that invite the involvement of other outside powers?
âSpeech, March 23, 1976
ECONOMIC JUSTICE AND THE
AMERICAN WORKER
T ED K ENNEDY WAS BORN INTO A RICH FAMILY; HE NEVER wanted for any material thing at any time in his life. Yet the whole of his adult career was a quest for economic justice. In every political fight over wages, tax equity, allocation of national resources, regulation of business and industry, he came down on the side of working families and the disadvantaged.
What explains this dedication to a purpose that so conflicts with his own economic interests? His editor and publisher, Jonathan Karp, interviewed by Terry Gross on NPRâs âFresh Airâ program, suggested that his motivation sprang from two powerful influences, both from the very start of his life: First, his parents, Joseph and Rose Kennedy, though they ultimately âmade itâ in society, never stopped identifying with the struggles of the poor Irish immigrants from whom both were descended. They imparted to all their children a strong message not to forget their roots, and not to forget those still struggling, those subject to present-day discrimination and unequal access to the American dream. The second, equally powerful influenceâperhaps surprising to those who think of Senator Kennedy as strong advocate for the âwall of separation between church and stateââwas his Roman Catholic faith. He especially took to heart the verses in Matthew in which Jesus says that whoever serves the poor serves Him.
He translated that passion for service into effective legislative action, as President Barack Obama noted after his death: âFor five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.â
It wonât be âmission accomplishedâ on the economy until average Americans are secure in their jobs and can provide for their families.
âAs quoted in Reuters article, âBush, advisers
paint rosy picture of U.S. economy,â
August 9, 2005
The history of our nation rests on the skills of its workers no less than on the achievements of its scholars.
âSpeech, October 19, 1975
Itâs time to raise the minimum wage for Americaâs lowest paid workers. This Sense of the Senate resolution can send a clear message that help is on the way for the lowest paid, hard-working Americans struggling to keep their families afloat and their dignity intact. Itâs wrong when a paycheck for a 40-hour work week isnât enough to feed a family of four. We intend to right that wrong by raising the minimum wage. We are talking about ⦠real people. They are teacherâs aides and child care workers. They work in clothing stores and airports. They clean and maintain buildings all across the country. ⦠Their ability to support their families depends on whether we vote to increase the minimum wage.
âStatement in support of the Sense of the Senate
Resolution to Raise the Minimum Wage,
March 25, 1999
Americans are working harder and earning less. ⦠They are worried about losing their jobs, losing their health insurance, affording their childrenâs education, caring for their elderly parents, and somehow saving for their own retirement. The rich are still getting richer, but more and more families are left out and left behind. The rising tide that once lifted all boats now lifts only the yachts.
âStatement on the introduction of
The American Workers Economic Security Act,
quoted in Roll Call, March 25, 1996
Fewer hungry people are not good enoughâwe want no hungry people anywhere in America. Itâs a matter of simple justice.
âEnd Hunger Now Rally,
February 29, 2000
The Republican Congress raised their own pay by a juicy $4,600 last yearâbut they continue to block a fair raise for the nationâs lowest paid workers.
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