerns of all. And our new closeness is stripping away the false masks, the illusion of differences which is at the root of injustice and hate and war. Only earthbound man still clings to the dark and poisoning superstition that his world is bounded by the nearest hill, his universe ends at river's shore, his common humanity is enclosed in the tight circle of those who share his town or his views and the color of his skin.

It is your job, the task of the young people in this world to strip the last remnants of that ancient, cruel belief from the civilization of man.

Each nation has different obstacles and different goals, shaped by the vagaries of history and of experience. Yet as I talk to young people around the world I am impressed not by the diversity but by the closeness of their goals, their desires, and their concerns and their hope for the future. There is discrimination in New York, the racial inequality of apartheid in South Africa, and serfdom in the mountains of Peru. People starve to death in the streets of India; a former Prime Minister is summarily executed in the Congo; intellectuals go to jail in Russia; and thousands are slaughtered in Indonesia; wealth is lavished on armaments everywhere in the world. These are different evils; but they are the common works of man. They reflect the imperfections of human justice, the inadequacy of human compassion, the defectiveness of our sensibility toward the sufferings of our fellows; they mark the limit of our ability to use knowledge for the well-being of our fellow human beings throughout the world. And therefore they call upon common qualities of conscience and indignation, a shared determination to wipe away the unnecessary sufferings of our fellow human beings at home and around the world.

It is these qualities which make of our youth today the only true international community. More than this I think that we could agree on what kind of a world we want to build. It would be a world of independent nations, moving toward international community, each of which protected and respected the basic human freedoms. It would be a world which demanded of each government that it accept its responsibility to insure social justice. It would be a world of constantly accelerating economic progress -- not material welfare as an end in of itself, but as a means to liberate the capacity of every human being to pursue his talents and to pursue his hopes. It would, in short, be a world that we would all be proud to have built.

Just to the North of here are lands of challenge and of opportunity -- rich in natural resources, land and minerals and people. Yet they are also lands confronted by the greatest odds -- overwhelming ignorance, internal tensions and strife, and great obstacles of climate and geography. Many of these nations, as colonies, were oppressed and were exploited. Yet they have not estranged themselves from the broad traditions of the West; they are hoping and they are gambling their progress and their stability on the chance that we will meet our responsibilities to them, to help them overcome their poverty.

In the world we would like to build, South Africa could play an outstanding role, and a role of leadership in that effort. This country is without question a preeminent repository of the wealth and the knowledge and the skill of the continent. Here are the greater part of Africa's research scientists and steel production, most of it reservoirs of coal and of electric power. Many South Africans have made major contributions to African technical development and world science; the names of some are known wherever men seek to eliminate the ravages of tropical disease and of pestilence. In your faculties and councils, here in this very audience, are hundreds and thousands of men and women who could transform the lives of millions for all time to come.

But the help and leadership of South Africa or of the United States cannot be accepted if we -- within our own countries or in our relationships with others -- deny individual integrity, human dignity, and the common humanity of man. If we would lead outside our own borders; if we would help those who need our assistance; if we would meet our responsibilities to mankind; we must first, all of us, demolish the borders which history has erected between men within our own nations -- barriers of race and religion, social class and ignorance.

Our answer is the world's hope; it is to rely on youth. The cruelties and the obstacles of this swiftly changing planet will not yield to obsolete dogmas and outworn slogans. It cannot be moved by those who cling to a present which is already dying, who prefer the illusion of security to the excitement and danger which comes with even the most peaceful progress. This world demands the qualities of youth: not a time of life but a state of mind, a temper of the will, a quality of imagination, a predominance of courage over timidity, of the appetite for adventure over the life of ease -- a man like the Chancellor of this University. It is a revolutionary world that we all live in; and thus, as I have said in Latin America and Asia and in Europe and in my own country, the United States, it is the young people who must take the lead. Thus you, and your young compatriots everywhere have had thrust upon you a greater burden of responsibility than any generation that has ever lived.

