Two days after my tearful, transfixed position in front of my television watching the farewell rites to Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy I am able to see clearly to convey personal gratitude to the lion-sized, politician who dignified the U.S. senate.
That he gave so much throughout almost five decades is one thing but I will never forget how he pulled himself together, travelled to Denver, Colorado last year in order to support the nomination of Barack Obama despite his ailing condition.
How special was that? Who does that in this selfish universe? Only Sen. Ted.
Fact is, he never seemed ill.
His roar was as powerful as ever.
His gait as commanding as never before.
And without baring any claws he showed his colleagues -- cubs and seniors -- how and why they should follow his lead.
On the very same day, Sen. Ted was funeralized, I planned to celebrate the 51st birthday of music icon Michael Jackson. More than ever, I wanted to celebrate life. Brooklyn's Prospect Park held a huge outdoor birthday party at the Nethermead from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and although I had convinced myself not to watch television, I could not resist a quick peek.
Needless to say, the dignity of the Kennedy clan held me hostage. From the youngest offspring, Teddy III to the eldest Sargent Shriver -- they all displayed enviable strength and pride in family.
I did manage to attend the MJ party. And in celebrating the life of the king of pop also hailed the lifelong contribution of the king of the jungle AKA the US senate.
Since the election of the first Black president, I have virtually shunned debates on health care. The non-sensical arguments give me no reason to join the discussion. Talking with friends overseas, I have become apathetic. None of them understand why America does not want universal health care. I have stopped trying to explain the ignorance and racism that has clouded Republicans and Democrats who are fighting the proposal.
But that Sen. Ted died knowing there was a fight is such a dishonor to his legacy. Some Republicans are even saying had he lived he would have changed his mind. How ingracious of these manipulators to concede.
My apathy is shameful and perhaps disloyal to the president but I am exhausted by the stubborn, selfish, rantings and most recently the comment from an insult to all women who said "we need a great white hope."
What we need is introspective. Especially now that Sen. Ted, an advocate for the American majority is no longer able to lead the way. Ted, the lion sleeps tonight.
Senator Edward Moore “Ted” Kennedy
Shook their hands and reached across the isle
Edward “Ted” Kennedy was versatile
November 7 in 1962
Assigned to the Senate and from there this icon grew
Tragedy came to his brothers very early
Oswald shot and killed JFK then Sirhan shot and killed Bobby
Remorse clouded Ted’s good judgment they say, over these 5 years
Emotions overcame Ted and little could dry his tears
Driving from a party in ‘69 his car broke a bridge
When it overturned in the water, he escaped and fled to a ridge
Abandoning the accident where his passenger had drown
Reported his guilt of fleeing and accepted the mandate of the crown
Darkness plagued Ted and he needed great light
Mounded himself into work and there shone bright
Over the next four decades his records would show
One man who became an icon that both sides will know
Reached out first as a friend to all in the House
Encouraged all other Senators to dispel political grouse
Then get to the root of the problems before they decide
Even chose to stand in the way before them, if tempers will collide
Decades of work, he wrote over 300 bills
Kept busy, they called him “The Lion Of The Senate,” for his skills
Enormous contributions he made to affect all Americans’ lives
No other Senator has done more, I hope his legacy survives
Not through his name alone but the differences he laid
Equality, Civil Rights, universal health care and immigration aid
Dogs were his passion, sailing, fishing and saying “You tried!”
Yesterday, before midnight, Senator Edward Moore “Ted” Kennedy, died
So far unnoticed by the mainstream media obsessed with lipstick on pigs and pit bulls is the latest bit of John McCain hypocrisy.
McCain and Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) decided on September 9 to co-sponsor Senate Bill 1810: "A bill to amend the Public Health Service Act to increase the provision of scientifically sound information and support services to patients receiving a positive test diagnosis for Down syndrome or other prenatally and postnatally diagnosed conditions."
