THE WHITE HOUSE Office of the Press Secretary _______________________________________________________________________________________ FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2009
Below is the text of the letter from Senator Edward M. Kennedy referenced by the President in tonight's address to a Joint Session of Congress.
May 12, 2009
Dear Mr. President,
I wanted to write a few final words to you to express my gratitude for your repeated personal kindnesses to me - and one last time, to salute your leadership in giving our country back its future and its truth. On a personal level, you and Michelle reached out to Vicki, to our family and me in so many different ways. You helped to make these difficult months a happy time in my life. You also made it a time of hope for me and for our country.
When I thought of all the years, all the battles, and all the memories of my long public life, I felt confident in these closing days that while I will not be there when it happens, you will be the President who at long last signs into law the health care reform that is the great unfinished business of our society.
For me, this cause stretched across decades; it has been disappointed, but never finally defeated. It was the cause of my life. And in the past year, the prospect of victory sustained me-and the work of achieving it summoned my energy and determination. There will be struggles - there always have been - and they are already underway again.
But as we moved forward in these months, I learned that you will not yield to calls to retreat - that you will stay with the cause until it is won. I saw your conviction that the time is now and witnessed your unwavering commitment and understanding that health care is a decisive issue for our future prosperity. But you have also reminded all of us that it concerns more than material things; that what we face is above all a moral issue; that at stake are not just the details of policy, but fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our country.
And so because of your vision and resolve, I came to believe that soon, very soon, affordable health coverage will be available to all, in an America where the state of a family's health will never again depend on the amount of a family's wealth. And while I will not see the victory, I was able to look forward and know that we will - yes, we will - fulfill the promise of health care in America as a right and not a privilege.
In closing, let me say again how proud I was to be part of your campaign- and proud as well to play a part in the early months of a new era of high purpose and achievement. I entered public life with a young President who inspired a generation and the world. It gives me great hope that as I leave, another young President inspires another generation and once more on America's behalf inspires the entire world.
So, I wrote this to thank you one last time as a friend- and to stand with you one last time for change and the America we can become. At the Denver Convention where you were nominated, I said the dream lives on. And I finished this letter with unshakable faith that the dream will be fulfilled for this generation, and preserved and enlarged for generations to come.
With deep respect and abiding affection,
Ted
By Padmini Arhant
The moment has arrived for the nation to acknowledge the final departure of their tireless and long serving representative, Senator Ted Kennedy, the youngest son of America’s beloved family.
Senator Kennedy, the brave survivor of many family tragedies was a true warrior in various aspects. The Senator zealously battled for the large segments of the society on significant issues and health care was the top priority among them. Senator Kennedy delivered the health care speech with sincere emotion and great concern for the neglected groups in our society.
Please refer to http://www.padminiarhant.com for the remaining content.
Thank you.
Padmini Arhant
Washington DC, August 28, 2009 -- The Polish American Congress, one of thecountry’s largest umbrella groups of Polish American organizations, joinswith millions of other Americans to mourn the passing of Sen. Edward M.Kennedy, a great statesman and a tireless advocate for human rights in theUnited States, Poland and around the world.
“The memories held by many Polish Americans of Senator Kennedy are cherishedones that span his life and our own,” said PAC President Frank Spula in astatement released Friday in Washington.
When the new Pope, John Paul II, made his first papal journey to Boston in1979, it was Senator Kennedy who led a joyous throng to meet him at theairport, Spula recalled.
“Later, when Senator Kennedy was denied a visa by Poland’s communist regimebefore Christmas 1986, he persisted in his quest and just five months laterwas able to present awards to Zbigniew Bujak and Adam Michnik, organizers ofthe Solidarity movement, for their achievements in the spirit of his latebrother Robert,” Spula noted. “When he gave them the Robert F. Kennedy HumanRights Award, Edward Kennedy praised the pair for their willingness to‘speak truth to power.’
“But on that trip Kennedy’s own example of speaking truth to power camewhen, under surveillance by the communist regime, he took three of hischildren, three of his sisters, Robert Kennedy’s widow Ethel, as well asseveral of their nieces and nephews to the grave of martyred Rev. JerzyPopieluszko, who was killed two and a half years earlier under marshal law,”Spula recalled. “There he embraced Popieluszko’s elderly parents, goodpeople of the land with gnarled hands and stooped postures.”
