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Title: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Surlyboi on August 26, 2009, 12:02:24 AM Edward Kennedy, Senate Stalwart, Dies. (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/27/us/politics/27kennedy.html?_r=1&hp)
Regardless of what you think of his politics, the man deserves our respect for years of public service. Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Triforcer on August 26, 2009, 12:05:19 AM RIP. He got into the Senate because of his last name, and could have just coasted on that forever. But he was involved (or at the center of) a lot of reforms and programs that have helped a lot of people. Whatever his flaws, he did seem to genuinely care and want to help- for that I salute him and wish him peace.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: K9 on August 26, 2009, 03:34:12 AM RIP
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Merusk on August 26, 2009, 04:26:51 AM I had a bad feeling when he requested the state alter its succesion laws ASAP. I'm of mixed feelings on the guy, but his loss will be felt for a long time.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Tannhauser on August 26, 2009, 04:29:19 AM Sorry to hear this. He worked for years to get universal health coverage for all Americans.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Oban on August 26, 2009, 05:01:17 AM Please, no more political dynasties.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: stray on August 26, 2009, 05:24:36 AM RIP
Please, no more political dynasties. I'm just going to toss Arnold in the Kennedy camp. :lol: Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Arthur_Parker on August 26, 2009, 05:46:32 AM He played a major part in bringing peace to Northern Ireland, so I'm glad he was given an honorary knighthood. Given his later actions, it's easy to overlook all the crazy shit he used to say on the subject in the bad days.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Numtini on August 26, 2009, 07:07:48 AM I can't even imagine what it was like to grow up with that beast of a father. It's no surprise to me that his life was a bit checkered. I think particularly in the last few years he straightened himself out and really found a voice that was increasingly finding respect. Whatever his personal failings were, or how pushed aside he was by the changes in society, I think in public life he always did whatever he thought was best for the country and not for himself and he always fought for regular people.
As someone from Massachusetts, it's a bit odd. I'm in middle age and this is the first time the guy hasn't been my Senator. Locally, my impression is that he wanted to spend his last time enjoying life as much as he could. I know he had been out sailing even a few weeks ago though he had to be helped to get to the boat and they were taking him out of the compound to a different dock so the ghouls wouldn't get pictures of it. I'm glad he seems to have found some peace before he passed. Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: chargerrich on August 26, 2009, 07:22:45 AM Disagreed with most of his political views and he was not exactly corruption free... that said, the man really did believe in his convictions which is becoming rare these days so respect is due.
rest in peace. Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: SnakeCharmer on August 26, 2009, 07:44:32 AM Edward Kennedy, Senate Stalwart, Dies. (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/27/us/politics/27kennedy.html?_r=1&hp) Regardless of what you think of his politics, the man deserves our respect for years of public service. No, he really doesn't. Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Brogarn on August 26, 2009, 08:06:31 AM Edward Kennedy, Senate Stalwart, Dies. (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/27/us/politics/27kennedy.html?_r=1&hp) Regardless of what you think of his politics, the man deserves our respect for years of public service. No, he really doesn't. This. I foresee this being moved to politics. You can't bring up a Kennedy, especially Chappaquiddick Ted, and not have it become political. Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Engels on August 26, 2009, 08:09:32 AM Since this hasn't been moved to Politics yet, I'd like to ask those with uncharitable views on Ted Kennedy to do what your mom should have raised you to do: if you don't have something nice to say, don't say it at all. The man is dead. That should be good enough for you.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Sky on August 26, 2009, 08:39:02 AM Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
Oops, too late. RIP, Ted. Congress is poorer for your absence. Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: stray on August 26, 2009, 08:58:28 AM I was surprised to read that he was still trying to keep up to date with Health Care Reform, even in his final days. Say what you want, but try having as much dedication he did while being terminally ill with brain cancer. :-o
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: chargerrich on August 26, 2009, 10:32:33 AM As stated above, my poltical views were often much different than his, but to say something nice:
Teddy was strong in his beliefs and convictions... to his dying breath was more invested personally in his politics than posers like Maxine Waters who "play politics". Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: kildorn on August 26, 2009, 10:43:00 AM He fought for what he believed in, no matter if you agreed with him or not. And he honestly tried to help people through the political process. RIP Teddy.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: voodoolily on August 26, 2009, 10:46:26 AM Suck it, McCain.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Righ on August 28, 2009, 12:41:15 AM Please, no more political dynasties. If they bring us a few more like Ted Kennedy, I'm for them. One good thing that dynasties do is that they appoint people to positions of power solely on the merit of their bloodline. That means that once in a while they deliver an effective politician who genuinely cares about the issues that they stand for. In today's age of corporate sponsored lackeys, that's about as good as we're going to get. I think the nation is going to miss Teddy more than we realize. I'm glad the family got some time to say goodbye for a change. Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Sky on August 28, 2009, 07:43:23 AM One good thing that dynasties do is that they appoint people to positions of power solely on the merit of their bloodline. That means that once in a while they deliver an effective politician who genuinely cares about the issues that they stand for. In today's age of corporate sponsored lackeys, that's about as good as we're going to get. Ironic, innit? After all that revolution unpleasantness and what what.Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Lantyssa on August 28, 2009, 09:46:33 AM So you're saying Jeb will make up for his brother?