"There is," said an Italian philosopher, "nothing more difficult to take in hand, more perilous to conduct, or more uncertain in its success than to take the lead in the introduction of a new order of things." Yet this is the measure of the task of your generation and the road is strewn with many dangers.

First is the danger of futility; the belief there is nothing one man or one woman cando against the enormous array of the world's ills -- against misery, against ignorance, or injustice and violence. Yet many of the world's great movements, of thought and action, have flowed from the work of a single man. A young monk began the Protestant reformation, a young general extended an empire from Macedonia to the borders of the earth, and a young woman reclaimed the territory of France. It was a young Italian explorer who discovered the New /world, and 32 year old Thomas Jefferson who proclaimed that all men are created equal. "Give me a place to stand," said Archimedes, "and I will move the world." These men moved the world, and so can we all. Few will have the greatness to bend history; but each of us can work to change a small portion of the events, and in the total of all these acts will be written the history of this generation. Thousands of Peace Corps volunteers are making a difference in the isolated villages and the city slums of dozens of countries. Thousands of unknown men and women in Europe resisted the occupation of the Nazis and many died, but all added to the ultimate strength and freedom of their countries. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage such as these that the belief that human history is thus shaped. 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 which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.

"If Athens shall appear great to you," said Pericles, "consider then that her glories were purchased by valiant men, and by men who learned their duty." That is the source of all greatness in all societies, and it is the key to progress in our own time.

The second danger is that of expediency; of those who say that hopes and beliefs must bend before immediate necessities. Of course if we must act effectively we must deal with the world as it is. We must get things done. But if there was one thing that President Kennedy stood for that touched the most profound feeling of young people across the world, it was the belief that idealism, high aspiration and deep convictions are not incompatible with the most practical and efficient of programs -- that there is no basic inconsistency between ideals and realistic possibilities -- no separation between the deepest desires of heart and of mind and the rational application of human effort to human problems. It is not realistic or hard-headed to solve problems and take action unguided by ultimate moral aims and values, although we all know some who claim that it is so. In my judgement, it is thoughtless folly. For it ignores the realities of human faith and of passion and of belief; forces ultimately more powerful than all the calculations of our economists or of our generals. Of course to adhere to standards, to idealism, to vision in the face of immediate dangers takes great courage and takes self-confidence. But we also know that only those who dare to fail greatly, can ever achieve greatly.

It is this new idealism which is also, I believe, the common heritage of a generation which has learned that while efficiency can lead to the camps at Auschwitz, or the streets of Budapest, only the ideals of humanity and love can climb the hills of the Acropolis.

A third danger is timidity. Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change the world which yields most painfully to change. Aristotle tells us "At the Olympic games it is not the finest or the strongest men who are crowned, but those who enter the lists. . .so too in the life of the honorable and the good it is they who act rightly who win the prize." I believe that in this generation those with the courage to enter the conflict will find themselves with companions in every corner of the world.

For the fortunate amongst us, the fourth danger is comfort; the temptation to follow the easy and familiar path of personal ambition and financial success so grandly spread before those who have the privelege of an education. But that is not the road history has marked out for us. There is a Chinese curse which says "May he live in interesting times." Like it or not, we live in interesting times. They are times of danger and uncertainty; but they are also the most creative of any time in the history of mankind. And everyone here will ultimately be judged -- will ultimately judge himself -- on the effort he has contributed to building a new world society and the extent to which his ideals and goals have shaped that effort.

So we part, I to my country and you to remain. We are -- if a man of forty can claim the privelege -- fellow members of the world's largest younger generation. Each of us have our own work to do. I know at times you must feel very alone with your problems and with your difficulties. But I want to say how impressed I am with what you stand for and for the effort you are making; and I say this not just for myself, but men and women all over the world. And I hope you will often take heart from the knowledge that you are joined with your fellow young people in every land, they struggling with their problems and you with yours, but all joined in a common purpose; that, like the young people of my own country and of every country that I have visited, you are all in many ways more closely united to the brothers of your time than to the older generation in any of these nations; you are determined to build a better future. President Kennedy was speaking to the young people of America, but beyond them to young people everywhere, when he said "The energy, the faith, the devotion which we bring to this endeavor will light our country and all who serve it -- and the glow from that fire can truly light the world."

