The Kennedy Thread

[Marx]

JOHN BOEHNER issues statement

The people of Massachusetts and the United States Congress have lost a tireless public servant.

Ted Kennedy was my friend. While there were few political issues on which he and I agreed, our relationship was never disagreeable, and was always marked by good humor, hard work, and a desire to find common ground.

Ted Kennedy was also a friend to inner-city children and teachers. For the better part of the last decade, Ted and I worked together to support struggling Catholic grade schools in inner-city Washington. By helping these schools keep their doors open and helping them retain their committed teachers and faculty, this joint effort made a positive difference in the lives of thousands of inner-city children, who otherwise would have been denied the opportunity for a quality education. It wouldn’t have been possible without Senator Kennedy and his genuine desire to give something back to help inner-city students in the city in which he’d served for so many years. I’m proud to have worked with Senator Kennedy on this project, and I will dearly miss his friendship and his partnership in this cause.

Debbie and I extend our thoughts and prayers to Vicki and the entire Kennedy family at this difficult time.

NANCY PELOSI issues statement

Today, with the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, the American people have lost a great patriot, and the Kennedy family has lost a beloved patriarch. Over a lifetime of leadership, Senator Kennedy's statesmanship and political prowess produced a wealth of accomplishment that has improved opportunity for every American.

Senator Kennedy had a grand vision for America, and an unparalleled ability to effect change. Rooted in his deep patriotism, his abiding faith, and his deep concern for the least among us, no one has done more than Senator Kennedy to educate our children, care for our seniors, and ensure equality for all Americans.

JOE LIEBERMAN issues statement

Ted Kennedy was a gifted, inspiring, irresistible man, a great American public servant, and a real Master of the Senate. What he said of his brother Bob was true of him: Ted saw wrong and tried to right it, he saw suffering and tried to heal it. A passionate Democrat, he nonetheless was at the center of great bipartisan accomplishments over the last five decades of American public life. He knew when to stand and advocate and when to sit and negotiate. That's why he got so much done.

I was inspired into public service by his brother John and so it was a real personal thrill and honor to work alongside Ted Kennedy in the U.S. Senate, to learn from him, and to laugh — and occasionally roar — with him.

Hadassah and I mourn the passing of Ted Kennedy, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to Vicki, Kara, Patrick, and Ted Jr, and promise them we will keep Ted and them in our prayers.

SARAH PALIN issues statement

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.

ROBERT BYRD issues statement

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.

Senator Kennedy and I both witnessed too many wars in our lives, and believed too strongly in the Constitution of the United States to allow us to go blindly into war. That is why we stood side by side in the Senate against the war in Iraq.

Neither years of age nor years of political combat, nor his illness, diminished the idealism and energy of this talented, imaginative, and intelligent man. And that is the kind of Senator Ted Kennedy was.

Throughout his career, Senator Kennedy believed in a simple premise: that our society's greatness lies in its ability and willingness to provide for its less fortunate members. Whether striving to increase the minimum wage, ensuring that all children have medical insurance, or securing better access to higher education, Senator Kennedy always showed that he cares deeply for those whose needs exceed their political clout. Unbowed by personal setbacks or by the terrible sorrows that have fallen upon his family, his spirit continued to soar, and he continued to work as hard as ever to make his dreams a reality.

In his honor and as a tribute to his commitment to his ideals, let us stop the shouting and name calling and have a civilized debate on health care reform which I hope, when legislation has been signed into law, will bear his name for his commitment to insuring the health of every American.

God bless his wife Vicki, his family, and the institution that he served so ably, which will never be the same without his voice of eloquence and reason. And God bless you Ted. I love you and will miss you terribly.

In my autobiography I wrote that during a visit to West Virginia in 1968 to help dedicate the “Robert F. Kennedy Youth Center” in Morgantown, Senator Kennedy’s voice quivered with emotion as he talked of his late brothers and their love for West Virginia. ‘These hills, these people, and this state have had a very special meaning for my family. Our lives have been tightly intertwined with yours.

I am sure the people of the great state of West Virginia join me in expressing our heartfelt condolences to the Kennedy family at this moment of deep sorrow.