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Surlyboi on August 28, 2009, 10:01:01 AM Jeb might restore the Bush legacy. I highly doubt it, but you never know.
As far as just a few of the things Kennedy was responsible for (and this'll probably end this thread up in politics, but fuck the haters.): He ended the filibuster on the Civil Rights Act. He Headed up the Bill that advocated for the rights of the disabled. He was one of the key elements behind Meals on wheels. He took his name OFF of a bill that would fund cancer research for places like Memorial Sloan Kettering so that Nixon would sign it and ratify it in 1971. Compare that to some of the asshats these days who voted against the stimulus and are now trying to take credit for the good it has done for their constituents. He was a major player in the fights for Medicare drug benefits, cheap college loans, children’s health insurance, and No Child Left Behind, a well-meaning program that got utterly fucked by a bunch of opportunistic assholes, both left and right. You don't have to have liked him, but if you don't respect his record, you're a fucktard. Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Nevermore on August 28, 2009, 10:04:25 AM So you're saying Jeb will make up for his brother? No. As someone from Florida let me assure you that Jeb is just as bad in his own way as his brother. Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Lantyssa on August 28, 2009, 10:12:16 AM That was for the benefit of those thinking dynasties might have an up side, though I suppose it hits close enough to home you need to make extra sure no one takes me seriously.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: K9 on August 28, 2009, 10:14:56 AM So apparently Obama is delivering the eulogy at Ted Kennedy's funeral; I'm guessing this is his best chance to re-frame the debate around healthcare.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Strazos on August 28, 2009, 10:15:59 AM I'm not so sure Obama would lower himself to use a friend's eulogy as a political opportunity.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: K9 on August 28, 2009, 10:22:04 AM Hmm, you're probably right, although it will probably be impossible not to mention healthcare somewhere.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Grimwell on August 28, 2009, 11:26:38 AM I'm not so sure Obama would lower himself to use a friend's eulogy as a political opportunity. :grin:He's a politician. Nothing is sacred. (FWIW I am pro-universal health care) Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Signe on August 28, 2009, 11:51:56 AM Maybe he's not a politician. Maybe he just plays one on TV.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Nevermore on August 28, 2009, 12:27:56 PM You're thinking of Dennis Haysbert.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Righ on August 28, 2009, 05:56:01 PM So you're saying Jeb will make up for his brother? No, that's just more moron mass to support the 'once in a while' part of my argument. Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Surlyboi on August 28, 2009, 05:58:35 PM Once in a GREAT while.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Sheepherder on August 29, 2009, 08:06:54 PM The Bush's put out early: senior managed to get the U.S.A. into and then subsequently extract it from a land war in Asia.
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: NowhereMan on August 29, 2009, 08:43:08 PM But did he ever go in against a Sicilian when death was on the line?
Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Sjofn on August 30, 2009, 12:08:11 AM I'm not so sure Obama would lower himself to use a friend's eulogy as a political opportunity. If you WERE going to do that, though, I think Ted Kennedy would be the best candidate for it. I just don't think he would mind if someone found a way to use even his death to further a cause he held dear. Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Righ on August 30, 2009, 12:45:19 AM I just don't think he would mind if someone found a way to use even his death to further a cause he held dear. There was no need, because Teddy indirectly campaigned from the grave at his own funeral by having his letter to the Pope read. Quote "Most Holy Father, I asked President Obama to personally hand-deliver this letter to you. As a man of deep faith himself, he understands how important my Catholic faith is to me, and I am so deeply grateful to him. I hope this letter finds you in good health. "I pray that you have all of God's blessings as you lead our Church and inspire our world during these challenging times. I am writing with deep humility to ask that you pray for me as my own health declines. I was diagnosed with brain cancer more than a year ago, and although I continue treatment the disease is taking its toll on me. I am 77 years old, and preparing for the next passage of life. "I have been blessed to be part of a wonderful family. Both of my parents, particularly my mother, kept our Catholic faith at the center of our lives. That gift of faith has sustained and nurtured, and provided solace to me in the darkest hours. "I know that I have been an imperfect human being, but with the help of my faith I have tried to right my path. I want you to know Your Holiness that in my nearly 50 years of elective office, I have done my best to champion the rights of the poor and open doors of economic opportunity. I have worked to welcome the immigrant, to fight discrimination, and expand access to health care and education. I have opposed the death penalty, and fought to end war. Those are the issues that have motivated me and been the focus of my work as a United States Senator. "I also want you to know that even though I am ill, I am committed to do everything I can to achieve access to health care for everyone in my country. This has been the political cause of my life. I believe in a conscience protection for Catholics in the health field, and I'll continue to advocate for it as my colleagues in the Senate and I work to develop an overall national health policy that guarantees health care for everyone. "I have always tried to be a faithful Catholic Your Holiness. And though I have fallen short through human failings, I have never failed to believe and respect the fundamental teachings of my faith. I continue to pray for God's blessings on you and on our Church, and would be most thankful for your prayers for me." (http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0f0G2cTdB44Cr/610x.jpg) Title: Re: Ted Kennedy Dead Post by: Sjofn on August 30, 2009, 01:50:37 AM I just know that somewhere, someone sneered at the sheer Catholicness.
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