And, he added, "With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth and lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own."

I thank you.

You can listen to this speech http://tinyurl.com/68zbnm">here.

[H2O Man]

121. Beautiful!

Thank you.

[Tom Rinaldo]

55. Kick. Reading the responses to this thread has been really moving

I look forward to reading others.

[bleever]

56. Yes, we can.

And we will.

[H2O Man]

122. Nice picture!

I think that both Clinton and Obama supporters of a certain age will get lumps in their throat when they look at certain pictures or hear certain quotes from RFK. This photo reminds me of the promise that he represented. If we try, the Clinton and Obama supporters can find common ground here, and then move forward.

Thank you.

[Straight Shooter]

57. Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby, can you tell me where he's gone?

Has anybody here seen my old friend Abraham?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He freed a lot of people,
But it seems the good they die young.
You know, I just looked around and he's gone.

Anybody here seen my old friend John?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He freed a lot of people,
But it seems the good they die young.
I just looked around and he's gone.

Anybody here seen my old friend Martin?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
He freed a lot of people,
But it seems the good they die young.
I just looked 'round and he's gone.

Didn't you love the things that they stood for?
Didn't they try to find some good for you and me?
And we'll be free
Some day soon, and it's a-gonna be one day ...

Anybody here seen my old friend Bobby?
Can you tell me where he's gone?
I thought I saw him walkin' up over the hill,
With Abraham, Martin and John.

For those who have forgotten how this song can give you goosebumps:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=A3QMscDVjTE

[H2O Man]

124. This song really does

give me goosebumps. Thank you.

[Tom Rinaldo]

58. For Duers who seldom wander far from GD-P, some sad news of a passing

For those of you who know and care about him, folk singer U. Utah Phillips just died from an ongoing illness. I started a thread about it in General Discussion. The heartfelt tone of this thread seemed to be the best place on GD-P to share this news. I started a thread for Utah here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3339044

But I just saw an earlier thread that was started about Utah with extensive participation. I wish I had seen it earlier:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x3339044

[Juan_de_la_Dem]

59. Well sir, I would have to say great post

Happy and safe Memorial day.

[H2O Man]

125. Thanks!

I hope you & yours are having a good holiday weekend.

[ekwhite]

60. Thank you

Thank you for reminding us why Robert F Kennedy means so much to those of us who remember him.

[H2O Man]

126. Right.

Rather than Clinton and Obama supporters arguing and being divided by a Clinton statement regarding his death, we can find common ground when we remember his life, which was why he means so much to us.

[GoldieAZ49]

61. Thank you!!! Best post, by far, this weekend!

intelligent and insightful.

[H2O Man]

127. Thanks!

Much appreciated.

[Shoelace]

62. HOPE!

that was his message. I thank you for posting such a wonderful tribute to my hero, RFK. One of my favorite pictures is of him walking with the poor in Kentucky in 1968. He represented hope for the poor as no other person ever.

It reminds me of Gandhi in some ways:

[H2O Man]

128. Pictures like that

are really helpful in reminding us of what his message was. I do not remember ever seeing this one before, and so I really appreciate that you posted it here. That is the RFK I remember.

[Duncan]

63. Thanks.

I needed that.

[H2O Man]

129. Thank you.

I did, too .... and reading this thread, I think a lot of us did.

[Bluerthanblue]

65. you are

indeed a friend- H2O Man- the kind of friend we need and need to learn from.


Thank you for this painfully beautiful reminder-

Ripples flowing outward~

:grouphug:

peace~

blu

[H2O Man]

130. Thank you.

I think this thread reminds a lot of us of how DU should be ..... a place where we can talk shop, without worry that there are going to be hurt feelings and harsh words. Common ground, for both Clinton and Obama supporters of all ages can appreciate what RFK stands for.

[gblady]

66. Heartfelt thanks,

for this much needed thread.

