Thank You, Senator Kennedy

More posts on the Senator appear at the bottom of this one.

The push for equality and civil rights for all lost a significant friend in the death of Senator Edward Kennedy. In a time when so many of these issues remain unresolved–eliminating discrimination against lgtb individuals, equal pay for equal work for women, equal access to quality affordable health care for all–his presence and leadership were needed now more than ever. Sign the Care2 pledge to honor Ted Kennedy.

Despite his immense wealth Senator Kennedy forged a political career on helping those most in need and seeking inclusion for those most excluded. Senator Kennedy co-sponsored legislation to provide benefits to domestic partners of Federal employees, was a staunch supporter of affirmative action policies and programs, and sponsored re-introducing the Equal Rights Amendment. The list of his legislative efforts to bring all Americans into the fold goes on.

His critics often point to enormity of his personal failings- his implication in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne, his reputation as a rake, and a propensity to drink too much. If anything can be said about Senator Kennedy, it is that he lived life large, and begs the question–what great leader did not?

But if the measure of a man’s worth comes from helping those most in need, fighting when most have resigned defeat, and reaching out when others pull back, then Senator Kennedy most certainly earned the moniker “the lion.” He was a king among kings. Whatever your political leanings there is no denying the true leadership Senator Kennedy showed in the#mce_temp_url# Senathttp://www.care2.com/greenliving/ted-kennedys-5-greatest-contributions-to-environmental-health.htmle and for this country. His presence in the coming years and in these difficult days will be missed.

Perhaps though the Senator who, despite his liberal beliefs and record, was known most for reaching across the aisle to form bipartisan consensus on difficult issues, has one last act in store. What better, more fitting memory to the Kennedy legacy than to pass significant health care reform this year? It is an issue Senator Kennedy pursued doggedly, and his absence in the recent debate is as clear as partisan rancor is loud. With one last roar we can get it done.

Sign the Care2 pledge to honor Ted Kennedy.

Other Care2 posts remembering Senator Kennedy:

Liberalism Personified: Edward M. Kennedy 1932 – 2009
Senator Edward M. Kennedy: a Fierce Advocate for Gay Rights
Ted Kennedy, Champion of Environmental Protection
Health Care Reform Without Kennedy: Remembering Kennedy and his Cause
Carrying on the Legacy of Senator Kennedy
Farewell to Senator Kennedy, Champion of Health Care Reform
Senator Kennedy’s Five Greatest Contributions to Environmental Health

photo courtesy of Muffet via Flickr.

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Patti G.

4:00AM PDT on Sep 4, 2009

His contribution to South Africa should never be forgotten.
Patti

send a green star

Shirley S.

3:10AM PDT on Sep 2, 2009

Edward Kennedy is still on a pedestal along with his famous brothers.Ever revered.

Rhayna W.

12:23PM PDT on Sep 1, 2009

Ted Kennedy, you were always there for your family and extended family, as well as for the American people. You will be greatly missed. A Gentle Lion you always were. Blessed Be.

Susan O.

9:00AM PDT on Sep 1, 2009

In 1960 I was fortunate enough to meet John Kenndey,Robert Kennedy and Ted Kennedy. They were campaining for JFK at the time. This was an experience that I will never forget. All three of the Kenndey Brothers were full of life. I have shed Tears for all 3 when they passed. This is a memory the I will never forget. I'm glad that Ted Kenndey carried on the Fights that his brothers started and carried thru with the fights up until the day he passed. Its time for the people to carry on the fights that The 3 Brothers started and not to quit until the goals have been reached, no matter how long it takes to acomplish the goals.

Sandy E.

6:51AM PDT on Sep 1, 2009

I was fortunate to be at the Democratic National Convention and hear Senator Kennedy speak. We all had tears in our eyes because we knew his time was near and the love just poured out everywhere. He was a man who never stopped trying to help others.

Rayleen N.

6:44AM PDT on Sep 1, 2009

Ted was bigger than life. There is a great vacuum where he once was. I pray for his widow, his children and all of his extended family. His shoes are too big to fill, but hopefully someone will rise up to take his leadership position, and we will all do our part to continue his egacy.

Junior W.

4:27AM PDT on Sep 1, 2009

It was truly remarkable how after the death of John and Bobby Ted took up the mantle for social justice and unassumingly went about his business for the rest of his life proving again what we already knew the Kennedys are representatives of the real America not the modern day "Fight Club".

Migda E.

8:15PM PDT on Aug 31, 2009

Ted was an excellent human being. America

lost a great man.

Michael B.

10:02AM PDT on Aug 30, 2009

Hello all,

In retrospect, I have to agree with those who have stated that my comments - at least in this thread - have probably been inappropriate and would have been better expressed on some other thread.

Regardless of my personal opinions of Ted Kennedy, or the Kennedy family in general, which I believe I have every right to express, I should not have expressed them in this venue. It is obvious that there are many people who sincerely loved Ted Kennedy and all that he stood for. Although it is obvious that I do not share those sentiments, I should not have posted what I did. I am NOT a troll, however. I just feel very passionately about some things as do many of you who have posted comments here.

Therefore, I ask the forgiveness of those I have offended by my comments. This has been a good learning experience for me, teaching me that I must endeavor to be more sensitive to, and aware of, the topic under discussion before jumping in with both feet. I wish you all well, and I will post no further comments to this thread.

Mandi T.

11:10PM PDT on Aug 29, 2009

Thank you Jessica for posting. The Kenney family have my deepest condolences.