Rest in Peace, Ted Kennedy

[Belmondo]

Sad, but apparently inevitable.

He was a warrior.

[tonylong]

I didn't realize this until I saw your post -- what a legacy this family has had, and it will be interesting to see what Caroline manages -- I remember her at her Dad's funeral (as well as so many other moments).

[FlyingPhotog]

I pray the Kennedy family can finally find peace.

[Woolburr]

Been a tough run for the Kennedy clan. Perhaps they will get a break now. It will be strange without them in the national news.

[BOSS]

R.I.P. and condolences to family etc

[tonylong]

I've been listening to the coverage this morning, and I admit I've had tears in my eyes as I've heard so many stories from both sides of the political spectrum that have given some real perspective of his life and work. Add the drama and tragedies of his family to numerous very real accomplishments over the decades and you have a pretty singular figure who really did earn a huge amount respect.

[gary88]

RIP, sad indeed. My mom has an issue of Life from 1965 featuring him that she showed me this morning.

http://i1005.photobucket.com/albums/af175/gheb882/IMG_5187.jpg

[FlyingPhotog]

^^^ He had broken his back in a plane crash ^^^

[jgrussell]

RIP Senator Ted. Even those who disagreed with you will miss you.

[jgrussell]

I've been listening to the coverage this morning, and I admit I've had tears in my eyes...Me too, but for a very selfish reason. Every time one of these towering figures dies, I feel not only diminished somehow, but also so very much older -- I have lost yet another one of the grownups of my youth.

[Hardmix]

Agreed, RIP Mr.Kennedy.

[MDJAK]

Is it wrong to speak ill of the dead? And this is not politics as politics bore me. People went all wacky when Michael Jackson died. Yes, I was a fan of his music, a big fan. Own many of his albums and CDs. But let's not forget the man was a pedophile, one of the, if not the lowest form of scum on the planet.

As to Ted Kennedy, he drove drunk, killed Mary Jo Kopechne, and got away with it scot free by his rank and privilege. A lesser name would have had his political career terminated and probably would have faced jail time. The police covered up for him because of who he was.

And I was always a "Kennedy" fan and still am, in the vein of John and Robert.

me

[Belmondo]

Is it wrong to speak ill of the dead? And this is not politics as politics bore me. People went all wacky when Michael Jackson died. Yes, I was a fan of his music, a big fan. Own many of his albums and CDs. But let's not forget the man was a pedophile, one of the, if not the lowest form of scum on the planet.

As to Ted Kennedy, he drove drunk, killed Mary Jo Kopechne, and got away with it scot free by his rank and privilege. A lesser name would have had his political career terminated and probably would have faced jail time. The police covered up for him because of who he was.

And I was always a "Kennedy" fan and still am, in the vein of John and Robert.

me

My non-political response.

When I reach the end of my days, I hope I am not judged by only those things I did wrong in my life. I suspect you might do well to have the same hope, Mark. :wink:

[CyberDyneSystems]

There was a period in the '80s where my opinion of Ted's personal life was significantly lower than it has been now for many years.

His political enthusiasm and direction has always been inspiring to me.

However, IMHO when someone with the failings that Ted had is able to make such a significant change in their personal life,. and in doing so be an even greater public servant as Ted did,. I for one hold that in almost higher respect than someone never faced with such a challenge. He stepped up to the plate and only got better.

Lastly, the death of Kopechne was tragic, but it was not just Kennedy's name that effected how he was treated, it was also the era. Frankly how we perceive Drunk Driving has changed dramatically since then,.. and many less known figures were getting off using "I was Drunk Officer" or "I was drunk Your Honor" as an excuse..
Consider the differences in reaction to JFK's dalliances vs. Clinton's.
Times do change.

It was the way things were at the time that got Ted off too,..

Anyway, I like what Tom said,. there is a lot of good, ...a lifetime of good things to remember him by.

[tonylong]

Yes, the 1969 incident was a terrible tragedy.

In the four decades since we've seen a story of redemption. Politics aside, it's become obvious over this past week that he has earned the respect of his colleagues on both sides of the political spectrum, and has dedicated his life to trying to make a positive difference.

And, I seem to recall that a recent president and vice president both have DUI records, so it's not something that one can make political hay about.

[Belmondo]

Valid points, Jake and Tony.

Off topic, but I just got a call from an old friend of mine. His brother was just diagnosed with the same type of cancer. Very sad, and ill-timed in light of Ted's outcome with the disease.

[tonylong]

Valid points, Jake and Tony.

Off topic, but I just got a call from an old friend of mine. His brother was just diagnosed with the same type of cancer. Very sad, and ill-timed in light of Ted's outcome with the disease.

Sad coincidence, Tom -- I've known, well, too many people who have had to fight that battle.

[MDJAK]

A good friend of mine's wife just passed away from cancer four months after diagnosis. 55 years old, two young kids.

As to my comments on Senator Kennedy, I agree that he was a great senator. Unfortunately, obituaries almost always include the bad along with the good, and I was merely pointing out a major point in his life.

And I agree with Jake, it was a sign of the times. But I don't agree with Jake's spelling of daliance, but that's no surprise. ;)

me

[CyberDyneSystems]

fixed... :)

[tonylong]

Well, his memoirs got "unofficially" released today, and if nothing else, they seem to show a life lived in remorse and seeking atonement, and maybe he was an example of someone who found the way.

[Belmondo]

Well, his memoirs got "unofficially" released today, and if nothing else, they seem to show a life lived in remorse and seeking atonement, and maybe he was an example of someone who found the way.

Yeah, my wife informed me she wants that book tomorrow. I think she's read just about every word ever written about the Kennedys.

[tonylong]

Well, I haven't read as much, but having lived through '63 and '68 and the years since, and then, well, wanting to see one more Kennedy at least find some peace.

[SuzyView]

So much tragedy, not any more than most, but always in the public eye. It could not be that fun. And let us not forget that John Jr and his wife and sister-in-law died tragically as well. So, I do feel so much compassion for any family who has lost dear ones.