Robert Reich: Sequestration Nation, and Remembering Robert Kennedy
Sequestration Nation, and Remembering Robert Kennedy
Sunday, March 3, 2013
With the sequester now beginning, I find myself thinking about Robert F. Kennedy and 46 years ago when I was an intern in his Senate office.
1967 was a difficult time for the nation. America was deeply split over civil rights and the Vietnam War. Many of our cities were burning. The war was escalating.
But RFK was upbeat. He was also busy and intense drafting legislation, lining up votes, speaking to the poor, inspiring the young. I was awed by his energy and optimism, and his overriding passion for social justice and the public good. (Within a few months hed declare his intention to run for president. Within a year hed be dead.)
The nation is once again polarized, but I dont hear our politicians talking about social justice or the public good. Theyre talking instead about the budget deficit and sequestration.
At bottom, though, the issue is still social justice. .....................(more)
The complete piece is at:
http://robertreich.org/post/44462604463