There, as the New York Times reported, Senator Kennedy remarked that, “LikeFather Jerzy’s mother and father, my mother and father lost sons tosenseless violence. Like Father Jerzy’s brothers and sisters, I and mysisters lost brothers to senseless violence. And I know that my brothers andsisters, like Father Jerzy, would want all of us to carry on their goodwork.”
“Senator Kennedy did just that,” Spula continued. “He fought hard for therights of working men and women in the United States and across the globe;his name became synonymous with the fight for freedom and human rights.”
“You saw that in how he fought for immigration reform and how his voicethundered a resounding ‘yes’ to Poland’s accession to NATO. He was indeedthe ‘Lion of the Senate’ in Washington, but he was also fierce in hispursuit of the betterment of the lives of millions of Poles and PolishAmericans.” (MEA)
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________________Polish American Congress1612 K Street NW, Suite 410Washington, DC 20006Tel.: (202) 296-6955Fax: (202) 835-1565Web: www.polamcon.org
The passing away of Senator Edward Kennedy, one of the longest serving public officials in the United States Senate has created a vacuum in the battlefield for humanitarian cause. Senator Kennedy’s representation on many issues remembered nationwide. Among them, the Senator’s relentless effort to bring equality and justice to the poor and underprivileged in the hallmark healthcare, education and immigration was commendable. There is more reason to pass the public option health care reform as a tribute to the deceased Senator.
Senator Kennedy fought for millions in not only his constituency but also the entire nation with passion and power. The Senator extended his service beyond shorelines in ways to resolve the international conflict such as the Northern Ireland peace process. Senator Kennedy was committed and dedicated in helping citizens of stars and stripes achieve their American dream.
The national recognition of Senator Kennedy as ‘The Lion of the Senate’ personified in the Senator’s role in every legislative matter of great value and importance to all people regardless of socio-economic status.
Senator Ted Kennedy lived up to the reputation of the Kennedy legacy in national service. As a true patriot, the Senator deeply cared and carried out the legislative duties and responsibilities diligently and frequently in a bipartisan manner, a monumental achievement in contemporary politics.
Senator Edward M. Kennedy will be truly missed by the nation, while his service commemorated now and in the future as the member of the iconic Kennedy family and the esteemed United States Senate.
No words can possibly heal the moment of sorrow except time.
Time is the best healer and trusting in the brighter tomorrow ease the pain experienced during the natural events in life.
I convey my heartfelt condolences to the Kennedy family, friends and the entire nation.
P.S. Due to technical difficulty at the personal end, the delay occurred in posting the message earlier on. Please accept my apologies for the time lapse.
The Lion Of The Senate
This death, although we tried to prepare
Has grabbed tightly, people everywhere
Every political figure and every constituent
Lost this iconic figure and his needed involvement
I watched closely and read how he
Organized bipartisanship and caused both sides to agree
No other senator served in this way
Only he made crossing sides seem okay
Forty seven year he worked hard to enact legislation
The Cancer, Disabilities, Civil Rights Acts. Nationality and Immigration
Health Insurance, Children’s Health program, Mental Health Parity
Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act, most recently
Senator Kennedy worked with President Bush, the two parties combined
Enacted in 2002 an educational Act, No Children Left Behind
Numerous other bills, over 300, in his political odyssey
Are now part of the Lion’s great legacy
Ted passed the torch to Barack before he passed away
Expecting Americans will enjoy Universal Health Care soon, one day
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
The world knows by now about the passing of Ted Kennedy — the patriarch of a storied family and a man who touched millions of lives. The news adds an undertone of seriousness to preparations for the Organizing for America bus tour that kicks off in Arizona tonight, and a note of sadness to everyone's work.
Photo by Mary Ellen Broderick
Love him or loathe him, Sen. Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy was an undeniably great public figure. But his greatness did not spring from who he was -- the surviving one of four, larger-than-life brothers of a powerful American family -- but from what he did -- champion the rights of all Americans, including those not born to such wealth and privilege.
