In Praise of Caroline's Profile in Courage

[CorpGovActivist]

?????????? No

?????????? No



I cannot but sing the praises of her Profile in Courage. Even though I remain an Edwards supporter in the primary, I am delighted at the timing of this news, as I believe it is an appropriate rebuke.

- Dave

[mth44sc]

1. I too am an Edwards supporter

but this touches the heart. What compelled me to this party and public service and working to make a differnce was JFK.

Our coutry has never recovered from his loss...

Perhaps the time is now...

[CorpGovActivist]

3. I See Edwards and Obama As True Intellectual Scions...

... of JFK and RFK.

Can you imagine a picture like this one, of them taking counsel from each other?



- Dave

[mth44sc]

16. Yep I can

they both speak to the soul of country

[goclark]

30. Excellent observation ~

[neutron]

48. Really sad that she's done nothing with her life

except be rich and inert.

[neutron]

50. Robert Kennedy Jr. supports Hillary Clinton

I respect him for what he has done for his country.

[CorpGovActivist]

51. Viscount Linley Makes Furniture, but an Endorsement from Prince William...

... probably carries more weight.

- Dave

[neutron]

58. Robert Kennedy Jr. is an environmental activist

and spokesman.

[CorpGovActivist]

59. I Am Well Aware of His Noble Stands...

... and how his endorsement of Senator Clinton will play in coal-producing regions with key swing Electoral College votes, where his dad may have been beloved, but where his notions may not resonate.

- Dave

[Darth_Kitten]

81. Why?

He's a lazy drunken elitist. And he carries weight why, because Grandma is the de facto monarch? :sarcasm:

[CorpGovActivist]

83. Dynasties and Primogeniture...

... of the male-line variety almost always go hand in hand.

As the daughter of the elder prince, Caroline has precedence over a son of a younger prince.

The notable exception to male-line primogeniture is Sweden, which has adopted absolute primogeniture (but Caroline would still take precedence under that dynastic system).

The http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria%2C_Crown_Princess_of_Sweden#Change_in_status">Crown Princess of Sweden supplanted her younger brother when the switch was made.

; )

- Dave

[RFKJrNews]

63. say what?

To say that Caroline has "done nothing with her life" only proves that you are either terribly misinformed or just reeeealllly don't like Obama.

Because I just can't stand to see someone suffer in ignorance, here is a short list of the things Caroline Kennedy has done with her life:

* Graduated from Radcliffe College/Harvard University and Columbia Law School, after completing her education at The Brearley School and Convent of the Sacred Heart, and Concord Academy in Massachusetts.

* Wrote for The New York Daily News and Rolling Stone, among other top publications.

* Worked at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York in 1980, where she met her husband, the exhibit designer Edwin Schlossberg.

* Respected attorney.

* mother of 3 lovely kids - Rose, Tatiana and John.

* President of the Kennedy Library foundation and a cofounder of the annual Profiles In Courage award.

* A director of both the Commission on Presidential Debates and of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund.

* Honorary Chairman of the American Ballet Theatre.

* also an adviser to the Harvard Institute of Politics, a living memorial to her father.

* Kennedy and Ellen Alderman have written two books together on civil liberties:

* In Our Defense: The Bill of Rights In Action (1990) and
* The Right to Privacy (1995)

On her own, she has edited these New York Times best-selling volumes:

* A Patriot’s Handbook
* The Best-Loved Poems of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis
* A Family of Poems: My Favorite Poetry for Children
* Profiles in Courage for Our Time

She is also the author of "A Family Christmas" (rel. nov. 2007) a collection of poems, prose and personal notes from her family history.


As you can see, she keeps pretty busy "doing nothing."


Respectfully submitted - because I believe in a free public education for all.:)

[CorpGovActivist]

64. The Appalachian Regional Commission...

... established in large part because JFK and RFK kept faith with the voters of West Virginia and other Appalachian states, helped ensure a higher quality of public education for all, and because of their work, the schools were integrated there before I started kindergarten.

