I’ve heard one time that one of the business deals that old wheeler-dealer Joseph P. came up with was some kind of “royalty” or something on the import of Scotch (or some other distilled spirit)?
He was quite the businessman, but can he take credit for this one?
Cecil did a column that went into great detail about the Kennedy’s achievements.
I’d look it up, but I’m too busy drinking right now…
Yer pal,
Satan
Cecil discussed the source of Joseph P. Kennedy’s fortune in The Return of the Straight Dope, pages 159-160.
The AFU and Urban Legend Archive discusses Cecil’s take on the Kennedy Fortune, and adds this quote from the book JFK:Reckless Youth, by Nigel Hamilton:
TT
“Believe those who seek the truth.
Doubt those who find it.” --Andre Gide
Another item that the Kennedy family does’nt want advertised…they have become experts at setting up “non-profit” public service companies. For example, Joe kennedy 3rd (ex rep from MA) set up “Citizen’s Energy”, which buys crude oil in Venezuela, refines it into heating oil, and sells the oil to the poor at below-market prices. Sound good? Yes, but Mr. kennedy pays himslf $650,000/year to perform this selfless act of charity. Who pays for this? You and I (the taxpayers) do!
Don’t forget they were also involved in a little bootlegging during prohibition. I don’t know if it was scotch though.
Not bootlegging but smuggling.
“Joe Kennedy is one of the biggest crooks who ever lived” - Sam Giancana
Cecil’s column: What is the true source of the Kennedy family’s wealth?
Looks like he earned big bucks with good timing in the stock market and real estate coups; but there may have been shady dealings as well (yes, including bootlegging, don’t ask):
“In 1973 mob boss Frank Costello said he and Kennedy had been bootlegging partners.”