Yesterday,on innagural luncheon,Edward M.Kennedy,76,a senior senator of Massachussetts(Since 1962)and Robert C.Byrd,91,the most senior senator on senate,former Majority/Minority Leader and Whip and Incumbent president pro-tempore,suffered a collapse on U.S Capitol.
Well...we know all about the curse of kennedy family and his tragedys,The assassination of JFK(By Lee Harvey Oswald :Not Comproved),The assassination of RFK(By Sirhan Sirhan),the incident involving Ted and Mary Jo Kopeckne on Hyannis Port,the case of his son(who lose members of body),what happens with John-John in July,16 of 99´.
Robert Byrd too,is the older,trade more preocupation.
Well,lets pray to God to nothing kill our president,Barack Obama,neither our V.P,Joe Biden.
So,you can talk about what your waiting to obama governorship,and talk about our dear Hillary Clinton,who acept a few minutes the office of Secretary of State
Don´t Shame,you can talk all here,say what you think about my blog
Thank You!
José(Joe)Ribamar
On January,21th
Greetings
I am so grateful to be a part of this...something larger than any one individual...a true sum of the parts. The election of Mr. Obama is truly historic, but it will be our collective energy and effort that will make his presidency transformative.
I am sure I feel the same as many of you. Our country is waking up in order to fully realize its potential. I see more smiles, more kindness, and a real attempt at making connections with others. Even my more conservative colleagues are admitting that the Obama administration can take our beloved America in the right direction.
I am entering my 20th year working directly with youth, the last 13 in a public school setting. Never have I seen students be more interested and involved...and knowledgeable! Working with middle school students on a daily basis regenerates my sense of optimism and faith. Never have I seen young people believe in the possibility of their futures. I have witnessed an amazing transformation in a very short period of time.
In my classroom I have individuals who represent the entirety of our society. The discussions of race, gender, religion, class, and politics have been open and respectful. And with my guidance the disagreements have been instructive. The youth are listening to each other and realizing that the need to get along is vital if they are to inherit a vibrant society and democracy. In a very real way, the youth of America are showing us the way.
I will be providing a first person perspective on life in a public school classroom. I teach special education in a middle school in Lacey, WA. My primary charge is to instruct, mentor, and guide students who have been struggling in school due to their classroom behaviors. My students are labeled with various terms: health impared, emotional and behavioral disordered, conduct disordered, oppositionally defiant, "those kids". Beneath it all are wonderful human beings who present challenges to their teachers and families. But when the day is done and I leave my building I know that they have grown some each day and that they know there are many people in this world who care about their lives.
Federal education policy in the form of No Child Left Behind has done little to improve the state of public education. Lack of funding and an evaluation process divorced from reality are just two factors that leave teachers short of resources and short of breath. School improvements are due mainly to the hard work and dedication of the teachers in the trenches. What I see on a daily basis is true heroism as educators do all they can with ever tightening budgets and ever expanding mandates. Ask yourself one important question: Why did Senator Ted Kennedy feel the need to apologize for No Child Left Behind on the occasion of its one year anniversary?
My previous blogs have VANISHED (apparently into thin "web" air)!! Oh well, I am not going to spend anytime crying about that. I am also not going backwards (i.e., trying to repost items lost) because the election is less than 60 days away! That being said, I have few exceptions: highlight speeches of the historical 2008 DNC, Obama's acceptance speech, Fact Checking Gov. Sarah Palin and Republican Pres. Nominee John McCain's RNC Acceptance Speeches. With respect to the highlights of the 2008 DNC, I have compiled a list of my favorite speeches with links to the video. The list is in reverse chronological order. If, for some reason, a link is broken, you can always Google the speech or search for it on YouTube.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL CONVENTION
Denver, CO (August 25-28, 2008)
Pres. Nominee Barack Obama’s Acceptance Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZCrIeRkMhA
Sen. Joe Biden’s VP Acceptance Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVH58DeUThg
Beau Biden Introducing his father, Sen. Joe Biden:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFNdA6fxKpo
Sen. John Kerry’s Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO2PAm4iCtE
Fmr. President Bill Clinton’s Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3r6xvwPGcY
Sen. Hillary Clinton’s Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=268ncnoitEc
Congressman Dennis Kucinich “Wake-up America” Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pE_eKhUC9rI
Gov. Deval Patrick (D-Mass) Speech:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAwKHriAj5Q
Michelle Obama’s Speech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTFsB09KhqI
Ted & Caroline Kennedy’s Speech
The first night of the Democratic National Convention was absolutely amazing. From Ted Kennedy to Michelle Obama, tonight was full of moments that caused jaws to drop and eyes to tear. You won't find many of those moments at the RNC next week, and I know our convention will only get better. Michelle Obama gave a heartfelt speech that rivals any speech given thus far in the campaign. She definitely has the chops to compete with her husband in that department.
