Senator Edward M. Kennedy Dies Peacefully at 77
Massachusetts’ Senior Senator, Teddy Kennedy, is Brain Cancer Victim
Aug 26, 2009
The youngest of the Kennedy brothers and the only son of former Ambassador Joe Kennedy Sr. that did not die a tragic death, finally succumbed to cancer at his home in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. World tributes begin to pour in as the “…senator of senators…will be mourned not just in America but in every continent,” British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said in a public statement early Wednesday morning.
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Republican Governor of the State of California and Kennedy family member, said in a tribute last night. “Uncle Teddy…was known to the world as the Lion of the Senate. [He] inspired our country through his dedication…and I have personally benefited and grown from his experience and advice….”
Kennedy, the Deal Maker
Considered a liberal by conservative republicans and a progressive by the democrats on the left, Kennedy was a consummate negotiator. Able to form some of the most unlikely alliances Kennedy was, “…a true public servant committed to the values of fairness, justice and opportunity,” former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said in a statement Wednesday.
Conservative South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham joined Kennedy in support of former President George Bush’s failed Immigration Reform Act. “I can't tell you how impressed I am with Senator Kennedy's willingness to try to solve [a] problem," Graham said in an interview with columnist Al Hunt on July 17th, 2008.
Northern Ireland’s former First Minister, Dr Ian Paisley, who for years vilified Kennedy, praised the Senator for his part in the successful Northern Irish negotiations. "I saw his focus and determination first hand in Northern Ireland...” the UK Telegraph reported on August 26th.
The AFP reported this morning that Nancy Reagan, the wife of former president and conservative icon Ronald Reagan, said, "Ronnie and Ted could always find common ground.”
Northern Ireland's Peace
An early supporter of Irish Republicanism, Kennedy mellowed his position to forge peace. A member of one of America’s most notable Irish immigrant families, Kennedy publicly snubbed Gerry Adams in 2005. Citing the Provisional IRA's "ongoing criminal activities and contempt for the rule of law,” Kennedy backed the Good Friday Agreement and the new Northern Ireland Government in Stormont.
Thomas Ferraro of Reuters reported on Wednesday, "Kennedy was a powerhouse in face-to-face negotiations,” according to Professor Paul Light of New York University. The Telegraph stated, Northern Ireland's Secretary Shaun Woodward argued, "Ted Kennedy was a true and constant friend of the peace process in Northern Ireland whose huge influence…cannot be over-estimated.”
American Healthcare
Comprehensive, affordable healthcare coverage for every American was a Kennedy hallmark. What he called "the cause of my life" during the 2008 Democratic National Convention, is now left without a champion in the US Senate.
Olivia Hampton of the Brisbane Times, reported on Sunday, Arizona Senator and the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, John McCain said, “Kennedy's absence had made a ‘huge, huge difference’ as the two parties struggle to reach a compromise on healthcare reform.” "If the country ends up without healthcare reform, I think divine misfortune will be to blame," said Light. “The debate is now stalled and getting vicious. Kennedy wouldn't have allowed it."
The End of An Era
The Kennedy family history is a tragedy worthy of a Shakespearian play. Wealth and power yield to personal turmoil and premature death. While Teddy lived a relatively long life, when compared to his three brothers (Joe Jr., John and Bobby,) he had his share of personal turmoil. From Chappaquiddick to Palm Beach there was wealth, sex, alcohol and death. Joan Bennett and Victoria Reggie experienced power and politics along with deception and infidelity as the family tragedy followed the youngest son.
Now that saga of a great American icon has ended. The American flag was lowered to half staff on the US Capitol and nations around the world mourn Ted's death.
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