March 2, 2011

Do you remember June 5th, 1968?

That was the night Camelot burned. Four and a half years earlier, just after noon on November 22nd, 1963, the pride of Clan Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas. On June 5th, 1968, John Kennedy’s brother Bobby ironically shared the same fate. 

I was 17 years old when that happened and a senior in high school. The memory of grainy, black and white film is vivid. I volunteered for Bobby's campaign... passing out pamphlets and bumper stickers... and the news shook me to my core. 

Nine years ago Sirhan Sirhan lost his appeal hearing, and now... after 42 years behind bars... young Bobby's assassin is up for parole again. 

Don't really know how I feel about that. 

###

6 Comments:

Comix said...

I was 16 that year - I remember that day so well, what a tragedy. Do you think they will parole him this time? Seems unlikely.

Anonymous said...

I was 15 and up early that morning with my brother and sister, while my parents slept in...neither had a job. The little kids were watching morning cartoons, and then the news broke in...and I began to weep.

As for parole, it is based on the idea, presumably, that the person is released if they are no longer a threat. It does seem that simple retributive factors keep political assassins in prison longer.

Mule Breath said...

He was denied again. The parole board indicated that he showed no remorse, and was still blaming others for his actions.

Old NFO said...

I was 17, and still remember it like it was yesterday... Sirhan will NEVER be paroled.

Comrade Misfit said...

I hope they bury his ass in the prison yard so he *never* leaves.

Comix said...

Bobby seemed like a real hope. His death broke my heart.