:toast: <----- to a good free public education for all

- Dave

[RFKJrNews]

66. Cheers! I'll drink to that!

not just a free public education for all...

but a GOOD free public education for all!:)

Right on wit' yer right on...

(yep, I obviously went to public school)

[CorpGovActivist]

67. Small Communities' School Systems...

... can actually be a richly rewarding experience. I had some incredibly dedicated teachers. How about you? Where'd you grow up?

RFK in '08, eh?

The word on the street is that he's gearing up to take the soon-to-be vacant NY Senate seat.

- Dave

[RFKJrNews]

71. Schooled in TX...back when the public schools were still halfway decent

But as you know, great teachers -- more than institutions -- make all the difference. Had an amazing history teacher in H.S. who devoted 6 weeks of a semester strictly to a study of the JFK Assassination.

I kid you not! 6 weeks!

We studied all sides of the case, considered all conspiracies, took a field trip to Dallas/Dealey Plaza, and had to write a tough report at the end explaining who we thought killed JFK and most importantly, WHY.

Can you imagine? History teachers who encourage independent thought and free expression of our views?

That was 25 years ago. If a teacher attempted to vary from the curriculum like that today, he/she would be kicked to the curb quick.

But let me say that *one* history teacher changed my life. I was a teenager with nothing on my mind but sex, drugs and rock n' roll, and spent most of my time in the principal's office or skipping classes. Didn't give a fuck about anything. School was a bloody bore until...

*One* history teacher thought I might have a brain lurking in there if properly engaged, and encouraged me to do so. It is thanks to that one teacher that I graduated with honors, went on to college and pursued a degree and later a career in history. My late teacher (he died a few years ago) also sparked within me an interest in researching the Kennedys, a passion which after 25 years has still not burned out.

That's the true story of the difference one great teacher can make in a kid's life...and thus, the world...one young person at a time.

(*I'd give my last dollar to RFK Jr. if he'd run for President! Although for now, he has his sights firmly set on his father's former senate seat. Our blog has been on this story for months at http://RFKin2008.com)

[CorpGovActivist]

76. Great Teachers Rock!

I was blessed with school system chock full of them. The NCLB bullcrap has driven a few into retirement, which is unfortunate.

Teaching a kid to think independently is such a gift, and one that never stops giving.

I'd be very curious to hear who you thought killed JFK, and why.

As for RFKJ, I'd like to see him spend some time in elected office before catapulting him into the Presidency.

But I'm intrigued.

- Dave

[goclark]

88. You forgot the sarcasm sign

Caroline is a writer and has been involved in many worthy causes.

She has represented her parents beautifully.

She has suffered tremendous pain and has been seriously ill.

[avaistheone1]

21. Now you are talking. Beautiful.

That is more like what needs to happen.




Note sign in photograph: "HELP US...You're Our Only Hope"

[CorpGovActivist]

22. Nice!

I love a good Star Wars pun!

I think E&O would give each other sound advice.



- Dave

[OzarkDem]

2. I love JFK, but still support Edwards

Just as Hillary is not like Bill, Caroline is not like her father.

[cali]

4. How the hell would you know that?

Caroline is an accomplished and very knowledgable woman. And you are clueless.

[CorpGovActivist]

6. She Is Fairly Accomplished in Her Own Right...

... and I imagine, as an Edwards supporter, that I would've been even more overjoyed if she'd broken for Edwards. Leaving that aside, I think it's interesting to see how - despite her familiarity with the former President - she didn't abstain.

- Dave

[Tatiana]

32. Bingo.

As always, you see the seemingly insignificant significance.

[CorpGovActivist]

33. I've Seen This Stuff...

... up close, personal, and with all the warts.

Make no mistake: nobody was clamoring for her or browbeating her to do this; nobody would dare. She had a lifetime pass to remain officially agnostic and "above the fray," stamped in platinum from the American People.

The fact that she redeemed that ticket - not for a Clinton - but for a challenger, is just enormous. To me, it's plain to see, but I guess others may not see the tacit and implicit message here.

