Senator Edward Kennedy Dies

[AGBF]

Senator Edward (Teddy) Kennedy has died at 77. I am hoping that this thread can remain removed from politics; Senator Kennedy is, after all, not running for election nor will he ever be again. "The New York Times" described him as talented and flawed. I am sure that people at different points on the political spectrum have different views of him, but I hope that we can all agree that we wish his family well.

AGBF

 

[Ellen]

 

[princesss]

I was wondering about this. NPR did a very touching tribute this morning.

RIP.

 

[sap483]

I saw the news this morning, and it brought tears to my eyes when I read the family made the following statement, "We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever." I hope his family can find peace in this very difficult time.

 

[Upgradable]

Wow! What sad news. They lost Eunice just a week ago, and now Ted. May they find solace in their faith and their family.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

How sad. I wish his family peace. I cannot imagine the grief they must feel...after all, they are still reeling from the death of Eunice. That poor family....

 

[Skippy123]

Very sad news today; prayers outgoing for his family.

 

[gemgirl]

I feel very sad that Ted Kennedy died. No matter what anyone''s personal politics are, the Kennedy''s were always considered to be as close to American royalty as we were going to get. I''m grateful that he had more than a year to spend with his loved ones after his diagnosis. His cancer was not to be beaten. I will keep his family in my prayers.

 

[Kaleigh]

Very sad, will be praying for his family.

 

[janinegirly]

Even though I was never a Ted Kennedy fan, I feel sad too. He was a very flawed individual but rose to the occassion in recent years (even though I didn't agree with all his initiatives). But the part I always found most touching has to do with how he was once described by a family member--as the last remaining father figure who all the Kennedy kids would follow around like baby ducks since many of them were fatherless (Robert and Jack's kids). I think that is the role for which I will remember him most--b/c of the symbolism and how it embodies the Kennedy story on a whole.

 

[swimmer]

He will truly be missed her in Massachusetts. When constituents needed anything, his office was so on it, more like a local official who calls you back and acts on your behalf. His efforts to fund healthcare for children, affordable housing and educational opportunities for all, and struggles to achieve peace in our time truly earned him the title "Lion of the Senate." NPR pointed out that with the body of legislation that bears his name, Teddy was more influential than his brothers combined. Hard to think about what it means to be the last of the Kennedys. The pressure on him must have been incredible. I don''t truly believe that he wanted to win in 1980...he just thought he should do it because Bobby had been denied the opportunity and Jack had it stolen from him too early.

I hope that wasn''t too political. I have had the pleasure of meeting him (he created the scholarship that paid for my graduate school) and the honor to vote for him...not that he was usually challenged in an election, his vision totally helped to ensure that our country could vote in a president of color to the highest office in the land. Teddy was never president, but in his way he carried out his brothers'' dreams.

 

[Ellen]

I just keep thinking about how he championed for health care reform the entire time he was in the senate, and that he was *this close* to possibly seeing it a reality. What a bummer...

 

[snlee]

Sad news. My thoughts go out to his family. RIP.

 

[Linda W]

Very sad news, Prayers for his family.

 

[gemgirl]

Date: 8/26/2009 11:55:07 AM
Author: swimmer
He will truly be missed her in Massachusetts. When constituents needed anything, his office was so on it, more like a local official who calls you back and acts on your behalf. His efforts to fund healthcare for children, affordable housing and educational opportunities for all, and struggles to achieve peace in our time truly earned him the title ''Lion of the Senate.'' NPR pointed out that with the body of legislation that bears his name, Teddy was more influential than his brothers combined. Hard to think about what it means to be the last of the Kennedys. The pressure on him must have been incredible. I don''t truly believe that he wanted to win in 1980...he just thought he should do it because Bobby had been denied the opportunity and Jack had it stolen from him too early.

I hope that wasn''t too political. I have had the pleasure of meeting him (he created the scholarship that paid for my graduate school) and the honor to vote for him...not that he was usually challenged in an election, his vision totally helped to ensure that our country could vote in a president of color to the highest office in the land. Teddy was never president, but in his way he carried out his brothers'' dreams.

I don''t think that was too political. The Kennedys have been a part of our American culture for the past fifty years. It''s just the way it is. When I was five years old, my Mom & Dad bundled me up in my winter coat, hat, scarf and mittens to go a block from our house to hear John F. Kennedy make a speech in our school playground. He was running for President and my Dad propped me up on his shoulders so I could see and hear JFK speak. I remember my Dad saying that he wanted me to witness greatness. Sadly, three years later, JFK was assassinated, and a few short years after that, his brother Bobby was taken from all of us too. And the whole country cried repeatedly despite anyone''s particular political affiliation.

Teddy especially, belonged to everyone. Even to those "on the other side of the aisle". He was one of the first to cross party lines for the good of the whole country and all it''s people. He was in large part, responsible for Medicare Part D, the seniors prescription drug program. And I, like Ellen feel very badly that he won''t be here to witness the reform of our health care system.

Perhaps now that Ted is gone, Caroline will rethink her decision and jump in to continue her uncle''s work.

 

[katamari]

A terrible loss for the entire United States.

 

[dragonfly411]

May he RIP

 

[Burberrygirl]

Date: 8/26/2009 8:52:44 AM
Author: Upgradable
Wow! What sad news. They lost Eunice just a week ago, and now Ted. May they find solace in their faith and their family.

I agree, it's very sad. I feel for their family, I can't imagine losing two of my close relatives so close together.

 

[VRBeauty]

Ted Kennedy exemplified a type of politician that seems to have all but disappeared: a politician who''s willing to put his goals for the country above party politics, or personal standing, financial gains. He didn''t have to be a senator -- he could have lived a wonderful life without ever lifting a finger -- but he remained in the senate long beyond the age at which most people retire, and by all accounts, he worked very hard.

It amazes me that his parents were able to instill such a strong sense of public purpose in all of their children. It''s sad to see one of the best examples of this sense of purpose passing.

 

[Modified Brilliant]

I am a lifelong resident of Massachusetts. The Kennedy name is synonymous with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I remember, as a child, being sent home from elementary school the day that JFK was shot. I will never forget that day.
If you are a lifelong Massachusetts resident, you have endured the glory and the pain, the glamour and the gloom, the births,
the re-births and the tragedies of this family.

Teddy RIP.

www.metrojewelryappraisers.com

 

[AGBF]

Date: 9/6/2009 4:51:42 PM
Author: Modified Brilliant

I am a lifelong resident of Massachusetts. The Kennedy name is synonymous with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
I remember, as a child, being sent home from elementary school the day that JFK was shot. I will never forget that day.
If you are a lifelong Massachusetts resident, you have endured the glory and the pain, the glamour and the gloom, the births,
the re-births and the tragedies of this family.

Teddy RIP.

Thank you for the lovely tribute to Teddy, Modified Brilliant. I am not a resident of Massachusetts, but am not a great deal older than you are (having been in seventh greade when JFK was shot). I remember the same things that you do and feel the same things that you do. Growing up with JFK as president and seeing history unfold after that, we American children had something in common.

AGBF