What you are offering to those boys is something that will be with them their entire lives.
My two sons went through a rite of passage in a mens circle when they were 13, and the impact of it was tremendous!

[H2O Man]

131. When we finished,

one young man said, "You know, I'll never take a glass of water for granted again." I liked that.

[aaronbees]

67. That Aeschylus quote

So powerful and true. And the absolute wisdom of Bobby Kennedy's words on shaping history - so difficult to see sometimes in our day-to-day affairs but also a great call to action on how we can, and should, live our lives. Thank you for this, H2O Man.

[H2O Man]

132. Right.

It is so powerful and true that I think a lot of people who remember RFK still get a lump in their throat when they hear it. Clearly, on its own, it is a beautiful quote. But for many of us, it defines Robert's life from 1963 on.

[aaronbees]

169. Certainly he channeled his pain...

and the nation's pain into actions that positively changed this country in great ways. Wisdom indeed. :)

[1awake]

68. such a wonderful picture...

I had to try and clean it up alittle:

[zeemike]

74. Thank you for doing that

I shamelessly riped it off and saved it...I just love that picture

[H2O Man]

78. Thank you.

Many years ago, when I moved into my first office as I started working in human services, I bought two poster boards, and combined them for one large Kennedy poster. After a few decades of hanging in several offices, it shows some wear & tear. Every day that I worked, I would look at that poster and think about JFK, RFK, and Ted.

[hfojvt]

69. insulting others

Part of that comes from a perceived battle against evil, and a desire to stop and/or hurt the perpetrators of evil and also to inform and agitate those who are unaware and/or unconcerned about the evil. But being concerned about the external evil of others - "repukes" and bigots and DLCers, can make a person blind to their own evils. The evil that is in all of us, and that can be found in attitudes and tactics on our own side and not just in the policies and positions of the other.

Then there are group dynamics. Those in the other groups are caricatured, stereotyped and routinely vilified to provide group cohesion, to show to all members how they are everything we are not. As Stephen King's sociologist summed up humanity:

"Show me a man or a woman alone and I'll show you a saint. Give me two and they'll fall in love. Give me three and they'll invent the charming thing we call 'society'. Give me four and they'll build a pyramid. Give me five and they'll make one an outcast. Give me six and they will reinvent prejudice. Give me seven and in seven years, they'll reinvent warfare."

[Radio_Lady]

100. Hfojvt, that is such a pessimistic view of humanity. I just feel the grief in it.

Let's hope Stephen King's sociologist is wrong in this case.

I'll just post this one picture to help lift myself from sadness:

Posted on May 18, 2008 -- Portland, Oregon, in a record-breaking turnout for Obama that overflowed Tom McCall Waterfront Park

[H2O Man]

133. Earth House Hold

by Gary Snyder
1968

"...It is a dream handed down right to our own lifetime -- of ecological balance, classless society, social and economic freedom. It is actually one of the possibilities open to us. To those who stubbornly argue 'it's against human nature,' we can only patiently reply that you must know your own nature before you can say this. Those who have gone into their own natures deeply have, for several thousand years now, been reporting that we have nothing to fear if we are willing to train ourselves, to open up, explore and grow."

[zeemike]

70. Highly recommended Mr. Waterman

Wonderfully written and very touching
And a great picture of Bobby
But every time I think of RFK I think of this quote:
Some people see things as they are and ask why...I see things that never were and ask why not?
I am not sure who said that originally but there is wisdom in it that is most relevant now.

[H2O Man]

72. George Bernard Shaw

"Some see things the way they are and ask, 'Why?' I dream things that never were, and ask 'Why not?' "

Robert often used variations of the quote, including one rainy day when he finished it with, "And I see things and say, 'Let's head for our cars'."

[zeemike]

76. Thanks

I did not know where it came from but I clearly remember Bobby saying it and seem to remember Teddy saying it in his eulogy of Bobby. Those words have great meaning to me.

