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Ted Kennedy
America has had a few precious individuals who are both passionate about social justice and also understand deep in their bones its practical meaning. And we have had a few who possess great political shrewdness and can make the clunky machinery of democratic governance actually work. But I have known but one person who combined all these traits and abilities. His passing is an inestimable loss.
Most Americans will never know how many things Ted Kennedy did to make their lives better, how many things he prevented that would have hurt them, and how tenaciously he fought on their behalf. In 1969, for example, he introduced a bill in the Senate calling for universal health insurance, and then, for the next forty years, pushed and prodded colleagues and presidents to get on with it. If and when we ever achieve that goal it will be in no small measure due to the dedication and perseverance of this one remarkable man. We owe it to him and his memory to do it soon and do it well.
Most Americans will never know how many things Ted Kennedy did to make their lives better, how many things he prevented that would have hurt them, and how tenaciously he fought on their behalf. In 1969, for example, he introduced a bill in the Senate calling for universal health insurance, and then, for the next forty years, pushed and prodded colleagues and presidents to get on with it. If and when we ever achieve that goal it will be in no small measure due to the dedication and perseverance of this one remarkable man. We owe it to him and his memory to do it soon and do it well.
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Excellent piece Mr. Reich . . .
Thank you for taking the time.
Ted was what may be, as one our illustrious Cafe members hereabout would say, of the "Looking Glass Left".
Especially in light of what you wrote as follows:
Forty-years of fighting the GOOD FIGHT!
I await Mister Bluster's retort.
Rest in Peace Teddy!
~OGD~
August 26, 2009 3:28 AM | Reply | Permalink
Too bad he was ineffectual.
I guess that's why he was so rabidly jealous of Bill Clinton, and fought like a maniac to keep HRC from being elected?
(the one candidate who would damned well have gotten us good healthcare.)
Too bad he waited too long to try to have his seat replaced.
August 26, 2009 9:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
Don't feed the troll...
August 26, 2009 9:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Bob Reich's eulogy here is as humbling as Kennedy's death. The only thing I can say is that no respect should be accorded to any of the fulsome tributes to Kennedy that we'll hear from Democrats in Washington unless they pass a genuine public option into law as part of health care reform and then make sure that it works to keep the other options honest. That is what Kennedy wanted and what he would have fought for with all his might.
August 26, 2009 3:57 AM | Reply | Permalink
I agree 110%.
August 26, 2009 4:46 AM | Reply | Permalink
Sorry.
If Kennedy had wanted decent healthcare, he would not have
refused to give up his Chairmanship (and obviously did so to make sure that HRC would not have it).
Why did he wait until it was TOO LATE to try to have his seat replaced quickly?
August 26, 2009 9:26 AM | Reply | Permalink
It will be years before we understand the positive impact Mr. Kennedy had on our lives. I am devastated at the tragedy of his loss.
August 26, 2009 4:50 AM | Reply | Permalink
A suggestion for Nancy Pelosi. Please make the first order of business on the House side of the Capitol the renaming of America's Affordable Health Choices Act of 2009 to the Teddy Kennedy Affordable Health Choices Act or even the Edward F. Kennedy Affordable Health Choices Act--though I think he would probably like Teddy better. Then and only then let the eulogies begin.
August 26, 2009 6:35 AM | Reply | Permalink
Great idea!
August 26, 2009 8:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
When the Congressional Democrats heard about Sen. Kennedy's death, their spines straightened as they rallied for single payer, saying damn the Republicans, full speed ahead.
Then I woke up.
It`s better to send in the Peace Corps than the Marine Corps. [Sen.Ted Kennedy,1932-2009]
August 26, 2009 7:22 AM | Reply | Permalink
From your post to God's ears.
August 26, 2009 11:49 PM | Reply | Permalink
Over at the WSJ Thomas Frank has a column advocating that Obama channel his Harry Truman in the health care fight. Its a good idea, but Obama should also channel Teddy Kennedy, whose energy and effectiveness were unrivaled in legislating progressive policies. Or as Frank says in today's column:
"After I listened to a few angry town-hall meetings on the radio, the situation was clear to me. Democrats had to meet this pseudo-populist challenge by rolling out the real thing, the New Deal vision that is their party's raison d'être."
"Maybe Democrats are afraid it will hurt their standing with those generous fellows on K Street if they channel Harry Truman and say what needs to be said: That government can be made to work for average people. But it will hurt even worse if they refuse to say it."
August 26, 2009 7:37 AM | Reply | Permalink
Thank you Mr. Reich. The way to remember Teddy Kennedy to is to fighter harder against economic injustice.
August 26, 2009 8:56 AM | Reply | Permalink
Ted's leadership was important to me as we moved to opposition to the war. He did it by the work of his subcommittee on refugees in Vietnam.
He stood more than anything for protecting the health of the American people.
We have missed his voice in this sadly debased debate on health insurance.
Chris Matthews got it right this morning: Barack is the last brother.
Let us hope that Barack Obama can do what LBJ did to solidify John Kennedy's legacy by signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
August 26, 2009 12:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
Even with all his successes over the years, and the long record of ably representing his state and advocating for the less fortunate, Ted could never overcome the stain on his reputation from the death of Mary Jo Kopechne.
His actions not only on that night (and following day) but also the political influence exercised to ensure no real charges were filed and his refusal to ever come clean about her death and his role in it will forever diminish his successes.
August 26, 2009 10:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
I wondered how long it would be before Mary Jo Kopechne would come up!
Accidents happen. People get hurt. Some are prosecuted. Some are not. There is no evidence to support prosecuting him for her death. Get over it!
August 27, 2009 8:17 AM | Reply | Permalink
Accidents happen, if one defines an accident as running off a road when allegedly under the influence, then leaving your passenger in the water while she dies then not reporting it to the police then being less than forthcoming with explanations for your actions. In other jurisdictions, it isn't called an accident, but negligent homocide or negligent manslaughter.
Of course, the fact that he came from a rich, white family with political connections probably had *nothing* to do with the fact that he was one of the ones not prosecuted.
Put the same facts on a piece of paper, change the name from "Edward M. Kennedy" to "George W. Bush" and see if that changes your perspective.
August 27, 2009 9:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
...because if a dead Senator who owed his political career entirely to his father, was an unconvicted perpetrator of DUI manslaughter, a drunk, adulterer (many times over), and failed Presidential candidate (many times over) says it's a good idea, we should get on it right away.
I'm not even a Kennedy hater; I just think we need to get a sense of perspective here. Policy priorities should not change because some dude kicks off.
August 28, 2009 12:04 PM | Reply | Permalink