- Dave

[Tatiana]

38. This endorsement was not politics. It was personal. That is enormous, IMO.

There is something about him, within him, that spoke and resonated with her. Other people have similar reactions upon meeting and getting to know him.

He knows how to bring people together instead of divide them. That is a huge gift. Mr. Clinton's lashing out, I think, is due in part to jealousy that he had all the same skills but lacked that special gift that could being people together, irrespective of political affiliation or personal beliefs. He had to compromise and negotiate. I think Obama will find that his own words will inspire people to action.

Mark my words, if Hillary is not the nominee (and at this point she is still the front-runner), Edwards WILL BE Obama's VP. However, if Hillary is the nominee, you can forget about Obama or Edwards on a Clinton ticket. (Though I really don't mind Clark at all.)

[CorpGovActivist]

39. I Think You're Right about Each Point...

... with one added twist: I think Bill is jealous that he never got to go up against a challenging opponent like this, and he can't help but think that his lifetime protege isn't cutting the mustard, despite his best efforts to school her.

- Dave

[Tatiana]

42. Awww, you don't think Pappy was challenging?

Though you're dead on: Dole was a wash. And you have to admit, Obama isn't just running against one Clinton; he's running against Clinton-squared and having to fend off attacks from both Bill and Hillary.

It's quite admirable that he's still standing. However, no matter how much Mr. Clinton tries to school the Mrs., she doesn't have the charisma or personality IMO to utilize his tactics to her advantage. The Clinton camp is trying to re-run the '96 campaign, but Hillary is not Bill and they can't have it both ways. Either Hillary is her own woman and she runs on her record as an elected official (IWR, Patriot Act, etc.) or Hillary is part of the Team Clinton and she gets to use her husband's record (and profess to govern in the same manner that her husband did - which wouldn't necessarily be a bad thing; many people remember the Clinton years fondly as a time of prosperity).

Bill Clinton's advice would have been better served by long-term and savvy politicians like Gore or Kerry. Curiously, I don't remember his presence or counsel on any of those campaigns.

[CorpGovActivist]

45. I Have *Got* to Dig out My Writings on Poppy in '92, and Shrub in '97...

... and thanks for reminding me.

Poppy didn't seem to have the fire in 92. Heck, Perot was more enthused about running, seemingly.

In '97, I had an e-mail exchange with a very good friend from college years predicting Shrub as the GOP nominee, in large part because I thought voters would want to give a tacit apology to Bush 41, vicariously thru his son. There was a lot more to it, and Shrub didn't meet the vast majority of the criteria I laid out, but was still the nom in '00.

But no, I don't think Poppy was much of a challenge for Bill, and Dole was a joke.

- Dave

[Tatiana]

52. Well get ready for Jebbo. You just know they will run him if McCain loses.

And speaking of Pappy Bush, what's up with the coziness between him and Bill? I wouldn't think those two personalities would be inclined towards each other. Just another one of those things that make you go hmmmm....

It's almost pre-1960 Kennedy/Nixonian.

[CorpGovActivist]

53. Well...

... there are a few foreign relations and intelligence topics that they can speak to one another freely about, I would imagine.

- Dave

[RFKJrNews]

65. You don't suppose that just maybe...

Bill's a bit jealous of Obama stealing his "JFK reincarnated" thunder?

Remember, that was Bill, once upon a time, in a galaxy far far away. (although more likely in his own mind than in that of the collective.)

[CorpGovActivist]

69. I Keep Wondering Whether Ex-Presidents Get Mental Health Coverage...

... and if not, I think the Senator from New York should introduce legislation.

To paraphrase Lincoln: "Better to be thought a has been, than to leap into the fray and remove all doubt."

- Dave

[RFKJrNews]

72. "Better to be thought a has-been"

Love that quote. Might explain why most ex-presidents wisely stick to looking presidential at ribbon-cutting ceremonies and staying out of political pillowfights. It's still good advice today.

And about that Mental Health coverage, somebody had better get that legislation through quickly...Shrub's only got a year left!!!