[H2O Man]

134. RFK usually said

it this way: "There are those who look at things the way they are and ask why; I dream of things that never were and ask why not?" (I looked through a number of sources; it is what you remembered him saying.)

[zeemike]

168. That sounds about right

I was trying to remember when and where I heard him say that but my memory fails me. All I know is that it was in a speech somewhere during his campaign.
At that time I listened to every thing he said and read all that I could about what he wanted to do. I was planing to vote for him. And there is no doubt he would have won.

[Lochloosa]

71. K/R.

Ripples.

[H2O Man]

135. Thanks! n/t

[Major Hogwash]

73. You truly are a leader. Great sentiments.

Lead the way, H20 Man!

[H2O Man]

136. Thank you.

I don't think of myself as any type of "leader," but I do think that my life experiences have taught me to always try to identify as many ways of viewing things as possible. And that results in being able to find positive options in almost any circumstance.

[MethuenProgressive]

75. k&r

:patriot:

[H2O Man]

137. Thank you.

Keep fighting the Good Fight.

[papapi]

77. Thank you.

[H2O Man]

138. And thank you. n/t

[1776Forever]

79. I turned 22 June 4, 1968 and I was watching Bobby give his speech for winning CA

Primary in the early hours of June 5th after which he was shot. Just like I had seen the shooting on live TV of the Oswald shotting. I could not believe it! It was like a bad dream. I just kept thinking, "Why?"

I was 15 when JFK was running for President and was an ardent supporter of his. The Preacher in my families church had kicked me out of the church for wearing a Kennedy for President badge into the church and I never went back! I wore the badge into the church to protest the anti-Catholic material being handed out in our Bible Church in Ohio because I didn't think it was right for a church to do that. When President Kennedy was shot down it was so awful that I cannot tell you in words how much it hurt me and our Country to loose this wonderful dedicated man who truly loved this country!

Let me say here that Bobby Kennedy had been brilliant! I like many others dared to dream of another shinning light in the White House! All of his supporters, like me, were joyous about his chances as he won the CA Primary. So here I was a 22 year-old young mother looking at yet another of my hero's going down in the most horrific of ways. It had only been a few short months since the April 4th,1968 shotting of MLK. Those were very trying days!

May this country never have to go through a terrible time like this ever again! It tears your heart out!

[H2O Man]

139. 1968 caused many people

to seriously question what type of country we live in. And it is clear that you have a very clear memory of that -- you express how many of us felt, very well. Thank you for that.

We have some unfinished business from '68 to deal with today.

[whistle]

80. Thanks H2Oman

[H2O Man]

140. Thank you. n/t

[Desertrose]

81. Thanks for this, H2OMan

:hug:

DR

[H2O Man]

141. Thank you.

I'm glad that you and others are enjoying this thread.

[A-Schwarzenegger]

82. A tip of the hat to Eugene McCarthy, too.

The one who dared stand up to LBJ in New Hampshire.

[H2O Man]

84. Right.

He had decided to enter the primary at the end of November '67. Sometimes people say that he really didn't beat LBJ in New Hampshire, because he got about 42% to Johnson's approximately 49%. But Senator McCarthy actually did win more delegates in that primary, and so it is correct to say he won.

[zippy890]

83. He was so eloquent

"What has violence ever accomplished?
What has it ever created? No martyr's cause has
ever been stilled by an assassin's bullet.
No wrongs have ever been righted by riots and
civil disorders. A sniper is only a coward, not a
hero; and an uncontrolled, uncontrollable mob is
only the voice of madness, not the voice of reason.
Whenever any American's life is taken by another
American unnecessarily - whether it is done in the
name of the law or in the defiance of the law, by one
man or a gang, in cold blood or in passion, in an
attack of violence or in response to violence -
whenever we tear at the fabric of the life which
another man has painfully and clumsily woven for
himself and his children, the whole nation is degraded."

[H2O Man]

143. He told the truth.

And he did his best to live the truth, as well.

