Sunday, December 14, 2008

Anti-Busing Protesters Attack Senator Kennedy




Senator Edward M. Kennedy, a supporter of the Boston busing regulations, was driven from an anti-busing rally on September 9, 1974. The protesters gathered at a City Hall plaza, and chased Senator Kennedy to a federal building while hurling eggs, tomatoes, and insults. The crowd broke a plate glass window in their attempt to drive the senator away.

Their vehemence was surprising, especially because the predominantly Irish-American crowd was made up of the Kennedy family's most stalwart supporters. His stance in favor of desegregation has left him out of their favors, and they made their feelings known.



In response to the attack, which included shouts of "You should be shot!" and comments about his family, Senator Kennedy had only a few calm, measured statements.

"People feel very strongly about these issues. They're entitled to their views."

After he disappeared into the Federal building--which was, ironically, named for his brother, the assassinated President John F. Kennedy--the crowd resumed the rally.

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