Reply #74: An interesting family

[dannynyc]

I've read many books about the Kennedy's, and, I agree - Joe was hardly a fine, upstanding gentleman, but, he dearly loved his children. He did instill in his children several things - the importance of family, and, the chidren's obligation to do good for the world because they came from a background with many advantages.

You can see how the Kennedy's stick together to this day, and through current generations. And, the children all have a history of doing good for the world.

IIRC, the Joseph Kennedy, Jr Foundation began giving grants to mental health reserach in the 50's. Eunice took up this cause as her own. I believe it was her attachment to Rosemary that propelled her into this area. Jack set up a Presidential Commission on mental health at Eunice's urging. Unlike many Presidential Commissions, that actually did something. And, Eunice did found and head the Special Olympics for many years.

The Kennedy's have many critics and distractors. Two of the three boys who started into politics (Ted and Jack) had a shaky start, but, in time, fought for what would help a great majority of people.

I do have a lot of admiration for the Kennedy's for the good they have done, individually and as a family. That is not to say there have not been many scandals and horrible incidents. But, on balance, I've seen few families who have worked so hard through their lives to improve the lives of others.