That is the same bill that Republicans blocked in a procedural vote on strict party lines on the floor of the Senate on July 28, of this year. The bill, originally co-sponsored by Senators Sam Brownback (R-KS) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA), was part of a package of health care legislation that Republicans voting along strict party lines blocked from floor action. Despite the 52-40 vote for consideration, supporters fell short of the required 60 vote majority to move the package forward.
Photo: McCain's Vice Presidential running mate Sarah Palin gave birth to Trig Paxson Van Palin, a Down Syndrome baby, on April 18.
Remarks of Senator Barack Obama at Wesleyan University Commencement
Please click the link below. KiDS for Obama are calling for support to Sen. Edward Kennedy.
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/rexieplanalp/gGCMmM
Thanks for your consideration.
Dear KiDS for Obama across the United States,
As you may have heard, Senator Edward "Teddy" Kennedy, who has been an incredible supporter of Barack Obama and his campaign, is seriously ill.
It would be an incredible gesture on behalf of all the OBAMA kids across America, to send a teddy bear with hand-written "well wishes" note attached (hole punch with ribbon around heck or arm of the bear). He is the LION of the Senate, but he is always a teddy bear at heart.
The mailing address is:
TO: Senator Edward "Teddy" Kennedy, 2400 JFK Federal Building, Boston, MA 02203FROM: KiDS for OBAMA - (YOUR NAME HERE)
Let's show our support for this man who showed us HIS support.
Thanks,Rexie
I just heard the news about Ted Kennedy. My best wishes for a speedy recovery go out to his family and to our Nation.
It has been said that everyone remembers where they were when they heard that JFK had been shot. I'm one of those. I was walking down the hall to the Commandant's office, his secretary stepped out of her office and saw me. Almost as if she was in a daze, she turned and addressed me by first name. I knew her from the church we attended, but never expected her to address me by first name on base. Especially since she was probably thirty years my senior. "They've killed the President."
My response seems odd when looking back, but I asked, "Which president?" When she replied that President Kennedy had been shot, I suggested she contact Capt. Bowman immediately for directions. Little did I realize that just a few years later, I would face a similar shock in June of '68 when Bobby was killed after beating Eugene McCarthy in the California Primary.
I had great hope that the "Third Kennedy" would be a unifying agent at the upcoming Democratic Convention.
I have little doubt, but that some of the radical radio talk show hate mongers will rant that the Senator's seizure is God's punishment for the sins of his former lifestyle and Liberal views. Fortunately, I won't be listening to their programs.
For the sake of our nation, my best wishes for a speedy recovery and the ability to continue to serve our country.
Senator Kennedy met with supporters and undecided Democrats at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque and at the Santa Fe Community College. The crowds overflowed both events and people were standing in 40 degree weather in Albuquerque, listening through an open door, just to hear the inspirational words from Senator Kennedy.
The legacy of the Kennedy family has deep roots in the Southwest and it was very clear that people here are passionate about the change that their family brought here, and the work Senator Kennedy is doing to ensure that Barack becomes out next president.
We are all fired up that Senator Kennedy and his wife were able to visit New Mexico, and this video just touches upon the feelings that residents have for the Kennedy family and the enthusiasm here for their support of Barack Obama.
Barack will be in New Mexico today, Join us for one of these very special events:
Click here for details on his Albuquerque visit and to RSVP.
Click here for details on his Santa Fe visit and to RSVP.
When Caroline and Edward Kennedy endorsed Barack Obama today for the presidency of the United States, the torch was passed. But not to Barack. Make no mistake. The torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans. Will we pick up the torch? Will we support Obama and begin a new chapter in the history or our country.I have long been an admirer of the Kennedy family, which has always stood for the best in each of us. The energy, the faith, the devotion which John and Robert Kennedy brought to public life, and which Teddy keeps alive today, is now driving the Obama campaign toward victory. It's been a long time coming, but the work goes on, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die.
You can view the Kennedy endorsement on MSNBS at the link below:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22873162/
