The Labour team have been really saddened by the death of US Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy overnight.
I think Edward Kennedy will be remembered not just as a part of a progressive political dynasty, but also as an icon of liberal democratic politics the world over. Of course he will always be recalled fondly for his work with the Special Olympics movement, and by those who fight for better health care for the vulnerable.
Edward Kenney believed strongly in Government’s ability to help people improve their lives. I think that’s a vision shared by Labour, and by many readers and contributors to this blog.
Goodbye Ted, six white horses come to take you home.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDL2nQASUas
Meh! I had little time for the Kennedy clan, I’ve got to say.
Why is that?
Ted Kennedy, like us all, was imperfect. However, he deserves credit for his principled advocacy for the poor and marginalised. He was an unceasing champion of public health care and of tighter gun control. America is better because of his contribution to its public life.
Amazing how cheating at university, cowardly leaving a woman to drown to death, a life of womanising, some years of raising money for brutal terrorists can all be forgiven because he was (apparently) charismatic and good looking, and introduced a lot of legislation (and all the pork barrel money he got for his state). For all of his “good work”, it’s amazing how little sacrifice of his personal lifestyle, extraordinary wealth or power he actually made. Just another member of the long standing corrupt twinset of the Democrats and Republicans that have a few high points within a career of pandering to special interests and seeing themselves as above everyone else.
You make him sound like a randian hero LS.
From someone who actually knew him:
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/archives/2009/08/details.php
Ted Kennedy and his family represent all that conservative governments are not. Kennedys believe government can and should be used to help the little guy. From education to health care, Kennedy always stood up for the right side. America will be politically and socially poorer without him.
Ted Kennedy and his family represent all that conservative governments are not. Kennedys believe government can and should be used to help the little guy
When JFK ran against Nixon in 1960 – Nixon was the progressive and Kennedy the conservative.
Over the years the Republicans, who were the progressives and the Democrats who were the conservatives, flipped positions.
Still you believe what you want, but without his money and influence the late Teddy Kennedy would have been imprisoned for leaving Mary Jo Kopechne to suffocate in his car – a process which according to the coroner took many hours. I guess in Liberal land this counts as an example of how he always stood up for the right side.
Their are many who disparage the Kennedys despite all the good stuff they did. I think he who is without sin should cast the first stone. RIP Teddy.
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Yeah, Nixon was the progressive…Is that why in the 1970s as president he was taped saying that abortion should be legal to get rid of mixed-race kids?
Not exactly progressive in my book.
It is sad to see the end of the voice of reason in US Politics. I have been disgusted at some of the vicious and vile comments about Ted Kennedy in US political forums. There is a viciousness in those political forums we don’t get here. We tend to debate an issue not personally attack posters. We certainly would not post the vile comments I have come across in the last few days.
I am sad he did not live to help fight for Health reform. You would not believe the vilification of Universal Healthcare by all Republicans in all of the forums I have read in the past few weeks.
Rest in peace Senator Kennedy
The only one the Republicans didn’t kill.
I don’t honestly think the Republicans would have killed the Kennedys but i think there is a strong case that the CIA did. Especially RFK. What ever his personal life, and what ever mistakes he made, Ted Kennedy was the greatest Senator and i go as a far to say greatest Politician in US history. I don’t think he nessicarily had as much vision, charisma and leadership ability as his brothers, once again especially Robert but he did the practical work and created legislation that is important, on civil rights, healthcare and workers rights. That has to be applauded and welcomed so i’m glad that Chris Carter and the Labour Party recognise that. Compared to other American politicians the Kennedys were amazing and represented a whole new world.