RFK - Assisting National Farm Workers

Senator Robert Kennedy flew to California, in March of 1966,  to look into the claims of striking farm workers.  Initially unsure whether his busy schedule had time for yet another cause, he soon changed his mind.

In this clip, beginning at 6:40 into the video, Kennedy is questioning law-enforcement officials who have detained striking grape pickers in Delano, California.  He is appalled when a local sheriff admits he arrested people not because they had done anything wrong but because they appeared “ready to violate the law.”  

RKF rebuffs the officials with these words:  "May I suggest that during the luncheon period of time that the sheriff and the district attorney read the Constitution of the United States?"

Credits

From RFK, a film produced by David Grubin and aired on PBS’ American Experience.

Written and Directed by David Grubin

Produced by David Grubin and Sarah Colt

Narrated by Blair Brown

Music by Michael Bacon