Showing posts with label Sen. Edward Kennedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sen. Edward Kennedy. Show all posts

PostHeaderIcon Sen. Edward Kennedy interred in Arlington Cemetery

8/30/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post
Edward Kennedy 1932-2009



On Saturday, August 29, 2009, Sen. Edward (Ted) Kennedy who died this week of malignant glioma, a form of aggressive brain tumor was buried with full honors in Arlington Cemetery in Virginia beside his ill-fated slain brothers Pres. John F. Kennedy and Sen. Robert Kennedy.

In a solemn sundown ceremony, the 77 year-old senator was carried to his final resting place attended by close relatives, friends, and millions of admirers who watched in TV. His death marked the closure of a chapter in a colorful life of the legendary Kennedy clan which awed the imagination of many Americans and people of the world.

Edward, the 9th child and youngest in the family of Joseph and Rose Kennedy served as a government official for almost 50 years, leaving with him a mixed legacy of successes and disappointments. His dream to be United States president was dashed by tragedies, personal foibles, and human limitations,

A towering influential figure in Capitol Hill, Edward, the “Lion of the Senate,” was a liberal democrat who reached out across party lines to tackle public issues so diverse as healthcare, immigration, wages, racial bias, gender discrimination, nuclear proliferation, and civil rights. No wonder there had been a lot to say about his contribution and legacy.

A remarried divorcee from Massachusetts, Ted had been a proponent of abortion which proved antithetical to Catholic Church teaching which he professed. Before he died, coinciding Pres. Barack Obama’s visit to Rome, he asked the president to personally deliver his letter to Pope Benedict XVI. The Vatican acknowledged Ted’s outstanding contributions to society and the Holy Father prayed for his solace and comfort during his most difficult time. The plan to make his niece Caroline Kennedy as US ambassador to the Holy See didn’t materialize.

In support of Pres. Obama, his desire to overhaul healthcare is generally lauded for its scope to cover all Americans, but the contentious issues surrounding the bill have been the subject of heated debates. Aside from the cost of healthcare, the proposal has a tendency to “marginalize” the elderly, the chronically ill, and disabled.

There is the pervasive worry that the revamp will lead to more expenses, rationing of services, and the lack of doctors and nurses. Prolonged waiting times for diagnosis and treatment, and more government intrusion to the patient-and-doctor relationship are possible changes if the overhaul is implemented.

America’s healthcare system may end up faltering if funding is drastically cut, making it less possible to have the best medical services that Sen. Edward Kennedy used to extend his life. Because healthcare expenses can’t be sustained in the long haul, there is pressure to scrimp and dictate, endangering the quality of medical services particularly that of ordinary American citizens. (Photo Credit: dag.nl) =0=

RELATED BLOGS: Sen. Edward Kennedy, 77 dies of brain cancer Posted by mesiamd at 8/26/2009; Posthumous tributes to Sen. Edward Kennedy pours in from the world Posted by mesiamd at 8/27/2009; Sen. Edward Kennedy survives longer under the world’s best medicine available Posted by mesiamd at 7/07/2009



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PostHeaderIcon Posthumous tributes to Sen. Edward Kennedy pours in from the world

8/27/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Statement from Kennedy family:

“Edward M. Kennedy - the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply - died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port. We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever. We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him.“---Source: NBC 10 News (08/26/09) (Photo Credit: learfieldnews)

"Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. -For five decades, virtually every piece of major legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.”--- Pres. Barack Obama

“Today we mourn the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy and we extend our heartfelt prayers and sincere condolences to his wife Victoria and their children, Kara, Edward, Patrick, Curran and Caroline. Senator Kennedy was blessed with a dedicated and loving family who stood by his side, particularly during the past year as he faced his illness with courage, dignity and strength. We join with his colleagues in Congress and the people of Massachusetts in reflecting on his life and his commitment to public service. For nearly half a century, Senator Kennedy was often a champion for the poor, the less fortunate and those seeking a better life. Across Massachusetts and the nation, his legacy will be carried on through the lives of those he served. ---Cardinal O’Malley

"I had hoped and prayed that this day would never come. My heart and soul weeps at the lost of my best friend in the Senate, my beloved friend, Ted Kennedy."----Sen. Robert C. Byrd, D-W-VA.

