One of Many Tributes to Senator Ted Kennedy, Exemplary Public Servant

Here are some items collected over the past week..

Letter written by Dennis Kucinich some 40 years ago ..

Dear Friends, 

I wanted to share with you a comment that I wrote and subsequently was published in Time Magazine, some 40 years ago. I wrote this comment about Ted Kennedy as a private citizen before I began my public career. 

Time News Magazine, January 24, 1969, Vol. 93, No. 4: Ted v. Teddy - Sir: Senator Edward Kennedy’s victory in the contest for Democratic majority whip (Jan. 10) is a significant event in the Democratic Party’s move toward effecting a liberal stance in the formulation of party positions on key issues. As majority whip, Kennedy will do much to accomplish arapprochement of liberal factions alienated in the travesty at Chicago. This is a good Ted Kennedy, for the Democratic Party, for the people. Dennis J. Kucinich - Cleveland 

Sincerely. 

Kerry on Kennedy

Excerpt (received from his office):

“Without him, there might still be a military draft.  The war in Vietnam might have lasted longer.  There might have been delays in passing the Voting Rights Act or Medicare and Medicaid.  Soviet Jewish refuseniks might have been ignored—and who would have been there to help them as Ted did?  Without him we might not have stood up against the apartheid government in South Africa.  The barriers to fair immigration might be higher. 

“If everyone only knew…

“Without Ted, 18-year-olds might not be able to vote.  There might not be a Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Meals on Wheels,  student loans, increases in the minimum wage, equal funding for women’s college sports, , health insurance portability, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the first billions for AIDS research, workplace safety, Americorps, or the Children’s Health Insurance Program.

“If everyone only knew…

“He stood against judges who would turn back the clock on constitutional rights.  He stood against the war in Iraq. For nearly four decades, and all through his final days, he labored with all his might to make health care a right for all Americans.

 

Letter From the President / Cool Artwork

Slugbug -- Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me. In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives. For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family. Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still. Sincerely, President Barack Obama 

(artwork suggested by Robin, seen at Daily Kos: A Special Tribute by Editorial Cartoonists: "The Dream Lives On"

All items published in the last week at Silenced Majority Portal blog by Slugbug, Nyc & Kayakbiker

.. a little more ..

This is from when there was actually news on television - with content.  This debate occurred in 1971 and the plans were relatively progressive compared to now, and we STILL haven't done anything.  Imagine all the human misery because of our massive FAIL for healthcare, just as we have delayed decent mass transport until it's far more expensive.  Some complain about our trillions in deficits but decent health and education are a drop in the bucket compared to what we spend on defending the corporations and their profits.

They don't make television debate like that any more.

We printed this in July of 2008.  Silenced Majority Portal: Ted Kennedy Supports Health Care in America AND Sings Mexican Music

I supported Kerry and Obama first because of the Ted Kennedy endorsement.  Here's Ted Kennedy on Healthcare (he has nine lives, I think!) and singing Mexican music.