20 November 2013

Unless we move with change, we will become its victims...


Today is Robert F. Kennedy’s birthday. He would have been 88. 
Like so many of us, I have a fascination with the Kennedy family: their power, their abuse of power, their service to this country, and so much more. They’re our royalty.
I reviewed some of his speeches and comments today and found so many of them inspiring. 
“The problem of power is how to achieve its responsible use rather than its irresponsible and indulgent use — of how to get men of power to live for the public rather than off the public.” (1964)

“Just because we cannot see clearly the end of the road, that is no reason for not setting out on the essential journey. On the contrary, great change dominates the world, and unless we move with change we will become its victims.” (1964)

“A revolution is coming — a revolution which will be peaceful if we are wise enough; compassionate if we care enough; successful if we are fortunate enough — But a revolution which is coming whether we will it or not. We can affect its character; we cannot alter its inevitability.” (1966)

“The essential humanity of men can be protected and preserved only where government must answer — not just to the wealthy, not just to those of a particular religion, or a particular race, but to all its people.” (1966)

And my favorite:

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself; but each of us can work to change a small portion of events, and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation.” (1966)

Today’s $10 goes to RFK-LA —Robert F Kennedy Legacy in Action — a non-profit dedicated to educating and fostering a more just society. It does so by training people to use social media to promote social justice. By partnering with USC’s Annenberg School’s Media Innovation Lab, as well as LA Unified School District for RFK Community Schools, RFK-LA teaches students how to be civically engaged. 

Nov. 20: RFK-LA


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