Edward "Ted" Moore Kennedy was a great man on many levels. He was a wonderful family man, a dedicated politician and, in a lot of ways, a survivor. Not without controversy, and maybe some questionable personal choices, he was always a trooper. He seemed to gain strength when met with adversity, whether in life at home or on the United States Senate floor. He was the last surviving Kennedy sibling, coming from a family once viewed as American royalty and one that constantly had to dust themselves off and rise above private tragedy, while leading such public lives time and again.
Through his long and storied career as a Senator, he was involved in a lot of decisions that were made to improve the lives of Americans – and how we Americans are viewed in the eyes of the world. Revered as the “Lion” of the Senate, with over 300 of the laws he had a hand in putting together having been enacted. Across the board, his career has affected the way of life for so many people covering topics such as health care, immigration, disabilities, AIDS, cancer, civil rights and mental health care; to name just a short list.
His personal life was very troubled at times, with the Chappaquiddick incident in 1969, where he drove off a bridge and plunged his car into a lake, killing his mysterious female passenger. That was after the loss of his two brothers, President John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy – both to assassinations. Then there was the drinking and infidelity; the accusations of him being a womanizer. Both politically and privately, like my good friend pointed out to me earlier today – ‘the secrets that man took to his coffin, he should have written a tell all book to come out after his death.’ I am sure that would be an excellent read.
Like Ted Kennedy or not, you can’t deny that he leaves a rich legacy of great works in public service. His speeches are what most riveted me, even as a young child at age 10, watching him speak so openly and from the heart when at the Democratic National Convention in 1980, which brought tears to my parents’ eyes and recently while I was watching a special about the Kennedy family, I saw his stirring eulogy for his brother, Robert. Ted Kennedy walked the walk, and talked to talk – and did so with eloquence, pride and humanity.
I look to the Kennedy family in a whole new light, that with Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s death just a few weeks ago and now Ted has passed on – it is an end of an era for America and the world. You can say a lot of things, but as a family they collectively gave so much to this country and our people it is almost hard to comprehend. They have all left an indelible imprint on the very heart of the world.
Ted Kennedy gave his life’s work with the face of familiarity; helped the common man, woman and child feel worthy and able; he stood tall as a symbol of unity, strength and humility – even up to his final days in public life. He always held his head up high. This very respected man will be hard to replace. Whoever takes his seat has some pretty big shoes to fill. I hope that whoever it is, takes notice and learns by example that no matter what defeats, which sidesteps and hurdles one may face in their private life they can overcome and put the will of the people, and their best interest in heart and mind ahead of their own concerns – that is a true public servant.
Ted Kennedy’s life is stamped as an example for such; he will always be brilliant, will always be a symbol of what is just and good and my, oh my, what a wonderful legacy he leaves behind just through those laws he helped get enacted. Years from now, and after our generation and the next as life’s cycles turn through forevermore; his life’s work will still carry on. You can’t say that about too many people living in these turbulent times.
Through his long and storied career as a Senator, he was involved in a lot of decisions that were made to improve the lives of Americans – and how we Americans are viewed in the eyes of the world. Revered as the “Lion” of the Senate, with over 300 of the laws he had a hand in putting together having been enacted. Across the board, his career has affected the way of life for so many people covering topics such as health care, immigration, disabilities, AIDS, cancer, civil rights and mental health care; to name just a short list.
His personal life was very troubled at times, with the Chappaquiddick incident in 1969, where he drove off a bridge and plunged his car into a lake, killing his mysterious female passenger. That was after the loss of his two brothers, President John F. Kennedy and Robert Kennedy – both to assassinations. Then there was the drinking and infidelity; the accusations of him being a womanizer. Both politically and privately, like my good friend pointed out to me earlier today – ‘the secrets that man took to his coffin, he should have written a tell all book to come out after his death.’ I am sure that would be an excellent read.
Like Ted Kennedy or not, you can’t deny that he leaves a rich legacy of great works in public service. His speeches are what most riveted me, even as a young child at age 10, watching him speak so openly and from the heart when at the Democratic National Convention in 1980, which brought tears to my parents’ eyes and recently while I was watching a special about the Kennedy family, I saw his stirring eulogy for his brother, Robert. Ted Kennedy walked the walk, and talked to talk – and did so with eloquence, pride and humanity.
I look to the Kennedy family in a whole new light, that with Eunice Kennedy Shriver’s death just a few weeks ago and now Ted has passed on – it is an end of an era for America and the world. You can say a lot of things, but as a family they collectively gave so much to this country and our people it is almost hard to comprehend. They have all left an indelible imprint on the very heart of the world.
Ted Kennedy gave his life’s work with the face of familiarity; helped the common man, woman and child feel worthy and able; he stood tall as a symbol of unity, strength and humility – even up to his final days in public life. He always held his head up high. This very respected man will be hard to replace. Whoever takes his seat has some pretty big shoes to fill. I hope that whoever it is, takes notice and learns by example that no matter what defeats, which sidesteps and hurdles one may face in their private life they can overcome and put the will of the people, and their best interest in heart and mind ahead of their own concerns – that is a true public servant.
Ted Kennedy’s life is stamped as an example for such; he will always be brilliant, will always be a symbol of what is just and good and my, oh my, what a wonderful legacy he leaves behind just through those laws he helped get enacted. Years from now, and after our generation and the next as life’s cycles turn through forevermore; his life’s work will still carry on. You can’t say that about too many people living in these turbulent times.
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