Ted Kennedy Dead

[Surlyboi]

Edward Kennedy, Senate Stalwart, Dies.

Regardless of what you think of his politics, the man deserves our respect for years of public service.

[Triforcer]

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.   

[K9]

RIP

[Merusk]

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.

[Tannhauser]

Sorry to hear this.  He worked for years to get universal health coverage for all Americans.

[Oban]

Please, no more political dynasties.

[stray]

RIP

Please, no more political dynasties.

I'm just going to toss Arnold in the Kennedy camp. 

[Arthur_Parker]

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.

[Numtini]

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.

[chargerrich]

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.

[SnakeCharmer]

Edward Kennedy, Senate Stalwart, Dies.

Regardless of what you think of his politics, the man deserves our respect for years of public service.

No, he really doesn't.

[Brogarn]

Edward Kennedy, Senate Stalwart, Dies.

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.

[Engels]

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.

[Sky]

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.


Oops, too late.

RIP, Ted. Congress is poorer for your absence.

[stray]

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.  

[chargerrich]

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".

[kildorn]

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.

[voodoolily]

Suck it, McCain.

[Righ]

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.

[Sky]

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.

[Lantyssa]

So you're saying Jeb will make up for his brother?

[Surlyboi]

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.

[Nevermore]

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.

[Lantyssa]

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.

[K9]

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.

[Strazos]

I'm not so sure Obama would lower himself to use a friend's eulogy as a political opportunity.

[K9]

Hmm, you're probably right, although it will probably be impossible not to mention healthcare somewhere.

[Grimwell]

I'm not so sure Obama would lower himself to use a friend's eulogy as a political opportunity.

He's a politician. Nothing is sacred.
(FWIW I am pro-universal health care)

[Signe]

Maybe he's not a politician.  Maybe he just plays one on TV.

[Nevermore]

You're thinking of Dennis Haysbert.

[Righ]

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.

[Surlyboi]

Once in a GREAT while.

[Sheepherder]

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.

[NowhereMan]

But did he ever go in against a Sicilian when death was on the line?

[Sjofn]

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.