We have all suffered a great loss.
This country has suffered a great loss.
Last night we lost a great patriot.
There's a great deal going through my mind right now about Senator Edward Kennedy. A sense of loss and sadness. I cannot remember a time in my life when a Kennedy was not a prominent figure on the political scene. It will indeed be strange not to have one there. It will be strange not to have Ted around. A man who fought so hard for those things he believed in. I will miss that fierce devotion to the causes he supported.
At the same time, I will miss his ability to work across the isle to achieve legislation needed in this country. The two that most immediately pieces that come to mind are the American's with Disability Act and No Child Left Behind.
I'm going to close with this excerpt from his 1980 speech at the Democratic National Convention:
For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.
Senator you did that work for a very long time. Senator you have done you part. It's now our turn to pick up where you left off. To carry the work and the dream forward in your memory. To carry it forward to all Americans
Thank you Senator Kennedy. You will be missed.
1 comment:
When people say, "we'll not see his kind again," I'm afraid that it's true. I can't think of another member of the US Congress who is in the same league as Senator Kennedy—not by a long shot.
The thing about him wasn't just that he could work across the aisle, but that he did so with his eyes firmly on the prize—he knew where he wanted America to get to, and he could see that sometimes the road is winding and not direct. He didn't compromise his principles, but he realised that the destination is what matters most.
I hope that his legacy will rub off on his colleagues in both parties.
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