Ted Kennedy, was an extraordinary senator, not only in longevity but in effectiveness. In addition to those, he had come to be genuinely respected and loved by those who disagreed with his policies.
Much is being written about his not living to see health care reform enacted, and there is a push on to name the bill for him. That would be fitting -- if it turns out to be a good bill. It would be a shame to call it the Ted Kennedy Health Reform Bill if it turns out to be the watered down version that seems likely, one that will be more of a boon to the health care industry than to the health of the people.
It's a good time to remember -- or rather to resurrect, because most people didn't know -- Kennedy's speech in opposition to invading Iraq. Reading it now gives an eerie feeling that he predicted exactly what has happened, and attention should have been paid. Instead, the Washington Post gave it exactly one sentence -- even after having run an article two days earlier stating that dozens of Democrats were frustrated with their leadership for rushing to embrace Bush's war.
Jack, Bobby, and Ted. He was the kid brother, had an early scandal that left a young woman dead and his reputation tainted, but his long-range contributions to making this a better society earned him a place on the platform as an equal in a remarkable trio.
May he rest in peace.
Ralph
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That "trio" were the liberal lions of democratic ideals and Democratic politics. But respect and honor are also due to a remarkable sister, Eunice, whose lifelong work on behalf of the mentally disabled was a huge contribution to our society as well.
ReplyDeleteI just read that Senator Mary Landrieu might not support the public option, and I called her office in DC to tell her that I support the public option. If we had Democrats like her when FDR proposed Social Security we wouldn't have Social Security.
ReplyDeleteJoy