Friday, February 22, 2008

Happy Birthday, Ted!

Today, Edward Moore Kennedy celebrated his 75th birthday!

I have long been a fan of the Kennedys, and most especially, Ted Kennedy!

One of the best things about Senator Kennedy is that--love him or hate him--you know exactly where he stands on just about any issue! He is my kind of Democrat! He compromises when he can, but he never compromises his principles! He fights for the elderly, the poor, the environment, women's rights, workers' rights and--yes--EVEN gay rights! Ted Kennedy is the voice for so many of us who have felt so forgotten or so demonized for so long. He stands as a living reminder that government has the power--and the moral obligation--to serve ALL it's people, not just those with enough luck to have been born to money and privilege. His brother, John's, inaugural speech in 1961, summed it up memorably:

"If a free society cannot help the many who are poor,
it cannot save the few who are rich."

I also remember back before the 1980 election, when Senator Kennedy was competing against President Carter for the Democratic nomination. When Ted got to the convention & finally ended his candidacy, he gave a memorable concession speech, his voice breaking with obviously deep emotion. The last line in the speech that night still rings in my mind & in my heart today...

"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives
and the dreams shall never die!"

Some of us still dare to dream, thanks, in large part, to the senior senator from Massachusetts.

Happy Birthday (and Thank You), Senator Kennedy!

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