Senator Edward Kennedy (1932-2009) RIP
EmailSo much will be written and said about Senator Kennedy's life and legacy over the next few days. His Shakespearean story. His towering Senate career. And what his death means for the cause of his life: health care.
For now, I just want to remember him for a personal kindness to a young journalist. Almost 25 years ago, in December 1984, I took a break from my studies and flew alone to the Sudan to volunteer in camps for the refugees from a devastating famine in Ethiopia and to cover the story for the Christian Science Monitor.
I had no real experience then. No contacts to speak of. Christmas week, Senator Kennedy and his delegation came through. (Refugee policy was one of the many issues Kennedy adopted as his own), and he allowed me to tag along, giving me the chance to learn more than I ever could have discovered on my own. For that I'll always be grateful.
See photos of Sen. Ted Kennedy's life.
See photos of the Kennedy family's history of privilege and loss.
- George Stephanopoulos
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This was very sad news to wake to. My heart reaches out to the Kennedy family in this time of double tragedy. Rest in peace Senator Kennedy.
Posted by: Anne K Lute | August 26, 2009, 9:59 am 9:59 am
No matter your personal politics, one has to admit that Kennedy was an iconic figure in American history and a true gold standard for members of the U.S. Senate.
A very sad, though not unexpected, day…
Posted by: matt | August 26, 2009, 9:59 am 9:59 am
Perhaps now, there will finally be a revealing of the truth behind Chappaquidick.
Posted by: Rick McDaniel | August 26, 2009, 10:12 am 10:12 am
A sad day for this country. Hopefully through his death we will see Health Care Reform. The Kennedy family will live on through the younger generation and they will make this a better world.
Posted by: Jean | August 26, 2009, 12:03 pm 12:03 pm
I grew up listening to my mom and dad speak with reverence and honor about the Kennedy family, admiring how this powerful and wealthy family boldly stood up and fought for racial equality and justice for the average, ordinary person in a time where that kind of courage could cost you your life.
I marveled as a child at Senator Kennedy, and was drawn to Boston as my home because of what I learned as a child. Watching documentaries about the Kennedy family, watching Senator Kennedy build a powerful legacy of caring and advocacy for the less fortunate, I knew Massachusetts was the place I would call home as soon as I was old enough to move away from Georgia.
As expected, New England did not disappoint. Arriving in Maine to complete my college education, I saw the majesty of the sea, enjoyed the robust traditions and pride and finally got a feel for what makes my home so special.
When I graduated from Suffolk University Law School, I remember looking up at the giant video screen as we marched into the pavillion to take our earned seats of honor. I saw a black and white picture of Senator Kennedy taking part in the Suffolk University Law School commencement and it filled me with pride. Suffolk Law is all about the little guy…the ordinary American with a dream. I feel that Senator Kennedy always appreciated and looked out for that and I am grateful and inspired to be the better for it.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Kennedy family, and hopes that the next generation of Kennedys rise to keep Sen. Kennedy’s voice alive.
As an African American, this loss is stinging in its irony, because our nation has a significant void to fill in the struggle for racial equality and civil rights that President Obama shows little genuine concern and active desire to fill. President Obama will never rise up when it is a political risk to place himself on the front lines of civil rights, racial equality and the plight of the ordinary American. That saddens me. I met Barack Obama when I worked as a volunteer at the 2004 Democratic National Convention. He likely doesn’t remember it, because when he started towards me appearing to want to greet us there on the waterfront, the cameras went off and moved away from us and Obama followed.
I never met a Kennedy or a Clinton who shied away from greeting the public, whether the cameras were on or off. I believe that is because genuine concern and care for your fellow human being cannot be faked or made-for-television…either you really care or you really don’t. I mourn Senator Kennedy’s passing because he really cared…really cared about the struggles and needs of people who weren’t well connected, Ivy League elite…cared about the needs of ordinary people who worked their way through college and are trying their best to make decent lives for themselves. That voice has been silenced, and for the second time in eight years it does not echo from the Oval Office.
Rest in peace Senator Kennedy…well done and God Bless.
Donald
Posted by: Donald Edmond, Esq. | August 26, 2009, 12:16 pm 12:16 pm
This is very well written G. Out of all of the brothers I think that Teddy was my favorite because he was mine. Sure I know about John and Robert and like most African Americans I’m a recipient of their policies. However, I got to follow Teddy and while there were somethings that he wanted that I didn’t I admired him for standing firm in his convictions. That’s something you don’t see every day esp. in DC. I will regret never having had the honor of interviewing him or speaking with him but I will cherish him for everything that he taught me indirectly.
I have my whole life and career ahead of me and I only pray that I can stand as strong and firm as he did in his convictions.
My prayers are with the Kennedy Family. It has only been two weeks since Eunice left. A lot of great people are leaving the Earth and that only means that God has to make room for future greats.
My the heritage continue. God Bless the Kennedy Family and The United States of America.
Posted by: Storm Knight | August 26, 2009, 2:47 pm 2:47 pm
Great Great Man, I had the pleasure of meeting him at a luncheon at the senate office, it was a most wonderful experience ! He will be surely missed. Our nation and our world will not be the same without him ! RIP dear senator !
Posted by: TY HINES | August 26, 2009, 4:05 pm 4:05 pm
Like many in this country, I feel as though I have lost a family member. Good, bad, or indifferent, he was a member of the family. He had incredible moments and he had some not so stellar moments. But above it all he related to my issues. Health care was one among many of his passions but it speaks to who he was. I remember when he walked onto the Senate floor last year during the crucial vote affecting Medicare reimbursement for physicians. It was important for him to be there; and it was important for us that he be there. Here’s to remembering Ted Kennedy!
Posted by: Patt Richesin | August 26, 2009, 6:40 pm 6:40 pm
Perhaps now, there will finally be a revealing of the truth behind Chappaquidick.
Posted by: Rick McDaniel ************************
It will wither away just like your annoying obsession.
Posted by: spacerook1 | August 26, 2009, 11:04 pm 11:04 pm
I can relate to Sen. Kennedy’s struggle–just got some more bad news from the oncologist today. I met Sen. Kennedy when I was doing a job up in North Hampton at the university there. We disagreed on everything, but he seemed to be a kind man, well-informed albeit misguided in his views. From the perspective of the Democracy, he held up opposing views without cramming those views down our throats. I won’t hold Chappaquidick against him–we’ve all made mistakes. I’d be the last to cast a stone.
Posted by: NewJerseyVet | August 27, 2009, 12:10 am 12:10 am