Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Rep. Kennedy speaks to Young Democrats
Grand- nephew of JFK emphasizes ‘ fight for a country where everyone is working, everyone is equal’
U. S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III spoke to 150Chester County Young Democrats at West Chester University.
WEST CHESTER » U. S. Rep. Joe Kennedy III, D- Mass., spoke about treating everyone equally during Wednesday’s keynote speech delivered to 150 Chester County Young Democrats at West Chester University.
Kennedy’s grandfather was Attorney General Robert “Bobby” Kennedy and his grand- uncles include former President John F. Kennedy and longtime Senator Ted Kennedy.
“It is no secret that tonight we gather in difficult times,” Kennedy said during a 25- minute address. “Our country is being put to the test. “It’s exhausting.” During the “Vision of the Future” program, Kennedy talked about the current administration.
“This isn’t chaos, this is all calculated — a singular clear, cold vision,” he said.
Kennedy asked the party faithful who speak for tens of millions of Americans to rebuild the country and defend democracy.
“Inevitable challenges,” including fear of losing a job or experiencing an illness could be devastating, he said. “Do not underestimate what it means to provide for your family.
“Good government is more than just ideas.”
Kennedy said policies need to bemade tangible to ensure “a roof over your head” and to keep jobs secure.
“We fight for a country where everyone is working, everyone is equal,” he said.
Kennedy talked about the regular results at Pennsylvania polls that show every vote counts.
“The people in this room would not be in this room if people did not vote,” he said. “We will carry the day in November.
“In the weeks and months that come we will be tested — people fighting for their communities and futures,” he said.
Kennedy pushed to establish, or re- establish, a country that sees potential in everyone, a country that sees dignity and diversity, and a country that keeps its promises.
Chester County Democratic Committee Chairman Brian McGinnis said Americans need to act as one.
“It’ s not about pitting people against each other, it’s about working together,” McGinnis said following the speech.
Kennedy supports affordable health care, vocational education, a livable minimum wage and American manufacturing. He is a leading voice on LGBTQ equality, voting rights and immigration reform.
In January 2018, he delivered the Democratic response to the State of the Union address.
Before serving in Congress, he was an Assistant District Attorney in Massachusetts and was amember of the Peace Corps in Latin America. He earned an undergraduate degree in management science and engineering from Stanford University and a law degree from Harvard.
He lives in Newtown, Massachusetts with his wife and two children.