And Ted Kennedy...wow!
He is truly an icon of the Democratic party and of this country. For years he has been a hero to the working class, the underdog, the little guy, the down-trodden...and tonight, he has become a hero to that new generation of Americans watching tonight, which includes me. His promise to be on the Senate floor, still fighting for the American people, next January touched me deeply because it represents one of the essential elements of our party and our country: hope. I am so proud to be a Democrat and an American tonight.
What these two people did tonight in their speeches was phenomenal!
They connected each one of us as Americans with Barack Obama.
For those of us who watched and heard every speaker including both Barack's sister and Michelle's brother tonight, the first night of the Democratic Convention, along with Caroline Kennedy, Claire McCaskill, and many others who worked with Barack in Chicago, we witnessed the greatness of our Democratic Presidential nominee and his family.
Ted Kennedy expressed the love of his family and his country through his deep committment that healthcare for every American is a right. He stood strong and hopeful for his deepest values while his own health stands in jeopardy.
Michelle Obama told of her Dad, her Mom, her brother, her children , and her husband, Presidential nominee Barack Obama, with love, respect, and remarkable emotion and grace that touched a nation as she spoke, "I love this country!"
According to a report at http://www.vadimuspost.com/ted-kennedy-to-appear-live-at-democratic-convention/, CSPAN is saying that Sen. Ted Kennedy will make a surprise, dramatic appearance at the convention this evening. Originally, he was to appear in a video link during a tribute to him during the opening festivities.
Given the nature of his cancer, this may be the last time the party's conscience and the Senate's lion appears at a party convention.
In my blog entry, posted in response to the story "Don't go there, Sen. Clinton", as written by Jay Bookman, I address this "empty suit" accussatoin that some folks make about Sen. Obama. It's balderdash, of course, but fortunately, our candidate is anything but.
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As for Obama’s experience, what we’re trying to do here is elect a leader of the Federal Government; not just someone who knows how to attack or fight (which leads to an impasse, like with HRC and WJC over health care reform. Eight years and nothing accomplished!), but someone who knows how to unite people around a common cause, then to accomplish great goals. It does take cooperation in DC to get things done!
Note that Abraham Lincoln had about the same experience level as Obama when he entered the Oval Office and he didn’t turn out too bad as a President. Both Lincoln and Thomas Jefferson had their detractors, even to this day.
If Obama didn’t have great skills to lead, would it make sense for Ted Kennedy to endorse BHO over HRC? With all the weight of the importance of such an endorsement from Ted, Caroline, and Patrick if there was any doubt at all that he would make a great President, why would Ted Kennedy risk such an action? The Lion of the Senate is beholding to no man.
And from Laurence Tribe, arguably one of the most astute Constitutional scholars of our day, a testimony, “I can’t pretend that I had any idea then that he would be a serious presidential candidate — that would have been a crazy thing for anyone to project at that stage of a career — but he was certainly the most all-around impressive student I had seen in decades,” said Tribe, for whom Obama served as a research assistant.
Unfortunately, those who claim Obama is “just an empty suit” shows serious signs of having an empty head!
In November, Obama will defeat McCain by a minimum of 341-197, with 525-13 being possible, if people can get beyond their stupid race concerns.
Incidentally, Obama is not black, he is both white and black. He is simply sporting a “natural tan” and I think if most people were honest with themselves, they would realize that color of skin scores a zero on importance of qualifying a candidate for the Presidency. It matters zero, nada, zilch. Race and gender are simply the issues the under-educated fret over — not even relevant in today’s world.
In November, the down ballots loses for the Repubs will be extensive, leading to a 60-40% majority in both chambers of Congress. Mark my word, it’s going to be a Democratic Party rout come November. Oh happy day.
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.
