While there are many who will remember his struggles rather than his triumphs - a great life has both - ultimately his life will be remembered for the justness of his cause and the legacy of his accomplishments. There are few areas of our lives that are not touched in positive ways by legislation crafted or sponsored by Ted Kennedy. If you were 18 years old and voted you can thank Ted Kennedy. If you're a woman and played sports without having to break the bank you can thank Ted Kennedy (Title IX). If you're ....
Unlike others, Ted Kennedy's influence only grew with time. The role his endorsement played in securing the Democratic nomination for Barack Obama can not be denied by those who participated in the Democratic primaries. I especially enjoyed his convention speech in Denver.
Still, I think the eulogy he gave for his brother, Robert F. Kennedy, is one of the most thoughtful and inspiring speeches of our time.
Interestingly, while not much was expected of Ted Kennedy when he first ran for office in 1962 (both JFK and RFK were hardly encouraging, at first) he accomplished more legislatively than both of his brothers did put together. Smaller minds will no doubt look to the mistakes he made in his life. But there's no doubt that our country is a better place because of Ted Kennedy.
If "To those that much is given, much is expected" is a truism of life, as a man born into great wealth, Ted Kennedy eventually grew into a role that allowed him to meet those expectations. My prayers are with him today.
- Mark
P.S.: A reminder ... In this short clip, this is what Ted Kennedy has been fighting for over the past 40 years. He explains why.
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