While we didn't see eye-to-eye on many political issues through the years, I always respected his steadfast public service - so much so, in fact, that I invited him to my library in 2003 to receive the Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service. Ted Kennedy was a seminal figure in the United States Senate - a leader who answered the call to duty for some 47 years, and whose death closes a remarkable chapter in that body's history.---Former President George H.W. Bush

“ America had "lost a great elder statesman ... and I lost a treasured friend." ---Sen. Orrin Hatch (Utah-R)

“Even facing illness and death he never stopped fighting for the causes which were his life’s work. I am proud to have counted him as a friend and proud that the United Kingdom recognized his service earlier this year with the award of an honorary knighthood.“ ----British Prime Minister Gordon Brown

I would like to extend our sympathies to the Kennedy family as we hear word about the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy. He believed in our country and fought passionately for his convictions.---Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin

"Personally benefited and grown from his experience and advice, and I know countless others have as well. Teddy taught us all that public service isn't a hobby or even an occupation, but a way of life and his legacy will live on."----- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger of California (AP)

“Kennedy has been a friend for 30 years, a great American patriot, a great champion of a better world, a great friend of Israel. He will be sorely missed.“----Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

“I saw his focus and determination first hand in Northern Ireland where his passionate commitment was matched with a practical understanding of what needed to be done to bring about peace and to sustain it. I was delighted he could join us in Belfast the day devolved government was restored.” ---Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister

“The best tribute we could pay him is a renewed vigor in the fight to see his dreams realized. The world is going to miss Ted Kennedy. I already do.“ ----Rep. Jim McGovern (Massachusettes-D)

“Ted hailed from a most famous Irish-American family, and through his own endeavours and achievement, he has added further lustre to the reputation of a great family ... In good days and bad, Ted Kennedy worked valiantly for the cause of peace on this island. He played a particularly important role in the formative days of the Northern Ireland Peace Process in the early to mid-1990s...Today, America has lost a great and respected statesman and Ireland has lost a long-standing and true friend.” ---Irish Prime Minister Brian Cowen

“Ted Kennedy was a great American, a great Democrat and also a great friend of Australia. He has made an extraordinary contribution to American politics, an extraordinary contribution to America’s role in the world.“ ----Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd

"Given our political differences, people are sometimes surprised by how close Ronnie and I have been to the Kennedy family. But Ronnie and Ted could always find common ground, and they had great respect for one another. In recent years, Ted and I found our common ground in stem cell research, and I considered him an ally and dear friend. I will miss him."---Frist Lady Nancy Reagan

“The last son of Rose Fitzgerald and Joseph Kennedy was granted a much longer life than his brothers, and he filled those years with endeavor and achievement that would have made them proud.“ ---Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney

“A great protagonist of American public life has disappeared, a combative and coherent interpreter of the role of the U.S. Congress, a constant defender of that democratic balance and the guarantees of freedom which have given strength and prestige to his country. In this sense, Ted Kennedy has left a profound mark and deserves the homage of the free world.” ---Giorgio Napolitano, President of Italy

"For decades Edward Kennedy was a towering figure in U.S. politics. His battle for justice and equality was defined by persistence and resoluteness. In Senator Kennedy both Germany and Europe have lost a great and dear friend." ---German Chancelor Angela Merkel

"He was not just a friend to those of power and high position, but even more to those who had neither. He was a voice for those who would otherwise go unheard, a defender of the rights and interests of the defenseless. Those who feel that government can too often be faceless and inhumane did not know Senator Kennedy. He stood for the best in all of us, and he will be missed." ---UN Sec. Gen. Ban Ki-Mon

"He was a great politician who supported Chilean democracy during very difficult times for our country. He raised his voice strongly to denounce the trampling of human rights, asking that democracy be re-established."---Chile Pres. Michelle Bachelet

Sources: AP/ TimesOnline/ CNN Politics.com

RELATED BLOGS: Sen. Edward Kennedy, 77 dies of brain cancer Posted by mesiamd at 8/26/2009; Sen. Edward Kennedy survives longer under the world’s best medicine available Posted by mesiamd at 7/07/2009


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PostHeaderIcon Sen. Edward Kennedy, 77 dies of brain cancer

8/26/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Edward (Ted) Kennedy, the 77-year old brother of Pres. John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Sen. Robert Kennedy died after a fight against brain cancer in Massachusetts. The controversial patriarch of the Kennedy clan whose career in the senate spanned almost half a century was a liberal democrat with a strong voice on issues of healthcare, education, immigration, and better wages.

