The Kennedy Legacy

The lead story in today’s New York Times is titled, “Senator Kennedy, Battle Lost, Is Hailed as a Leader.” It discusses the death of Ted Kennedy on Tuesday night.

The article describes the role of Senator Kennedy throughout the years and the tragedy/glamour of the Kennedy clan that seems to follow them all their lives. President Obama will be speaking at Senator Kennedy’s funeral on Saturday.

In my opinion, the diagnosis of a brain tumor, despite its inherent tragedy, at least let Senator Kennedy say goodbye and prepare his affairs, a luxury his two brothers were never afforded. I admire the man in so many ways. He had the courage of his convictions and was never ashamed of his liberal background.

Senator Kennedy was unique in his ability to relate to people on a one-to-one basis, whether Democratic or Republican, rich or poor, white or black. Perhaps, that’s one reason why he became so great. This country owes a debt to the Kennedy family that we can never repay.

It’s like the movie, “A Wonderful Life,” when the angel shows Jimmy Stewart what life would be like if he had never been born. One can only wonder the same would be like for Senator Kennedy. It’s a thought to keep us grateful during this sad time.