The following is an open letter to Caroline Kennedy and her Kennedy Presidential Library colleagues.
Hello Caroline:
We met the day before your cousin, Maria, became California's first lady in 2003. That's when I shared with you the story of my dad and two of his political cronies meeting your father in his San Francisco hotel suite in 1958. Two years later, my dad was a Kennedy delegate to the 1960 Democratic National Convention. Two months after the convention, I shook your father's hand at a private reception near the S.F. Airport. Trust me when I say it was a thrilling experience for this 11-year-old boy.
Today, political heroes are few and far between. If ever there were two more deserving candidates to receive the 2022 Kennedy Profile in Courage award than Reps. Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger, then I'd like to meet them. Both lawmakers have been viciously attacked by the leadership of the GOP for their votes to impeach Donald Trump and serve on the House Select Committee investigating the Jan. 6 insurrection. Despite their recent censure by the Republican National Committee, Cheney and Kinzinger have continued to do their jobs. I wonder how many other members of Congress would have the courage of their convictions (i.e., guts) to do what they have done?
I am proud to be an American first and a Democrat second. That is why I have no qualms about urging you and your colleagues to select Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger as this year's Kennedy Profile in Courage recipients. It's clear to me, both lawmakers have put country before party. Just as I was proud to shake your father's hand in 1960, I'd be equally proud to shake Cheney and Kinzinger's hands now. I hope I get the chance to do so someday soon.
Sincerely,
Denny Freidenrich, Laguna Beach, Calif.
Then-Senator Kennedy sent my dad this letter after their meeting in 1958.