Matter of fact, we'd better extend that to cover former Vice Presidents, too. Methinks Cheney needs a long, relaxing stay at a facility for the criminally insane.

[CorpGovActivist]

77. "Cheney needs a long, relaxing stay"

"Nurse Ratchet! Paging Nurse Ratchet! Bring the thorazine, stat!"

:evilgrin:

- Dave

[fujiyama]

44. Interesting point about Clinton

I sense a bitterness in Bill Clinton. He had the charisma to relate to many different people, but due to personal irresponsibility and a very uncooperative congress, much of the goals he set out were not realized. His legacy remains mixed.

I think Clinton realizes he compromised a few too many times with the republicans and is also defensive of that. While Bill was a very intelligent and competent president, I think he too realizes that many opportunities were squandered.

[Tatiana]

49. Better he is. And jealous too.

He's not *quite* the "rock star" that Obama is. I sometimes wonder if he is trying to live vicariously through Hillary's candidacy and repair some of his legacy. He was not a bad president, but I think (as you have indicated) that he did not live up to his potential or his own expectations. I think he truly wanted to implement a universal health care plan. That was one of his visions that never got accomplished due to a Republican Congress and their visceral hate of government and Clinton personally.

However, I think Obama has a quality about him that does not elicit that visceral response from Republicans. And, he knows he will have to work with them if he wants to get anything accomplished. Due to the incompetence of the current Congressional Dems and poor leadership, we will not attain any super-Democratic majorities in either the House or Senate. But what I see as the difference between Mr. Clinton and Obama is the fact that Clinton had to throw the Republicans bones like welfare reform, DOMA, and media consolidation in order to get legislation like FMLA passed. I don't think Obama would have to throw as many bones towards the Republicans as Clinton did, nor do I think they would require him to. That's what I think really aggravates Clinton.

[neutron]

61. Anne Coulter?

[Tatiana]

70. Moi? Non. n/t

[CorpGovActivist]

85. Non! n/t

[Darth_Kitten]

82. I find him remote and out of touch.

Giving happy little speeches does not a leader make. In any debate, he fails miserably, why are people buying into the hype?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

7. Caroline is no slouch. She graduated from Harvard and Columbia Law School, and

(from Wikipedia):

Kennedy is an attorney, editor, and writer. She is one of the founders of the Profiles in Courage Award, given annually to a person who exemplifies the type of courage examined in her father's Pulitzer Prize-winning book of the same name. The award is generally given to elected officials who, acting in accord with their conscience, risk their careers by pursuing a larger vision of the national, state or local interest in opposition to popular opinion or powerful pressures from their constituents. In May 2002, she presented an unprecedented Profiles in Courage Award to representatives of the NYPD, the New York City Fire Department, and the military as representatives of all of the people who acted to save the lives of others during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.<3>

Kennedy is currently President of the Kennedy Library Foundation, a Director of both the Commission on Presidential Debates and of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, and Honorary Chairman of the American Ballet Theatre. Kennedy is also an adviser to the Harvard Institute of Politics, a living memorial to her father.

In addition, Kennedy has represented her family at the funeral services of former Presidents Ronald Reagan in 2004 and Gerald Ford in 2007, and at the funeral service of former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson in 2007.

Caroline Kennedy also represented her family at the dedication of the William J. Clinton Presidential Center and Park in Little Rock, Arkansas in November 2004.

[CorpGovActivist]

8. Familiarity Bred ??? with Respect to Clintons? n/t

[gateley]

11. I don't pay attention to endorsements, usually -- but I'm impressed by

Caroline Kennedy's support of Obama.

She and a friend wrote a book on the Bill of Rights about 10 years ago which was interesting and educational. She truly understands what this country is about. I've thought highly of her ever since.

She's never endorsed a candidate before, and for her to endorse Obama is significant.

[CorpGovActivist]

19. Honestly...

... it resonates much more strongly for me than Oprah.

- Dave

[karynnj]

35. I believe she endorsed Kerry, as her uncle did

She spoke (in a general election speech) of having helped his 1972 campaign as a 15 year old.