 

[donk70]

Survivng an accident? Please. For even one as partisan as you, that is stretching it. He fled from the scene, by his own account made no attempt to rescue the girl from VERY shallow water, and then did not report it for nine hours. Surviving an accident my ass.

So how is that murder?

I can see it being called manslaughter, but not murder.

 

[Marx]

R.I.P. Ted Kennedy.

BTW, isn't his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver? She hasn't been in good health lately either.

Yes. Eunice recently passed away as well.

 

[BMM]

R.I.P. Ted Kennedy.

BTW, isn't his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver? She hasn't been in good health lately either.

She died two weeks ago.

 

[Nightwing 52]

R.I.P., Ted. Odd enough he gave his speech at the Demoractic convention last year on August 25th and now a year later, died on the same day..

 

[StorminNorman]

That's how I feel. The man deserves some respect from his death.

It's a shame liberal posters on this forum didn't allow the same respect given to Bob Novac who was a far more impressive character.

 

[Hobodeluxe]

Using someone's death for a shameless political power move is ****ing disgusting.

A man's death should be treated as a man's death, and devoid of this type of political ********.

what? he was a politician who's life's work was this cause and he wanted it to be his legacy.

It's an honorific.

 

[Marlboro Man]

Agreed. So if I'm not mistaken, there has to be a special election within 6 months to fill the seat, right? Mass. Democrats changed it to keep Romney from being able to pick a successor for Kerry if Kerry had defeated Bush. Still, my money says Kennedy's son, Patrick, who already is in the house will run and win the seat.

Patrick Kennedy is from Rhode Island.

 

[Hobodeluxe]

It's a shame liberal posters on this forum didn't allow the same respect given to Bob Novac who was a far more impressive character.

Well I didn't say a word about him then.

He was a partisan political reporter. He did dirty deeds for his friends.
He endangered CIA operatives around the world by exposing Brewster-Jennings as a CIA front company and quite possibly endangered us all by shutting down one of our best nuclear non-proliferation outfits.

If that's what impresses you then so be it.

 

[Marlboro Man]

It's a shame liberal posters on this forum didn't allow the same respect given to Bob Novac who was a far more impressive character.

On the list of unforgiveable crimes, treason > manslaughter.

Bob Novak was a traitor and deserves no respect.

 

[chaseter]

Using someone's death for a shameless political power move is ****ing disgusting.

A man's death should be treated as a man's death, and devoid of this type of political ********.

I agree 100%. I cannot believe Hobo even suggested that, extremely disgusting. You know the Democrats are going to sink to the depths and use Ted's legacy and name to ****e out their bias...shameful.

 

[Paradyme]

I agree 100%. I cannot believe Hobo even suggested that, extremely disgusting. You know the Democrats are going to sink to the depths and use Ted's legacy and name to ****e out their bias...shameful.

Erm...

Byrd: Rename health care bill for Kennedy

Ailing Senator Robert Byrd, one of only two to have served longer than Kennedy, suggests in an emotional statement renaming the pending health care legislation for the late Massachusetts Senator:

In his honor and as a tribute to his commitment to his ideals, let us stop the shouting and name calling and have a civilized debate on health care reform which I hope, when legislation has been signed into law, will bear his name for his commitment to insuring the health of every American.

​

.............

http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0809/Byrd_Rename_health_care_bill_for_Kennedy.html

 

[Marx]

CHUCK SCHUMER issues statement

Ted Kennedy was a mentor, a guiding light, and a close friend — we all loved the man. In the Senate, Ted Kennedy was our sun – the center of our universe. To be pulled by his strong gravitational field, to bask in his warmth was a privilege, an honor, and, for many of us, even a life changing experience. His death leaves our world dark but, as he said in his own words, ‘the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.’ Ted, we will not let your flag fall.

DICK DURBIN issues statement

Today there is an empty chair in our Senate and an empty feeling in our hearts.

We all waited expectantly during Ted's struggle with cancer for the Senate doors to swing wide and that great Irish spirit to once again return.

