In the article titled “Robert Kennedy’s Attempt to Register AIPAC as a Foreign Agent,” the author discusses the recent controversy surrounding AIPAC and the call for it to be registered as a foreign agent. The article highlights the remarks made by Bernie Sanders, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, and the response from The Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin. It delves into the history of AIPAC’s registration as a lobbying division and Robert Kennedy’s unsuccessful attempts to engage with the organization. The author emphasizes the need for transparency in lobbying efforts and questions why AIPAC has not been required to register as a foreign agent despite calls from various individuals over the years. The article suggests that if this issue had received more attention at the time, it could have had significant implications. It concludes by highlighting the rise of social media and its potential to prevent such issues from being buried in the future.

Background

Robert Kennedy’s Attempt to Register AIPAC as a Foreign Agent

In November of 1962, Robert Kennedy, the former Attorney General of the United States, made an effort to register the American Israeli Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) as a foreign agent. AIPAC, at the time, operated as a lobbying division of the American Scientist Council. However, AIPAC did not comply with Kennedy’s request, which raised implications for the United States.

Video by Washington Report on Middle East Affairs

The Washington Report on Middle East Affairs released a video discussing the controversy surrounding AIPAC’s registration as a foreign agent. The video raised questions about AIPAC’s compliance with the law and the role of the Justice Department in addressing the issue.

Introduction

Bernie Sanders’ Stance on AIPAC

Bernie Sanders, a prominent political figure, expressed his concern about AIPAC and its human rights record. Sanders claimed that he would not engage with AIPAC due to its alleged human rights problems.

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend’s Response

Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, the daughter of Robert Kennedy, responded to Sanders’ stance and emphasized the importance of engaging with those we disagree with. Townsend mentioned that her father and uncles, John and Ted Kennedy, believed in the importance of dialogue and engagement.

The Controversy Over Engaging with AIPAC

The controversy over engaging with AIPAC centers around the organization’s alleged non-compliance with the request to register as a foreign agent. This has raised concerns regarding transparency and accountability.

Robert Kennedy’s Efforts

Overview of Robert Kennedy’s Actions

Robert Kennedy’s attempt to register AIPAC as a foreign agent in 1962 demonstrated his commitment to transparency and accountability in political advocacy. By requesting registration, Kennedy sought to ensure that AIPAC’s influence on American politics was properly disclosed.

The Role of the Justice Department

The Justice Department played a crucial role in evaluating AIPAC’s compliance with Kennedy’s request. It was responsible for overseeing the registration process and enforcing the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).

AIPAC’s Non-Compliance

Despite Kennedy’s efforts, AIPAC did not comply with the request to register as a foreign agent. This raised questions about the organization’s transparency and adherence to the law.

Implications for the United States

AIPAC’s non-compliance raised implications for the United States, as it suggested a lack of transparency in the political advocacy landscape. It also questioned the influence of foreign entities on American politics.

The FARA Order

Explanation of FARA (Foreign Agents Registration Act)

The Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) is a federal law that requires individuals and organizations acting as agents of foreign principals to disclose their relationship and activities. It aims to promote transparency and prevent foreign influence on American politics.

AIPAC’s Lobbying Division

At the time when Robert Kennedy requested AIPAC to register as a foreign agent, it operated as a lobbying division of the American Scientist Council. This made it subject to FARA regulations.

Date of the FARA Order

The FARA order pertaining to AIPAC’s registration was issued on November 21, 1962. This marked an important moment in AIPAC’s history and raised questions about its compliance with the law.

Document Archives

The document archives related to AIPAC’s FARA order provide valuable insights into the organization’s activities and its relationship with foreign entities. These archives help shed light on the controversy surrounding AIPAC’s registration.

Lobbying and Public Relations

Funding from Israel to Set Up a PAC

There have been allegations of funding from Israel to set up a Political Action Committee (PAC) associated with AIPAC. The origins and impact of this funding have raised questions about potential foreign influence on American politics.

Public Relations Activities

AIPAC, as a lobbying organization, engages in various public relations activities to promote its objectives and influence policymakers. These activities have been a subject of scrutiny and debate in light of the organization’s alleged non-compliance with FARA regulations.

Transparency and Disclosure

The controversy surrounding AIPAC’s engagement with public relations and lobbying activities highlights the importance of transparency and disclosure in political advocacy. The public has a right to know about the financial and informational resources supporting these activities.

Criticism and Awareness

Failure of the Justice Department

The failure of the Justice Department to ensure AIPAC’s compliance with the FARA order raises questions about its effectiveness in enforcing transparency and accountability in political advocacy. This failure has led to criticism and calls for action.

Comparison to Other Foreign Meddlings

The ongoing controversy surrounding AIPAC’s registration as a foreign agent is often compared to other instances of foreign meddling in American politics. This comparison highlights the perceived magnitude of the issue and the need for strict enforcement of FARA regulations.

Social Media and Raising the Registration Issue

The emergence of social media has allowed individuals to raise awareness about the AIPAC registration issue. Through various platforms, people have shared information and debated the implications of AIPAC’s non-compliance with FARA regulations.

The Role of Journalists

Journalists play a crucial role in investigating and reporting on issues related to political advocacy and foreign influence. The lack of media coverage on the AIPAC registration issue in the past raises questions about the influence of media bias and the importance of investigative journalism.

Suppression and Release

Suppression of Senate Archives

The Senate archives related to AIPAC and its registration issue were suppressed for several years before being released in 2010. This suppression raises questions about transparency and the potential manipulation of information.

Awareness and Discussion in the Present Day

In the present day, there is increased awareness and discussion about the AIPAC registration issue. People are actively engaging in conversations and demanding accountability from political organizations regarding their compliance with FARA regulations.

Threat Posed by Non-Compliance

The non-compliance of AIPAC with the FARA order represents a significant threat to the integrity of American democracy. It raises concerns about foreign influence on policymaking and highlights the need for proper enforcement and transparency.

Conclusion

Significance of Taking Action

Taking action to address the controversy surrounding AIPAC’s registration as a foreign agent is crucial for preserving the integrity of American democracy. It ensures that political advocacy is conducted transparently and in adherence to the law.

The Need for Transparency and Accountability

The AIPAC registration issue underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in political advocacy. It calls for increased regulation and enforcement to prevent undue foreign influence on American politics and protect the democratic process.