[CorpGovActivist]

36. I'm Sure the Pundits...

... will dissect whether she's ever explicitly come out before, but thanks for pointing out that she's not been voiceless or passive, by any means!

: )

- Dave

[neutron]

62. All those fancy degrees

led to the usual dowager credits.
She seemed to have a lot of promise at one time.

[RFKJrNews]

74. At 50, she's just getting warmed up...

...wait and see. Caroline gets better and more beautiful every day!

Seen a recent pic of her lately?



How many girls wouldn't want to look that stunning at 50?

[CorpGovActivist]

78. Maybe She's...

... cashing in those "dowager credits," whatever the hell those are supposed to be.

:eyes:

- Dave

[Rosa Luxemburg]

5. It is nice to see the endorsement

it was sad her brother had to die too

[CorpGovActivist]

24. Yeah, Heartbreaking, That n/t

[PondoNavyNuke]

9. Caroline was what 4 or 5 years old when she was in the WH?

She remembers her dad's presidency?

[CorpGovActivist]

10. Welcome to DU!

Do you discount her perceptions in political circles, having grown up around/in them all her life?

- Dave

[gateley]

12. If you read her statement, you'd know she doesn't "remember her dad's

presidency".

Do a little reading before you jump in with the snark.

Welcome to DU! :hi:

[CorpGovActivist]

18. People Have Told Her All Her Life...

... how her dad inspired her, and now - for the first time - she feels she has a candidate who generates the same sense of hope and excitement that others have described to her. That's the gist, right, gateley?

:-)

- Dave

[gateley]

26. Yep. She said it's the first time she understands what people were talking

about when they told her how her dad had given them hope for our country. I think that says a lot!

:hi:

[CorpGovActivist]

28. Talk about a "Fine Vintage" Endorsement...

... that has a lot of cache. I confess myself jealous, as an Edwards supporter, but only a little. I'm pleased for the Obama folks, tho.

- Dave

[gateley]

31. I was frankly disappointed and surprised

when other members of the Kennedy family endorsed Clinton. But personally, I think this one means more, just because I'm so impressed with her.

It won't turn me into an Obama supporter, but I'm impressed.

I understand your jealousy. I fear the dearth of JE endorsements is a result of even those who should know better buying into the Obama/Clinton only option.

:hug:

[CorpGovActivist]

34. You Might Find This to Be of Interest...

... http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=harvard+studies+luck+effect+neuropolitics+corpgovactivist">two Harvard studies that may shed light on why even prominent players sometimes follow the herd.

- Dave

[troubleinwinter]

41. You'll very much appreciate this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x87752

[gateley]

27. Yep. She said it's the first time she understands what people were talking

about when they told her how her dad had given them hope for our country. I think that says a lot!

:hi:

[Darth_Kitten]

80. Hope and excitement doesn't solve regular people's REAL problems.

n/t

[CorpGovActivist]

84. Maybe Not, but It Brings People to the Table to Work Cooperatively...

... on real solutions, and taps hidden, fallow talent.

If Clinton cannot energize people to join the process and contribute their best, that's her shortcoming.

- Dave

[mth44sc]

14. What she is saying

is that all her life people have told her whaa inspiration her father was to them. Sho now feels that she, for the first time, feels that kind of inspiration from Obama.

She's waited 50 years to be moved by a candidate the way America was moved in 1960 by her father.

[SoxFan]

17. Congratulations!

You're a winner of the prestigious Golden Douchebag Award!

[WillyT]

60. Oh... I'm Pretty Sure She Remembers...

I remember... and I was her age then.

:cry:

[K Gardner]

13. You and your pictures.. you just made me cry ! No fair :-)

[CorpGovActivist]

15. A Good Cry...

... is a good thing every once in a while, remember?

We've been over this!

:hug:

; )

- Dave

[Lugnut]

20. Aw man......

I was a Kennedy Girl when he was visiting our area during his campaign. I'll never forget that day.

