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Robert Francis Kennedy
(1925-1968)
Robert F. Kennedy was born on November 20, 1925 to Joe and Rose Kennedy. Robert had a positive future ahead of him. Wealth was nothing that the Kennedys were short of. In fact, Robert Kennedy's father, Joe, was one of the most successful businessmen of his time; not only was he a businessmen, but also a movie producer, banker, and real-estate investor. By the time that Bobby Kennedy turned 4 years old, he was already a millionaire. He attended Harvard University, but took a leave of absence in the middle of his studies to join the United States Navy during World War II. After the war ended, Kennedy returned to Harvard and graduated in 1948. He then decided to study law at the University of Virginia and graduated in 1951. Later that year, he became an attorney in the U.S. Department of Justice. In 1952 he decided to leave the Justice Department to help manage his brother John F. Kennedy's senatorial campaign. Following the campaign, Robert decided to return to government service as counsel to several Senate subcommittees. He worked under Senate Permanent Investigations Subcommittee in its investigation of Teamster Union Executives David Beck and James Hoffa. When Robert's brother John ran for the presidency in 1960, Kennedy again went to manage the campaign. In 1961, President John Kennedy decided to appoint Robert to the post of Attorney General. Not only did Robert serve as Attorney General, but he also was considered the president's confidante and closest advisor. Robert Kennedy played a major role in the Cuban Missile Crisis; in fact, Robert was assigned to the task of facilitating the discussions. The Attorney General's excellent leadership qualities led him to steer the group and to probe them with difficult questions. Of course, Robert also voiced opinions of his own,which greatly helped in the crisis resolution. Kennedy also proved to have the ability to reason clearly and look ahead in the decision about why the missiles should be removed. In conclusion, Robert was the second most important person on the American side of the crisis. From his energetic assertiveness Kennedy proved to be an invaluable help to his brother and the world. Robert resigned his cabinet post in 1964 to run for political office in New York. In the spring of 1968 Kennedy, who disagreed with President Lyndon Johnson's policies, campaigned for the Democratic Party nomination. After winning many major primaries across the country, Kennedy was shot by Jordanian Sirhan Bishara Sirhan. He died the next day, June 6, 1968. "Some men see things as they are and say why, I dream things that never were and say why not." Robert gave society a new idea, a new beginning, a revolution. He set new standards for politicians. He had his goals set on equality, liberty, and societal change. He made boundaries for what Americans deserved. His leadership played a major role in political themes for the sixties and carried into the seventies. It is great men like Robert Kennedy who influence our society for the better, and give the nation greater expectations for political advisors. For detailed information about Robert F. Kennedy check out the book called: The Man and the Myth; Robert F. Kennedy, Lasky, V.,1969. For more information click here
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