Robert Kennedy: His Life Post 3 - Ethical Crusader or Ethical Coward?

Robert Kennedy was appointed Attorney General in 1960. During this time, the civil rights movement was underway, with Martin Luther King Jr. in charge. During RFK's time as Attorney General, he focused on trying to create equality for all Americans. He specifically fought for the rights of African Americans to equal schooling and voting rights. However, at the beginning of his "term" as Attorney General, civil rights was not one of his priorities. Even though it may not have been in the front of his mind, "RFK's conscience was pricked by the racial inequity"(127). At the same time however, "he...admired courage and respected men who stood up to him; indeed, he almost demanded it"(128). I find this very perplexing. How could RFK not take action and choose to not dedicate himself to this issue, yet still value someone standing up to him? He knew something was wrong, but it took him a while to muster up enough guts to actually do something about it. At least he finally did. When the Freedom Rider's bus was firebombed, no one would agree to rive it any longer. He called some of his political contacts in the south, but no one was "available". Finally, he stood up by calling the Greyhound Bus Company himself. When trying to find a driver, RFK told them, "...somebody better give us an answer to this question. I am - the Government is - going to be very much upset if this group does not get to continue this trip"(129). This conversation was recorded and soon leaked to the public, who then thought that it was Kennedy leading the Freedom Riders. In doing what he believed was the right thing to do, he sacrificed his reputation for the time being and his innocence. No longer could he sit on the sidelines and watch these injustices happen. He was in it for the long hall and he stuck with it. I believe that Robert Kennedy should be considered and IS considered an ethical crusader during his lifetime.