Sen. Robert Kennedy, American Statesman

Senator Robert Kennedy, like President Barack Obama, was an agent of change for America. America is a lesser nation today because an assassin’s bullet prevented his election in 1968.

In 1966, Sen. Kennedy gave a speech to the young people of South Africa on their Day of Affirmation in which he said, "There is a discrimination in this world and slavery and slaughter and starvation. Governments repress their people; and millions are trapped in poverty while the nation grows rich; and wealth is lavished on armaments everywhere.

"These are differing evils, but they are common works of man. They reflect the imperfection of human justice, the inadequacy of human compassion, our lack of sensibility toward the sufferings of our fellows.

"But we can perhaps remember – even if only for a tirne – that those who live with us are our brothers; that they share with us the same short moment of life; that they seek – as we do – nothing but the chance to live out their lives in purpose and happiness, winning what satisfaction and fulfillment they can.

"Surely this bond of common faith, this bond of common goal, can begin to teach us something. Surely, we can learn, at least, to look at those around us as fellow men. And surely we can begin to work a little harder to bind up the wounds among us and to become in our own hearts brothers and countrymen once again…"

To those of us who lived at that time he was affectionately known as Bobby. Bobby’s candidacy for President of the United States energized the youth of America toward good. The youth of the 60’s were already energized about changing America. Bobby began to funnel that energy in the right direction until a gunshot rang out shortly after midnight June 5, 1968.

Senator Edward Kennedy (Teddy) gave the eulogy at his brother’s funeral and said, "What he leaves us is what he said, what he did and what he stood for." He then read Robert Kennedy’s speech to youth of South Africa. It is a speech we could easily hear flow from President Barack Obama today, and it is one we need to listen to over and over again. I’m pleased to present it here.