[CorpGovActivist]

23. Where Was That? n/t

[Lugnut]

37. NE PA

I was 15 years old and in high school at the time. He spoke to huge crowds that assembled along the route he travelled. It was an exciting time for Kennedy supporters.

[CorpGovActivist]

40. I Grew up with Stories...

... of the ins and outs of the crucial West Virginia primary.

; )

RFK kept faith with the people there, too.

- Dave

[CorpGovActivist]

47. I Can Only Imagine...

... what it must have been like to live thru the three assassinations: JFK, MLK, RFK.

:cry:

- Dave

[troubleinwinter]

43. And I remember being here...

...along with 88,000 other people:


Berkeley, March 1962

[troubleinwinter]

46. A snip of his speech that day:

If this is so, we must strive to acquire knowledge--and to apply it with wisdom. We must reject over-simplified theories of international life--the theory that American power is unlimited, or that the American mission is to remake the world in the American image. We must seize the vision of a free and diverse world--and shape our policies to speed progress toward a more flexible world order.

This is the unifying spirit of our policies in the world today. The purpose of our aid programs must be to help developing countries to move forward as rapidly as possible on the road to genuine national independence. Our military policies must assist nations to protect the processes of democratic reform and development against the forces of disruption and intervention. Our diplomatic policies must strengthen our relations with the whole world, with our several alliances and within the United Nations.

As we press forward on every front to realize a flexible world order, the role of the university becomes ever more important, both as a reservoir of ideas and as a repository of the long view of the shore dimly seen.

"Knowledge is the great sun of the firmament" said Senator Daniel Webster. "Life and power are scattered with all its beams."

In its light we must think and act not only for the moment but for our time. I am reminded of the story of the great French Marshal Lyautey, who once asked his gardener to plant a tree. The gardener objected that the tree was slow-growing and would not reach maturity for a hundred years. The Marshal replied, "In that case, there is no time to lose, plant it this afternoon."

Today a world of knowledge--a world of cooperation--a just and lasting peace--may be years away. But we have no time to lose. Let us plant our trees this afternoon.

[CorpGovActivist]

90. .

[CorpGovActivist]

87. VIDLINK: JFK in WV Primary

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJyb9R_TL8M

Enjoy!

- Dave

[Tatiana]

25. Ah, did you have to post a pic with JFK, Jr.?

:cry:

I think he had a bright future in politics.

[CorpGovActivist]

29. I Still Have Enormous Respect for the First Lady...

... who - in spite of extraordinarily difficult circumstances - raised two very seemingly decent and bright people. The picture of the three of them in Mrs. Kennedy's waning years was, yes, necessary to the tableau.

- Dave

[Barack_America]

54. This is her first presidential endorsement...

...since Ted Kennedy ran in 1980.

She means this.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/01/26/caroline_kennedy_endorses_obam.html

[CorpGovActivist]

55. Thank You for That Link! n/t

[RFKJrNews]

56. Damned courageous move. She's definitely JFK's kid!

I started another thread about this earlier, but I think everybody was too busy bickering over the primary results to notice.

Anyhoo, here `tis:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x4224663

[CorpGovActivist]

57. Thanks! n/t

[RFKJrNews]

68. Pleasure.

And thank YOU for starting this nice thread for Caroline - thank you for recognizing the courage she has displayed here. It took a lot of guts to sail against the wind of her own family's considerable current, and I respect the hell out of that. Even though Obama is not presently my candidate.

Thank you for still caring about the Kennedy legacy rather than merely paying lip service to it, as so many tend to do.

[CorpGovActivist]

86. It's a Complicated Legacy Indeed...

... and wouldn't be nearly so fascinating if it weren't.

I spent many enjoyable hours at the JFK Library when I was in college.

- Dave

[tammywammy]

73. Excellent post

:applause:

[CorpGovActivist]

79. Well...

... I hope it causes at least one overly enthused supporter of another candidate who shall remain nameless to refrain from now attacking Caroline.

- Dave

[RFKJrNews]

75. Kick for the Sunday morning crowd!

Already recommended.

[CorpGovActivist]

89. And Now...