Pundits seem to agree that Ted Kennedy, Jr.'s eulogy of his father was both the most touching and insightful of memorials during the public mourning of Sen. Ted Kennedy.
I admire Ted, Jr.'s mature words, which were (almost) devoid of partisanship, for the clear-eyed character sketch he painted of his father: energetic, persistent, imperfect, engaged, loyal, extroverted, compassionate, and deeply, deeply loving.
The gist of Ted Kennedy, who President Obama described as "the soul of the Democratic party," was about respecting, listening to, and advocating for the needs of all Americans, especially the downtrodden and the powerless. As Ted, Jr. orated today:
"My father taught me to treat everyone I meet, no matter what station in life, with the same dignity and respect. He could be discussing arms control with the president at 3 p.m. and meeting with a union carpenter for - on fair wage legislation or a New Bedford fisherman on fisheries policy at 4:30..."The last months of my dad's life were... filled with profound experiences, a series of moments more precious than I could have imagined. He taught me more about humility, vulnerability, and courage than he had taught me in my whole life."
To understand more about the true legacy of Sen. Ted Kennedy, and of the essence of liberalism, read Ted Kennedy Jr.'s Eulogy of His Father, Sen. Ted Kennedy
- Related Reading
- Ted Kennedy's Lauded Speech at the 2008 Democratic Convention
- Liberals, Conservatives Grieve Teddy in Rare Moment of Unity
- Remarks and Statements on Sen. Ted Kennedy's Passing
- Vice President Joe Biden's Remarks
- President Bill Clinton's Statement
- President Barack Obama's Remarks
(Photo taken on August 29, 2009 As Ted Kennedy Jr. gives his remembrance of his father, Senator Ted Kennedy, during the Senator's funeral at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston, MA: C.J. Gunther/Getti Images.)
Comments