[meow mix]

85. K&R

[H2O Man]

146. Thanks! n/t

[KoKo]

86. I have to post the part I found the most Pithy..........because it's the crux...

{2} "Let us not be discouraged by the belief that there is nothing one man or one woman can do against the enormous array of the world’s ills – against misery and ignorance, injustice and violence … Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.

"It is from the numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends a tiny ripple of hope and crossing each other from a million different centres of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance." – Robert F. Kennedy in South Africa; June, 1966

--------

MY VIEW:

The GREAT REALIZATION of what was started in the '60's has a CHANCE to FLOWER...we cannot MISS THIS CHANCE!

Great Post! K&R...if i had more than one vote for that...I would do it!

"The Great Awakening is TRULY OUR DUTY" even if we take the "hits" to do it. It must be done and if we lie in our graves or "ashes to the wind" ...let it be said...we TRIED! With TWO PASSES...we TRIED!

But...we are but a "blip in time." The history is against us...but we still try..and "trying" is the CRUX!

[H2O Man]

147. Right.

This "blip in time" is our turn. What we do today is how our history will be written, as RFK said.

Keep on fighting the Good Fight.

[trickyguy]

89. Wonderful photo. Beautiful post. Let's all work on sending out those ripples of hope.

[H2O Man]

148. Right.

We can all contribute to the positive current that RFK spoke of.

[spanone]

90. bravo!

k&r

[H2O Man]

149. Thank you. n/t

[Vattel]

97. a truly unifying post

RFK did more for America as attorney general than most presidents manage to do in two terms. The enormity of losing him and MLK and Malcolm X one after another can't be rectified or redeemed, but we can still listen to their voices and heed their call. Can we as democrats in the midst of a divisve campaign gather together in the shadow of these truly great men and unite behind a common desire for social justice, equality, and respect for human rights? I would like to see that.

[H2O Man]

150. "social justice, equality, and

respect for human rights" -- Well said. That's our common ground. Thank you.

[Raksha]

99. Recommending another of your posts...

I think this is the second one in 48 hours. You are really on a roll these days! That's the flippant way of saying it anyway--what I really mean is that divine inspiration is with you, and it's obvious to all of DU.

[H2O Man]

145. Coming from you,

those words mean more to me than I could say. Thank you.

[Coexist]

101. excellent, as always

[H2O Man]

151. Thanks

I appreciate that!

[beac]

104. K & R!

What a lovely and thoughtful post.

[H2O Man]

152. Thank you!

This is a nice thread.

[merh]

106. the ripple effect

how simple, yet how very powerful.

thank you for making the ripples that lift me, that raise me up to be a better person.

:hug:

[H2O Man]

153. This is a topic

that many of us have discussed here for years. It has never been more important than today, now.

Thank you or all that you add to DU!

[bjobotts]

109. Many shame the memory of RFK by suggesting Clinton's comments

had a damn thing to do with assassination. His own son says people are making something out of nothing. Thank God you only hint at it. RFK came from a political family and dynasty. With all the idealism coming from him there would still be those saying "I'm so sick of Kennedy/Bush/ Kennedy/ Bush/ Kennedy..." and it would go on from there. It took 1968 to end a war and put the reigns on our imperialism. Let's hope we can do the same in 2008 because this neocon/nazi government is out of control. Take a good look at what has and is being done in the name of American democracy. The rest of the world is watching in horror, waiting for us to make as strong a stand as we did in '68. The one thing that stood out above all and that RFK wanted to happen without the violence was that a generation was not afraid to BE BOLD...to keep standing up for our ideals because they were the ideals America was founded on. A time of the Kennedys, Ghandi, MLK All willing to be bravely BOLD against the corporate military machine. I was there and I know what our society was like then with signs of "get a hair cut commie" and "America, love it or leave it"...where dissent was not only not tolerated...it was fired upon. Now we dissent from approved cages but are called the same names and treated like traitors only now we can be legally tortured and imprisoned with out due process and "rendered" to secret prisons. Yet we still must remain bold and refuse to just fall into line.

Governments should be afraid of their citizens not the other way around. Like '68, 2008 is the year we stand up to those who have taken control of our government without being "elected" to do so.

