We have all suffered losses of friends and family throughout the course of our lives. This loss is intimate, individual, and personal. Until, that is, Ted Kennedy was called home to God this past week. No other death has included so many from so many walks of life. This is certainly the first time, for many, that they will share a loss so personal with the entire state of Massachusetts. The death of Senatory Ted Kennedy is not solely the end of a human life. It is the end of an era of politicians whose priority lied within the work that they did and not the credit they received for it.The legislation written and supported by Senator Kennedy was vast and themeless. Political writers accused him of writing and supporting "anything" and never having a focus in the way that other politicians would be "known" for their cause (both JFK and RFK were "known" for their focus on civil rights in their collective, but short tenures as political figures.Teddy's legislation focused on everything from healthcare, civil rights, acceptance/adaptation for Americans with disabilities, and gays rights. Mr. Kennedy fought to prevent war and even lower the voting age to 18.
Although, at first glance, it seems that Mr. Kennedy wanted his opinion on any social issue that made the headlines and prompted the watercooler conversation, however, what most are blind to is the common thread connecting all of them which, in essence, defined his entire political career: the betterment of life for all Americans.
Any person that enters the political life does so with the best of intentions (I will bestow that initial credit to them). They make bold face promises to advocate for those who are unable and deliver with honesty and righteousness. During the course of their political journey they will discover paths that lead them to their destinations with little to no obstacles, but in exchange for dishonesty and a signed contract with the devil. Some choose these paths and, sometimes, they get caught. Senator Kennedy had his fair share of controversy, yes, however his successes for his constituents far overshadow any tabloid headline or juicy biography.
Politicians dream of leaving a legacy filled with great deeds and distinct change. They dream of authored legislation that significantly alters the minds and lives of the unreachable and speeds the evolution of a world that has been slowed by the weight of a dated vision. Ted Kennedy once dreamed of this, as well, but, unlike most of his colleagues, his dream came true.
Bye, Uncle Teddy,
Courtney O'Keefe
