Ted Kennedy
Paul in Cannon Beach
4,703 Posts
Its been interesting to watch the press coverage of Ted Kennedy's death. There have been some (in my opinion) startling comments made. In addition to being the "lion of the senate", I have read Ted Kennedy described as "the Kennedy who mattered" and "the greatest senator of our time".
I am not disputing those comments but what I find interesting is that growing up, I mostly recall Ted Kennedy as a punchline. Whether it was his issues with alcohol, Chappaquidick (sp?), or his tendency to be photographed semi-nude on the beaches of Martha's Vineyard, Kennedy was always portrayed as the lesser brother living in the shadow of JFK and Robert Kennedy.
So its really a remarkable transformation and I applaud Kennedy's ability to work with both sides of the aisle. We need more of that these days.
I am not disputing those comments but what I find interesting is that growing up, I mostly recall Ted Kennedy as a punchline. Whether it was his issues with alcohol, Chappaquidick (sp?), or his tendency to be photographed semi-nude on the beaches of Martha's Vineyard, Kennedy was always portrayed as the lesser brother living in the shadow of JFK and Robert Kennedy.
So its really a remarkable transformation and I applaud Kennedy's ability to work with both sides of the aisle. We need more of that these days.
Comments
You are right. Maybe it will make me less quick to judge someone in the future,
One touching aspect of the funeral was when his grandchildren got up and read affirmations that Senator Kennedy had written:
That human beings be measured not by what they cannot do but by what they can do.
That quality health care becomes a fundamental right and not a privilege.
That the old politics of race and gender die away.
That newcomers be accepted, no matter their color or place of birth.
That the nation stand united against violence, hate and war.
And, in echo of his famous words, that the work begins anew, the hope arises anew, and the dream lives on.
Just noticed the new pic. Why the change?