I know first-hand that Joe Kennedy serves the public good in heading Citizens Energy Corp.

By Mary MacElveen
September 8, 2009

While I suspect many in the political arena were wishing to see the Kennedy legacy move forwards by seeing another Kennedy in the seat recently vacated by the late Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, it was not to be. Today, the former congressman, Joe Kennedy decided not to run for the senate office held by his late uncle, Senator Edward M. Kennedy. Am I sad concerning his decision not to run for his uncle’s seat? Absolutely NOT!

Service to the public good can come in many forms and I do think that the former congressman found his niche. He has worked tirelessly through Citizens Energy Corp. to deliver low-cost energy to the poor and needy within the United States of America.

As some within this country castigate the president of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez by stating he hates America, let me say nothing can be farther from the truth. It is through President Chavez’s love for the poor that Joe Kennedy is able to help heat the homes of America’s poor and I have seen it first hand.

Through Citizens Energy Corp. they are able to deliver low-cost heating oil to the poor and needy so they do not put themselves in danger by heating their homes from an oven. They are able to do so through men like Joe Kennedy.

Back in December of 2005, I covered a story for VHeadline.com where CITGO delivered oil to the poor of the Bronx titled: From Venezuela's Heart help came to the Big Apple. Within that piece which touched me to the core of my soul, I was able to interview the Venezuelan Ambassador to the United States, Bernardo Alvarez as well as Congressman Jose Serrano. For a non-paid editorialist, it was an honor to interview them both as well as to get their take on why CITGO and the government of Venezuela was reaching out to America’s needy.

In that piece, I wrote: “We did not create America’s poor.” Opined by Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez and his feelings were reaffirmed when Congressman Jose Serrano said “America is not taking care of its own, and this should not be looked upon as a political motive.” Both were and still are correct as we have moved forwards.

On that bitterly-cold day, I witnessed first-hand, high powered politicians and corporate leaders in Felix Rodriguez (the CEO of CITGO) move mountains in order to deliver low-cost oil to those within this country. This oil is sold to the poor and needy at 40 percent below market price the last time I checked. It is sold to America’s poor with the approval of President Hugo Chavez so fewer Americans suffer through the fall and winter.

In these lean economic times, I want you to place yourself in the shoes of those most needy in this country as they try and heat their homes.

This is the work that Joe Kennedy has been doing to help the people of Massachusetts and without legislation to approve his works. He is able to cut through the red-tape in order to help those he serves. And he does so without having to raise campaign donations and endlessly campaign.

If anything I have learned through this oil program that serves the needy, is that his Dad, and two uncles are smiling down from the heavens above knowing that he has served the public good. He is doing more for the needy than I suspect any politician has for a long time. While many politicians give stump-speeches, he is out there with sleeves rolled up, so that Americans can stay warm in the colder months. How great is that?

Author’s email address is, xmjmac@optonline.net

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