Robert Kennedy Jr: The Controversial Scion of a Political Dynasty
Robert Kennedy Jr is a name that evokes both admiration and controversy.
He is the son of the late Robert F. Kennedy, the former U.S. attorney general and senator who was assassinated in 1968.
And the nephew of the late John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States who was assassinated in 1963.
He is also a prominent environmental lawyer, activist, and author who has been making headlines for his outspoken views on vaccines, COVID-19, and other public health issues.
In this article, I will give you an inside look at the life and career of this fascinating and controversial figure.
Early Life and Education
Robert Kennedy Jr was born on January 17, 1954, in Washington, D.C.
He is the third of eleven children of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, who are both members of the influential Kennedy family.
He grew up in a privileged and political environment, surrounded by famous relatives and friends.
He attended Georgetown Preparatory School, a prestigious Catholic boarding school in Maryland, where he excelled in academics and sports.
Also, he developed a passion for nature and the outdoors, inspired by his father’s environmental advocacy. ¹
He was 14 years old when his father was shot and killed by Sirhan Sirhan, a Palestinian gunman, on June 5, 1968, in Los Angeles, California, after winning the California Democratic presidential primary.
He flew to Los Angeles with his mother and siblings to be with his father, who died the next day.
Additionally, he served as a pallbearer at his father’s funeral, along with his brothers and cousins.
Later, he described the experience as “the end of my childhood.”
He graduated from Harvard University in 1976 with a bachelor’s degree in American history and literature.
Then he studied at the London School of Economics for a year before enrolling at the University of Virginia School of Law, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree in 1979.
He also obtained a Master of Laws degree in environmental law from Pace University in 1987.
Career Breakthrough
Robert Kennedy Jr started his career as an assistant district attorney in NYC (1983), prosecuting drug dealers, crime figures, and environmental polluters.
Then he joined Hudson Riverkeeper in 1984, becoming its chief prosecuting attorney in 1985.
Kennedy co-authored “The Riverkeepers” (1997) and played a pivotal role in establishing legal precedents for environmental groups.
In 1986, he joined the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), focusing on climate change, energy, wildlife, and public health.
He exposed illegal dumping and authored “Crimes Against Nature” (2004), critiquing the Bush administration’s environmental policies.
As an adjunct professor at Pace University School of Law since 1986, Kennedy taught environmental law for 30 years.
He founded and co-directed the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic and served as president of the Waterkeeper Alliance from 1999.
Kennedy is a prolific author, addressing topics like Thimerosal in vaccines and sharing lessons learned from his family in “American Values” (2018).
Controversy and Criticism
Robert Kennedy Jr, while known for his environmental advocacy, has been a controversial figure due to his views on vaccines and COVID-19.
Criticizing pharmaceutical entities, FDA, and CDC, he promotes scientifically debunked claims, alleging vaccine-autism links and opposing mandatory vaccination.
Banned from social media for COVID-19 misinformation, he faces family opposition.
Siblings publicly denounced him in a 2019 Politico op-ed, highlighting his “dangerous misinformation” and being “tragically wrong” within the Kennedy family.
Kennedy has also faced personal and legal issues, including arrests and a defamation lawsuit.
Married three times, his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy, tragically died by suicide in 2012.
Presidential Campaign
In April 2023, Robert Kennedy Jr left the Democratic Party to run as an independent candidate for the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
Focused on restoring democracy, environmental protection, and ending the pandemic, he’s unafraid to challenge the establishment, media.
In addition to corporations, aiming to “make America great again” inspired by his father’s legacy.
Running a grassroots campaign, he relies on small donations, volunteers, and alternative media platforms.
Engaging in debates and forums, he faced off against candidates like Kanye West in the Independent Presidential Debate (October 2023).
Despite diverse support, including endorsements from celebrities and activists, Kennedy faces challenges from mainstream media neglect, opponent attacks, accusations of being a spoiler, and logistical hurdles in ballot access.
He has also encountered backlash from pro-vaccine and pro-science groups, accusing him of endangering public health.
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Conclusion
Robert Kennedy Jr is an American politician, environmental lawyer, and activist who is the son of the late Robert F. Kennedy and the nephew of the late John F. Kennedy.
He is also a controversial and divisive figure, who has been promoting anti-vaccine misinformation and public health conspiracy theories.
He is also an independent candidate for the 2024 U.S. presidential election, who is running to “restore democracy, protect the environment, and end the pandemic”.
Indeed, he is a fascinating and controversial figure, who has been making waves in the entertainment and political spheres.
