On the evening after my first class, I heard news about the death of Senator Ted Kennedy. In American politics, Ted Kennedy is the 'lion of the Senate' and has served more than 8 terms, which is about 46 years since 1962. He is the 2nd longest-serving Senator. A well-respected Senator, a last of the Kennedy brothers, and a voice that represented the liberal point of view with the conservative arena of American politics. He championed for improvement in the health care system, and spoke strongly for equity and social justice even though those are considered 'things' of the past long after the 1960's Civil Rights Movement. Whenever he spoke in the Senate, every partisan individual listens because he always did his homework and knew what he was talking about. And, in understanding a great human being, I look to find how a person's circle defines him and how he treated them. Reports said that Ted Kennedy's aides remain devoted to him for decades and decades and that his office has the least turn-over of 'employees' which indicated his strength as a leader on the Senate floor as well as behind the scenes with his circle of supporters.
Today, I also read some memorable words from Time Magazine:
"Going from "kid brother" to senior statesman was an extraordinary journey for Ted Kennedy, matching the similar journeys taken by his brothers John and Robert. All three of the Kennedy brothers who entered our national public life — meaning the three who survived World War II — demonstrated this extraordinary quality of growth, particularly after they arrived in Washington. Too many successful politicians stop growing once they reach there, certain that they already know it all and have completed their growth within the biblical standard of "wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and Man." But not the Kennedys, and certainly not Edward Moore Kennedy. A Harvard education, a University of Virginia law degree, a stint as an assistant district attorney in Boston, a key role in managing Jack's Senate re-election campaign in 1958 and equally key assignments in JFK's successful contest for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1960 and successful race to win the presidency — all contributed to Ted's rise in the esteem of his brothers and their respective staff, including me. Through each of those phases, "Teddy" was growing, maturing, developing, learning and gaining new experience and insights."
One of the greatest politician I admire is Robert F. Kennedy, and I consider Ted Kennedy to be the greatest example of true civil service to one's country. He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery along with his brothers. It is the most fitting tribute and honor for a man as endearing as Senator Ted Kennedy. May God rest his soul and his whole family. Thanks for reading.
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