Saturday News Round Up – RFK Jr. Invokes Radical Centrism to Address the Issues of a Nation Looking for a Practical Problem Solver
“We need to unwind this corrupt collusion between state and corporate power that is … destroying our democracy and beggaring our middle class.” – RFK Jr.
Finding The Middle Ground – Team Kennedy
Kennedy pushed out some remarks on X today that I thought would be good to consider. I found myself asking, Is RFK Jr. a “radical centrist”? His uncle, President John F. Kennedy, has been described as a radical centrist and famously said that America needs “idealism without illusions.” Here are those X messages:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr on X: “Is it right or left to get toxic contaminants out of our food?”
Robert F. Kennedy Jr on X: “Is it right or left to support small farms?”
RFK Jr. on the Campaign Trail:
“But at least Amazon is paying local taxes, right?” Kennedy said. “No, of course not. But at least they pay federal taxes? No.” – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. visits Augusta, says he will end economic downturn as president | The Augusta Chronicle. Listen to an excerpt from his speech in Augusta, Georgia – Video: Presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. makes campaign stop in Augusta | The Augusta Chronicle.
Candidate RFK Jr campaigns in Orlando | Fox 35 Orlando
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in Charlotte Saturday | WCNC
More Kennedy News:
RFK Jr. campaign finance report reveals money raised and spent before going independent | POLITICO
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Receives Key Endorsements from Black Political and Business Leaders | PR Newswire
“Do you want to read talking points from the Trump campaign?” – RFK Jr. Had This to Say When Asked by Sean Hannity Why the Democrats ‘Didn’t Want Him’ | The Inquisitr
AV2024 in the News:
“Reflecting on reasons why Kennedy may appeal to Republicans, Lyons said that, unlike Trump, who promised to ‘drain the Swamp,’ Kennedy has a blueprint on how to accomplish it, as well as a 40-year record of suing the government and corporations.” – Tony Lyons: RFK Jr. is Dangerous for Corrupt Elites | The New American
Tony Lyons spoke to Neil Cavuto and said, “While the left and the right are bickering and not able to do anything to benefit the people of this country, Bobby Kennedy is right down the center, taking equally from the right and the left. People are tired of being lied to, they’re tired of all these controversies. They want someone who is going to focus on the issues that are important to them, and that certainly is Bobby Kennedy.” – RFK Jr. isn’t looking for ‘minor league controversies’: Tony Lyons | Fox Business
Here is today’s sampling of yellow journalism targeting RFK Jr:
Opinion: The Real Danger in Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Independent Run | The New York Times
RFK Jr. running for president as an independent is a relief for the Kennedys | POLITICO
Today’s collection of Donald Trump’s missteps:
Today’s batch of Biden stumbles:
Biden draws groans, mockery for stairs stumble: ‘Almost sandbagged again!’ | Fox
New evidence may destroy Biden’s defense in his classified documents case | The Hill
Most say Biden has acted either illegally or unethically in his son’s business dealings | AP and NORC
Hunter Biden investigations lead to ethical concerns about President Biden, AP-NORC poll shows | AP
Bidenflation Climbs To 17.0%, Hurting Americans | Tipp Insights
Most US adults say country is heading in wrong direction: poll | The Hill
We wrap with a reflection on the Twelfth Step of AA – Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.
“My job is to stay peaceful and serene. And anything that I’ve ever done in my life that is enduring, that is important, comes out of that spiritual place.” RFK Jr. discusses his recovery from addiction with Theo Von, who has also found recovery through twelve-step programs. – Theo and RFK Jr. Share Lessons They’ve Learned in Recovery – Theo Von Clips. Theo Von said that going to a meeting is meaningful to him because he can go to an AA meeting “and every day witness a miracle.” Kennedy speaks about doing “the next right thing and being of service to others.”
