Did YOU hear RFK, Jr. mentioned in the Public Eye over the last 18 months?

[H2O Man]

45. 14 years ago,

a racist hate group targeted my nephew for attack. His "offense" was being a brown-skinned scholar-athlete, who got state-wide attention in the media. Seventeen thugs attacked him -- from behind -- in a dark field that served as a parking lot at a canoe regatta. Three of the thugs beat him after he lay unconscious, with his hands in his pockets, until they believed he was dead.Then, they left him.

Robert was among the first to come to my family's aid. At first, he did so in a low-key, non-public manner. But, when the local (in)justice system showed itself incapable of prosecuting white men for viciously assaulting a non-white high school student, Robert stepped in, at a public level.

With his assistance, we were able to use the case to highlight the failure of the justice system to address racism and violence. For about five months, while three trials took place, the area communities (including two NAACP chapters) were able to coordinate with regional press, radio, and television news.

The gang leader -- who admitted punching and kicking his unconscious victim more than a dozen times -- got a $50 fine -- he had an open beer at the time of the attack. That's the system we were dealing with. So, you bet we appreciated Robert's concern and assistance.

The hate group had their supporters, too, of course. And they hated Robert, almost as much as they hated my nephew.