Jim Geraghty offers a succinct, gut reaction to the news of Ted Kennedy's health today, including a brief depiction of Kennedy's Senate office: "It's like a museum of the second half of the last century."
Whatever one thinks of the Kennedy clan and its politics, it is a truly exceptional circumstance that the progeny of one highly controversial figure, Joseph Kennedy, Sr., have had such a vivid, emotional, and substantive impact on American politics and government...for over half a century.
Violent political disagreements aside, the now obvious approaching end of an historic era is nonetheless sad to behold.
UPDATE: headline fixed.
I think it's very sad that Ted... or Kathi Gertzen or my friend has brain cancer. It's a devastating diagnosis I wouldn't wish upon anyone.
However, I do think that this can be a "teaching moment" with/for Ted Kennedy. I think (wish) there were a Catholic Bishop (certainly not our finger in the wind Archbishop or the one in MA) who would have the courage to go to Ted to discuss with him his life here on earth, what he hopes/expects comes after and the fact that he should and will be denied a Catholic funeral and burial until and unless he convincingly and publicly recants his position on abortion, repents his support of it and condemns it wholeheartedly. One man should not be allowed to be bigger than his professed faith, nor should he be allowed to be above it.
As I said a "teaching moment" and controversy.
Ridicule away.
And hopefully there will be some twilight public remorse forthcoming from Ted Kennedy for his abhorrent behavior at Chappaquiddick.
Posted by: Jeff B. on May 20, 2008 10:07 PMAnd we can fully expect that they are in full search mode for a clean Kennedy already residing in MA (or easily and quickly moved) to step in to Ted's shoes if need be.
Wizbang has the video of Sen Byrd reacting to Kennedy's diagnosis (you have to click on it from the list). It's heart wrenching. While I have no love for the politics of either, I wish them both well.
I heard an interesting fact about Ted today, that after Byrd and Strom Thurmond, he is the 3rd longest serving Senator in US history. That's pretty darn remarkable..
Posted by: Ragnar Danneskjold on May 20, 2008 10:36 PM Here is a youtube testimonial video of a real life case in Ontario,CAN of a person in similar circumstances as Kennedy, but without the resources in his country.He went to Buffallo(Which to my knowledge is in one of the '57 states' last time I checked) to have his initial MRI done because he was put on a 6 month waiting list in O'Canada.
The video is 6 minutes, but I think you'll find it engaging enough, especially for those that fear this "single-payor" system coming to this country with the help of Sen. Kennedy and other clueless cronies in the Senate.
-the Kopechne family
-the Moxley family
-the Marilyn Monroe family
Completely dislike the politics and family but--unlike a terrorist/mad dictator--he's still a Senator and my respect for our Country and the office remains.
A cause to pause for a moment of humility and our shared mortality for the arrogant Beltway? I hope so. In any case, may the family find comfort at this time.
Did Lincoln once talk of our better/higher nature?
But few senators have caused more damage to their country; few have done more to belittle us and strengthen our enemies.
Fewer have killed someone.
Gee... what a Kos moment.
Posted by: Hinton on May 21, 2008 07:20 AMDon't.
Ted's legacy is the one he paved. How will history remember him? You already know the answer.
If you really hate the guy- there isn't a need to mourn. If you're not in a position that obligates you to nod a rival, then don't.
But none of his legacy obliges anyone to be disrespectful. Be silent and reflect on what your own legacy will be, and contrast it with what Ted's is.
Hey, the guy lived the pleasures of life to its fullest to at least the age of 76. Not bad. He fought for what he believed in for all these years as one of the most powerful Senators in history. No, don't mourn; celebrate his life while he is still alive and wish him well. There are tough roads ahead.
This weekend he is entering a sailing race. He isn't holding back. Neither should we and we should enjoy our lives day by day.
Posted by: swatter on May 21, 2008 09:05 AMThe main thing that bothers me with this whole thing is all the emphasis on the how terrible this is for the family and all the teary eyed speeches as if this was a very unique experience. Hey every family goes through the death of loved ones. My family has buried my father and two bothers well before their prime and our family has never recovered. I don't wish it on anyone, but it happens and to spend so much time and energy just because Ted was a politician just doesn't wash for me.
I think each and every service man and woman who has dies in action deserves a bigger and longer time in the spotlight as they chose to put their lives in danger to defend all of us rather than choosing a comfortable, wealth life in the US Senate.
Don't forget the Hero of Chappaqidick was in good part responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands in Vietnam.
Posted by: JB on May 21, 2008 05:06 PMCan I call it??
Ted Kennedy Wants His Wife Vicki To Succeed Him