The past week has been full of atrocious news. I have read the comments about Kennedy’s position on the War in Ukraine and the War in Gaza and Israel. More than anything, I sense the pain and the yearning for peace. Here at The Kennedy Beacon, we respect everyone’s views, whether they align with RFK Jr.’s positions or not. All I can offer is that if anyone can bring people at war to a place of peace, it is Bobby Kennedy. He understands what it is to suffer and struggle and yet come to a place of spiritual peace.
For anyone who might find them helpful, here are The Twelve Steps | Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org)
Louis Conte, Headlines Editor
Marie Agro, Headlines Editor
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I'm Jewish man in my 60s, and I have to say I find Kennedy position on the situation in Israel to be inconsistent with his position on the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Israel is an apartheid state that has illegally occupied land for decades and has built settlements on them in clear violation of international law. They have been brutalizing the Palestinian people during this entire period of time, and much of it has gone unreported in the past just as the Ukrainian brutalization of ethnic Russians went unreported. I'm not excusing the barbaric act of Hamas. They are a bloodthirsty deranged group and I have no sympathy for them.
However, the Palestinian people have been painted into a corner. Many Kennedy supporters flocked to him because he had a rational perspective on how the Russians had been provoked into attacking Ukraine., Kennedy appears to be acting as if every action Israel is taking right now is fully justified. If we don't want endless war in the Middle East, the United States needs to stop voting down UN security council resolutions that are meant to force Israel to withdraw from the occupied territories and return all of the land that they have illegally taken. I don't see any other solution to this problem other than a complete genocide of the Palestinian people. Some might argue that if Israel were to take this action, they would put themselves in a much weakened position. Perhaps this is true. However, if they did the right thing, they would be fully justified in all our war if the Palestinians ever even fired a bullet over the border again. And I would be taking the opposite side of this argument in that scenario.
People should read this article:
https://www.irishtimes.com/opinion/2023/10/14/daniel-levy-and-zaha-hassan-outside-world-must-walk-israel-back-from-the-abyss-it-cannot-be-part-of-the-choir-of-incitement/
I think this is what Kennedy's position should be in a perfect world. I will admit that it would probably be a tactical political error, as there is almost complete unanimity in American politics and voters about what to do. However, there was also complete unanimity in launching a 20 year war against Afghanistan even though it was Saudi Arabia that funded the World Trade Center attacks. Not to mention the war against Iraq even though they had literally nothing to do with the world trade center attacks at all and as a result are now a close ally of Iran.
Maybe we just need to get RFK into office and hope he will do the right thing when he is there. We can be 100% sure that either Trump or Biden will do the absolutely wrong thing. I still think RFK is the best choice by far because his instincts lean toward peace. However, make no mistake. His current posturing is a bad look.
I know that in this Brave New World Prayer is "not done." Or spoken of.
However, just like the yearnings of the human heart, the deep focus of intent that is Prayer, is real, despite what the "keepers of our reality" have to say about it.
Connecting with The Great Spirit which moves in ALL Things is a part of our human essence, and a powerful truth of this World as well; doing so, and Praying for Peace, Worldwide, by the majority of human beings is the only act Powerful Enough to change the trajectory of endless war, death, suffering & disease that the false "rulers" of this world have chosen for us.
Yes, radical reasonableness and moderation are needed, actually required today.
But even more so is Mahatma Gandi's greatest weapon- Silent Prayer. Prayers for Peace, for Liberty, for Justice.
For that which has been hidden to be Exposed. For the wicked to receive Justice. For the wounded to be Healed.
The sick Recovered. And for the hearts of Men to turn towards their world and all those in it with Love, Appreciation & Respect.
We must let go of Fear, Anger, Vengeance, Greed & Lust. We are where we are because men have chosen those instead of Peace, Charity, Kindness, Truthfulness & Love.
It's really that simple. So pray, Pray without ceasing for the male & female human heart to change. That's the only way forward now.
And Pray for PEACE in the Middle East and all over our BEAUTIFUL PLANET EARTH.
🙏🙏🙏🙏