The senator who reached out to colleagues of all political persuasions championed civil rights, defended the poor, worked to end the Vietnam war, and advocated against nuclear proliferation. From all over the world, his death elicited a flurry of recollections and praises for a towering political figure with indelible contribution to public service.

The 9th and youngest child of an influential political family of Joseph and Rose Kennedy, Edward became a senator in the early ‘60s raising hopes that he would one day become president. The legendary saga of his family and career however had been marked by a series of tragedy and personal triumph.

His brothers John Jr. and Robert died on the hands of assassins cutting short their political careers. His bid for the White House was thwarted by Jimmy Carter who won the presidential nomination in 1980. His ambition to hold the highest office of the land was ruined by the Chappaquiddick incident when the car he drove plunged into the river killing a young woman named Mary Jo Kopechne.

Having served briefly in the Army, Edward went to Harvard without finishing his education but graduated in the University of Virginia Law School. He was married to Joan Bennett Kennedy in 1958, but got divorced in 1982.

The white haired, barrel-chested senator with a booming voice remarried a young Washington lawyer named Victoria Reggie. His children included daughter, Kara Kennedy Allen, sons, Edward Jr. and Patrick, the congressman from Rhode Island, and stepchildren, Caroline and Curran Raclin.

Vigorously treated by the best doctors under the current healthcare he wanted to reform, he succumbed to a vicious form of cerebral tumor called malignant glioma. An ardet supporter of Pres. Barack Obama whom he endorsed in the presidential race, he asked his niece Caroline Kennedy to seek the New York senatorial position vacated by Hillary Clinton, but failed.

Proximate to his death, Ted asked his colleagues to revert the choice of a senate replacement for him from election to a gubernatorial selection---- so that the transition of office at the time of his death could be easy. Because of his deteriorated health, the accomplished lawmaker wasn’t able attend the funeral of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, his elderly sister who died early this month. (Photo Credit: AP/ Cook)=0=

RELATED BLOG: Sen. Edward Kennedy survives longer under the world’s best medicine available Posted by mesiamd at 7/07/2009; Posthumous tributes to Sen. Edward Kennedy pours in from the world Posted by mesiamd at 8/27/2009; Sen. Edward Kennedy interred in Arlington Cemetery Posted by mesiamd at 8/30/2009



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PostHeaderIcon Election change proposal by Sen. Ted Kennedy smacks with partisan politics?

8/22/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post


Hampered by brain cancer, Sen. Edward Kennedy (Massachusetts-D) requested lawmakers in his state to change the law in anticipation of a vacancy that may occur if he dies in office. He wanted to do away with the current law requiring an election to replace the vacancy. Missing Washington due to his incapacity, he thought a delay in selecting his replacement can affect the voting outcome of a democrat-dominated legislature.

Yet back in 2004 when Kennedy’s fellow party-member John Kerry ran for presidency, he spearheaded and successfully junked the law of gubernatorial choice in replacing the vacancy because it was Gov. Mitt Romney, a Republican and member of the opposite party who would choose a replacement if Kerry won as president.

So what he asks the Massachusetts lawmakers now is a complete turnabout, calculated to benefit his party. With a dominant Democatric party, Kennedy' proposal will likely be decided on his favor. However, many recall the controversies of selecting a replacement by the governor. The choices for Sens. Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton in Chicago and New York when they became president and secretary of state respectively were marred by disappointments. Choosing somebody by election (vs. governor's choice) is more anchored on what is best for the people and not for the benefit of the party. (Photo Credit: www.dag.nl) =0=

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