The many here don't get it that the repubs and the media have gotten them to focus all their hate and anger on destroying the Clintons no matter how they think it is justified they have done their bidding. Supporting Obama is less important than destroying the Clintons. Nearly every heading on this site each day is aimed at doing that. It is so unimportant with all that is happening but they are so bitterly focused they just can't see it.

[H2O Man]

154. RFK's life

has deep meaning for both supporters of Senator Clinton and Senator Obama. No matter how one reacted to Senator Clinton's comment, we should be able to find common ground when we identify the goals that Senator Kennedy identified with.

[beac]

166. The Clintons are destroying themselves. n/t

[leeroysphitz]

110. Very sizable. n/t

[crickets]

111. Lovely.

This is a wonderful and comforting thread. It's very positive, and that's something we need right now. Thank you.

[H2O Man]

155. Thank you.

This thread is one of the best I've read, because of the positive contributions from so many DUers.

[boppers]

112. H20 Man is one reason why I keep coming back.

:kick:

[H2O Man]

156. Thanks!

I'm glad that you keep coming back!

[opihimoimoi]

113. A Master piece.......Toast

:toast:

K&R

[H2O Man]

157. This thread

has been fun for me to participate on. Thank you.

[Rhiannon12866]

114. You've got my vote, my friend. And I've read the book and I love the pic.

Rhiannon

[H2O Man]

159. Many years ago,

I made a large poster with favorite pictures of JFK and RFK. I kept it in all of the offices I was in during my many years working in human services. The poster shows some wear & tear these days, but it still reminds me of the good potential that some elected officials have.

[Rhiannon12866]

165. Thank you for sharing that with me.

I'm sitting here, just now, and looking at a poster for JFK, from 1960. It's not mine, belongs to your friend who I live with, but I've learned a lot from him and value these posters. And the JFK poster shows a little wear. How could it not? But it still has that famous smile, which still inspires me. :D

[DemReadingDU]

115. Very nice, Thank you

Always enjoy reading your threads.

[H2O Man]

160. Thank you n/t

[Me.]

142. I Think We Should Have A New Policy Here At DU

If a thread lasts into the next day you should be able to R it again. For the time when you re-read it and think, again, about what a good thread it is.

[H2O Man]

144. This thread is

the type that makes many of us remember what is the best about DU. It makes this the most valuable political discussion site on the internet.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

161. I missed my opportunity to give this the recommendation it deserves.

An outstanding commentary. Thank you for your consideration in composing this H2Oman. You are an amazing person.

[H2O Man]

162. Thank you.

I'm proud to be a member of a good team on DU.

[gregjones]

163. Absolutely Great H2O Man....also

Black Americans, and many of all races are EXTREMELY disturbed by Hillary's insinuation of a possible assassination of Barack Obama. To imply that her reason for staying in the race is because anything can happen, then nonchalantly say that even Robert Kennedy was assassinated in June, meaning therefore she should stay in, is not only pitifully diobolical but incredibly dangerous.

As I read some of the comments, I sense that some do not understand the true impact of her deadly insinuation. Keep in mind, when it was first announced that Obama was running for President, the initial concern in Black America was his safety. "Would some nut sniper him"? Obama had to hire secret service security right out of the gate.....why? Because of the true possibilty of some nut doing harm to him or his family.

Also, during the last 50 years, the people who have been assassinated have ALL been leaders who were working toward equality for ALL. John F., Robert and of course Dr. King. So just the WORD assassination brings to us not only an extreme fear but is a reminder of the incredibly sad loss to America, particularly Blacks, at the hands of the sick and wicked. For Hillary Clinton, a so-called leader, to insinuate, for WHATEVER reason assassination....is beyond disgusting. It subliminally sparks the hatred, bigotry and destruction that most Americans have worked so hard to overcome.

Greg Jones
www.Blacks4Barack.org
A Multi-Racial Org...Dedicated To Truth !

[Tatiana]

170. kick

:kick:

[Swamp Rat]

171. kick