RFK Wows the Independents

Very little media coverage was afforded Robert F. Kennedy on his October 16 stop in Louisville— Nothing in the Courier-Journal, only a very brief mention on WDRB-TV and less than that on WAVE-TV; a smattering on radio. But those who attended were electrified by his presence and message.

The community room inside the Glenmary Country Club was packed with all ages and stripes of political animals. I believe I saw Republican Eric Deters and Democrat J. Bruce Miller, and I’m sure I saw Chris Thieneman, sponsor of the event.

Following is a summary of RFK’s comments, however, I did not take notes, so this wrap-up is from memory. I have tried to use words that best relate his emphasis where I could not recall his exact words. For some topics I have included links that support his references. - Ed., Fastzone

Robert Kennedy began by describing the sea change in San Francisco from decades ago when he was an attorney representing environmental concerns, to the present time. The collapse of the downtown retail sector and the homeless crisis are revolting to see.

One of RFK’s sons, Conor, has researched homelessness and found that those on the street are not mentally ill before they arrive there, but after three days, they become so. Conor's research is worth your time to review.

Of RFK's seven children only one is a home owner; like so many younger people in America, the other six have not yet attained that status. Home ownership is simply impossible for most in the younger generation today.

Home ownership is what makes us citizens. Renters are an underclass. Homeowners pay taxes, take pride in their property and its upkeep, and preserve the community. The American Dream of home ownership is slipping away as inflation, high interest rates and other discouraging trends unfold.

Covid gave us two and a half years to learn how to buy on Amazon. It works great, and there went our small businesses that provide a tax base for our city. Does Amazon pay any tax to your city? No. Did Amazon pay any federal tax last year? No. [AUDIENCE GASP]

There are three major corporations that control $22 trillion in assets: Blackrock, State Street and Vanguard. Blackrock and Vanguard own each other; Blackrock is buying real estate. If a young couple finds a home they can afford, by the time the deal is about to close, Blackrock enters and makes a better offer so that the couple lose their contract.

RFK reminisced about a trip with his family to Poland following the assassination of his uncle. His father who then was running for president was applauded by an immense crowd who loved what America stood for. In the 1960s, we represented freedom and democracy to the world; now we are known for military intrusion and empire political goals.

RFK: “The best speech ever given in our country was by President Dwight Eisenhower,” who warned about the rise of the military-industrial complex in his farewell address.

JFK took this warning seriously and vowed not to involve America in foreign wars. His top advisors who were also trusted friends urged him repeatedly to send troops to Vietnam. He steadily refused, but finally sent several thousand ‘advisors’ who were not to be in any way militarily involved. A very small number of troops was sent after continuous prodding and media manhandling. (JFK - John F. Kennedy, 35th U.S. President, RFK’s uncle)

Following the Cuban Missile Crisis, to friends JFK vowed to do away with the CIA [APPLAUSE FROM THE AUDIENCE]; a month later he was assassinated.

Blackrock (etc) benefits from American military aggression. The military-industrial complex must be stopped. It is not a Democrat or Republican focus but a shared commitment.

The U.S.A. has 750 military base sites throughout the world. We cannot mange them all. We are hated the world over.

RFK is running as an independent since the Democrat Party pushed him away. Numerous headlines and his speech declaring his Independent candidacy are on the web. His campaign website, Kennedy24.com has more information on his priorities. At this writing the Kentucky Kennedy website is not online. The woman who is heading his campaign in Louisville also worked for his dad in 1968. I did not catch her name.

I became interested in RFK many years ago as a supporter of his Children’s Health Defense website. Through his activism to stand against harmful vaccines, he has demonstrated his independent spirit and willingness to expose those who profit from hurting innocent people.

At this time, there is an exception to this bold stance: RFK is not pro-life. We can hope he will change on this issue. A recent Marist Poll says that Kennedy will take more votes from Republicans than from Dems. Consider the source: The NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist National Poll.