Worcester was my Dad's hometown -- a fact he was always proud of no matter how high he rose in politics. He never forgot his blue collar roots and was always proud of them. He loved politics and believed in Jack Kennedy because like Bobby, Ted and Sarge Shriver -- these men recognized that through the political process we have an obligation to reach out and help those least able to help themselves in our society. My Dad would be very proud of the work of the Worcester Homeless Shelter and Network. These guys would all see such efforts as fighting the good fight for all the right reasons for as Jesus said, "whenever you do this for one of the least of my brethren, you do so for Me." The Greater Worcester Homeless Network is carrying forward the most important and essential work, which is why the KPOD Foundation is proud to call them a friend and a partner. www.greaterworcesterhomeless.org
Tavis Smiley and Dr. Cornell West have made addressing the issue of poverty and the struggle of the middle class a priority. They were out there discussing the issue when it was not popular and very few people were listening. They have a terrific book called THE RICH AND THE REST OF US, A POVERTY MANIFESTO and it is a must read. The KPOD Foundation is devoted to carrying on this fight and coming up with concrete solutions that are in the tradition of Ted Kennedy, Sarge Shriver and Bobby Kennedy who devoted so much of their lives to this important issue!
I had a great conversation yesterday with Tavis Smiley. A terrific guy who is fighting the good fight on poverty. He and Dr. Cornell West have worked incredibly hard to focus the President and Congress's attention on the issue of poverty and the shrinking middle class. Like KPOD both Tavis and Dr. West are about action, not talk. He feels the President is listening! He was very supportive and excited about the founding of The Kenneth P. O'Donnell Political Leadership Foundation. He urged us to continue "the good fight to eradicate poverty" and to help rebuild a better America for everyone -- not just the lucky few! I cannot help but feel that Ted Kennedy, Sarge Shriver and Robert Kennedy were up there smiling and saying, "Keep moving forward!" It was a terrific start for the Foundation. We will have concrete steps to announce very soon. We hope we can count on your help and support for this important effort!
