A few hours ago, Senator Ted Kennedy lost his battle with brain cancer. The "Lion of the Senate", despite being a child of wealth, power and privilege, was one of the best friends that the poor, the powerless and the underprivileged would ever know. He was a tireless and singularly effective advocate in the Senate for those who sought nothing more from their country than the justice for all that it purports to offer.
The study in contradictions that is Senator Edward Moore Kennedy extends well beyond being powerful yet devoting his career to fighting for the little guy. He was one of the last unreconstructed liberals in the Senate, yet no one was more effective at reaching across the aisle and cooperating with conservative Republicans to get things done. Also, despite whatever shortcomings he may have had in his personal behavior, he was revered by other Senators of every political stripe for being a man of his word. If he made a deal, he stuck to it. While that may sound unremarkable, it's a sad truth that unflagging integrity like that is all too rare in or out of Congress (but especially in).
For his work on health care, civil rights, education, and his efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities, those earning minimum wage, and the disenfranchised who asked for nothing more than to be treated fairly, America owes Senator Kennedy an enormous debt of gratitude.
Rest in peace, Senator -- and thank you.
