The Kennedys Have a History of Defeatism

I have just finished a terrific book, “Battle of Britain” by Len Deighton. On page 217, there’s a fantastic quote by Robert Vansittart, British Chief Diplomatic Adviser, about the American Ambassador to London, Joseph Kennedy (yes, that Joseph Kennedy – the patriarch of the Kennedy dynasty).

“Mr. Kennedy is a very foul specimen of double-crosser and defeatist. He thinks of nothing but his own pocket. I hope that this war will at least see the elimination of his type.”

Well, Mr. Vansittart, I’m afraid that World War II did not see “the elimination of his type”. Today, Mr. Kennedy’s son, Senator Edward Kennedy, carries on the family tradition with his defeatism about the war in Iraq.

I guess the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.