If freedom makes social progress possible, so social progress strengthens and enlarges freedom. The two are inseparable partners in the great adventure of humanity.
Robert KennedyRead
I don't believe newspaper reporters can substitute for a district attorney, but a newspaper has a very valid investigative role. Newspaper reports on corruption in government, racketeering and organized crime conditions can be very helpful to your communities and the whole country.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the crucial role of newspapers in investigative journalism, particularly in addressing governmental corruption and crime.
Robert Kennedy highlights the importance of newspaper reporters in uncovering and reporting issues like government corruption and organized crime. While reporters are not a replacement for legal authorities like district attorneys, their investigative efforts can significantly aid communities by bringing such issues to light, thus fostering accountability and transparency in society.
Themes
JournalismCorruptionInvestigationAccountabilityCommunity
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about media's role in society, one could reference this quote to underline why thorough reporting matters.
More from Robert Kennedy
All quotes →Elections remind us not only of the rights but the responsibilities of citizenship in a democracy.
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Within the United States, we have put great emphasis upon political freedoms. Because it has been our experience that these freedoms can lead to others.
Robert KennedyRead
It is one thing to open job opportunities. It is another to train people to fill them, or to persuade American enterprise to seek Negro as well as white applicants.
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Our attitude towards immigration reflects our faith in the American ideal. We have always believed it possible for men and women who start at the bottom to rise as far as the talent and energy allow. Neither race nor place of birth should affect their chances.
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The Gross National Product measures neither our wit nor our courage, neither our wisdom nor our learning, neither our compassion nor our devotion to our country. It measures everything, in short, except that which makes life worthwhile, and it can tell us everything about America - except whether we are proud to be Americans.
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