Organizing for America | John Cavanaugh's Blog: Final Tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy

Final Tribute to Senator Ted Kennedy

By John Cavanaugh - Sep 3rd, 2009 at 12:48 pm EDT

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   Having been born in Boston into an Irish Catholic family in December of 1963, my parents named me "John" in honor of President Kennedy. As we struggle with today's economic recovery and other tough issues such as immigration policy, we should remember that not long ago, "HELP WANTED: No Irish Need Apply" signs were placed in many businesses across the country which may explain why the successes of the Kennedy family have been such an inspiration to so many Irish-Americans and other immigrant families.
   I was privileged to be a 16 year old volunteer on the Kennedy in 80 campaign. Even though Ted Kennedy was unsuccessful in that effort, he kept in touch with me throughout the years and even took time to send me a personal note 15 years later saying how "proud" he was when I earned my doctorate in Political Science from the University of South Carolina. Likewise, I cherish my signed photograph of Senators Kennedy and Kempthorne with my parents and I at Arlington National Cemetery when my father was awarded the meritorious service medal for his achievements as a Colonel in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
   As the nation remembers my friend and political mentor, it is particularly important to share more of these very personal "behind the scenes" vignettes of this great American statesman. More importantly, we should honor his service by dialing back the polarizing rhetoric that surrounds his signature issue of health care policy. At present, we have been trying to fix our health care system to no avail for decades. As the number of our fellow citizens without health insurance, now more than 47 million people, continues to increase, who will be their voice now that Senator Kennedy is at rest?       Let me suggest an answer in his own words: "You don't have to be President. Everyone can make a difference."
John W. Cavanaugh, Ph.D.
President & CEO
CROSS CULTURAL COMMUNICATIONS, LLC
3683 Preserve Crossing Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43230-6467
(614) 245-8290
www.crossculturalcomm.com

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