Wednesday, August 26, 2009
In Memoriam Senator Ted Kennedy, 1932-2009
Here’s to remembering Senator Ted Kennedy, who stood up for worthy and humane causes several decades running and who, confronted with deep personal loss, made a real difference in American life. He lived a long time, but I’m sorry he passed away before he got a chance to see the conclusion of the health-care reform now in progress. Senator Kennedy, one of the country’s strongest progressive voices, went out of his way to back Barack Obama during the primary season last year. He put a lot of faith in the younger politician’s talent and integrity -- something I believe every American interested in social justice and the alleviation of suffering should keep in mind in the coming months. Stay optimistic, and speak out in a dignified but spirited manner about the prospects and the need for genuine improvement in health care and other areas. Perhaps that's how best to remember "the Lion of the Senate."
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I believe that had Senator Kennedy been healthy this summer, we would be closer to passage of health care reform than we are now. It is up to us to talk the talk in the neighborhoods and wherever we go to implement the reforms he fought for.
ReplyDeleteTed has been a standard Shibboleth for half my life. If his name was mentioned and you didn't make some snide remark or mention Chappaquiddick, they know you weren't one of them. Sure enough I heard several "now I won't have the chance to shoot him" and "the roads will be safer" comments today at lunch.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny though, how those low down American hating, trash talking, hate filled "Libs" never made an issue out of Bush and Cheney's DUIs or that Laura Bush ran a light and killed someone.
It was past midnight, while I was watching a re-broadcast of Keith Olberman, when the news broke. The usual eulogies cited Senator Kennedy’s support of civil rights, equal pay, universal healthcare, No Child’s Left Behind, and other legislation. One constant theme of his career: Senator Kennedy supported the aspirations of the under-privileged and under-represented.
ReplyDeleteLittle was said of his role in brokering the Northern Ireland peace accord. According to historical accounts, Senator Kennedy convinced then President Clinton to bring Sinn Fein leader, Gerry Adams, out of the shadows. This bold move started a dialogue, which lead to negotiations and a peace treaty. For his role, Senator Kennedy will receive an honorary Knighthood of the British Realm, an honor shared by former presidents Reagan and Bush (#41).
In contrast, consider the actions of Representative Peter King (R, New York). No less a supporter of Republican aspirations than Senator Kennedy, Peter King railed “against British imperialism,” supported an escaped IRA fugitive, and was involved with NORAID, a organization accused of financing IRA terrorism and providing weapons.
Representative King was bellicose and counter-productive; Senator Kennedy was moderate, practical, and even-handed. Kennedy made an important contribution; King did not. This is an example of why Senator Kennedy stands head and shoulders above his peers.
And what an indignity that Rush Limpboy has lived to get his digs in. This man who has never done anything for his country, who has expressed hope that the country will collapse is now jubilant because he "predicted" that Kennedy would die before any health care bill was passed.
ReplyDeletehttp://bit.ly/1C2wF3
Though not unexpected - today has been a sad day for me. I am from Massachusetts. Technically a "blue" state - MA has always had its own version of democratic/liberal politics - even occasionally losing its mind when voting for governors. But when it comes to senators and representatives - MA's electorate does pretty well. There are still liberals left in congress - a spare few - a few in particular hailing from MA as well.
ReplyDeleteI will miss you Ted. I grew up with you. An era, for we in MA, has truly ended.