His voice roared as he battled for the poor and the victims of injustice yet he had a smile that could light a room, a laugh that would draw a crowd and a heart always ready to share your sorrow. America was blessed to have the gift of Ted Kennedy and I was blessed to count him as a friend.

 

[chaseter]

Well holy ****, they jumped on that quicker than I thought. They didn't even give the man 6 hours of respect before they threw his name of stuff they want done.

 

[Marx]

I agree 100%. I cannot believe Hobo even suggested that, extremely disgusting. You know the Democrats are going to sink to the depths and use Ted's legacy and name to ****e out their bias...shameful.

...and let's not pretend that the Republicans wouldn't do the exact same thing if one of their beloved party members died.

 

[Marlboro Man]

Robert Byrd needs to die.

 

[chaseter]

...and let's not pretend that the Republicans wouldn't do the exact same thing.

Of course not, you know me. I hate both sides. I am sure they did the same with Reagan.

 

[Marlboro Man]

...and let's not pretend that the Republicans would do the exact same thing.

They only try to name every street and park and airport after Ronald Reagan :heart:

 

[Marx]

Well holy ****, they jumped on that quicker than I thought. They didn't even give the man 6 hours of respect before they threw his name of stuff they want done.

Pelosi was rumored to be sending out massive emails at 230am this morning encouraging everyone to support health care in the name of Teddy Kennedy.

 

[chaseter]

I could understand it if they did it purely in remembrance of him, but I know damn well that the little thought of using his name to rally everyone around failing legislation to get is passed went through her head and she smiled.

 

[Marx]

FORMER PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON issues statement

Senator Ted Kennedy was one of the most influential leaders of our time, and one of the greatest senators in American history. His big heart, sharp mind, and boundless energy were gifts he gave to make our democracy a more perfect union.

As President, I was thankful for his fierce advocacy for universal health care and his leadership in providing health coverage to millions of children.

His tireless efforts have brought us to the threshold of real health care reform. I was also grateful for his efforts, often in partnership with Republicans as well as Democrats, to advance civil rights, promote religious freedom, make college more affordable, and give young Americans the opportunity to serve at home in Americorp. I am glad the bill President Obama signed to expand Americorp and other youth service opportunities is named the Edward M. Kennedy Serve America Act. Through it, his commitment to public service will live on in millions of young people across our nation.

Hillary and I will always be grateful for the many gestures of kindness and generosity he extend to us, for the concern he showed for all the children and grandchildren of the Kennedy clan, and for his devotion to all those in need whose lives were better because he stood up for them. Our thoughts and prayers are with Vicki, his children and grandchildren, and the people of Massachusetts he served so well.

CHRIS DODD issues statement

I’m not sure America has ever had a greater Senator, but I know for certain that no one has had a greater friend than I and so many others did in Ted Kennedy.

I will always remember Teddy as the ultimate example for all of us who seek to serve, a hero for those Americans in the shadow of life who so desperately needed one.

He worked tirelessly to lift Americans out of poverty, advance the cause of civil rights, and provide opportunity to all. He fought to the very end for the cause of his life – ensuring that all Americans have the health care they need.

The commitment to build a stronger and fairer America, a more perfect union, was deeply ingrained in the fiber of who he was, and what he believed in, and why he served.

That’s why he stands among the most respected Senators in history. But it was his sympathetic ear, his razor wit, and his booming, raucous laugh that made him among the most beloved.

Whatever tragedy befell Teddy’s family, he would always be there for them. Whatever tragedy befell the family of one of his friends, he would always be there for us. And in this moment of profound grief, our hearts are with his wonderful wife Vicki, his fantastic kids Ted Jr., Patrick, Kara, Curran, and Caroline, his grandchildren, and the wide and wonderful extended family for whom he was always a safe harbor.

“I will miss him every day I serve, and every day I live.

 

[Marx]

I could understand it if they did it purely in remembrance of him, but I know damn well that the little thought of using his name to rally everyone around failing legislation to get is passed went through her head and she smiled.

I cannot stand Pelosi, I think everyone here knows that...but I do think renaming the bill after Ted Kennedy is more than appropriate. This was a cause that he has fought for for many decades.

 

[Marx]

UPDATE: Senator Ted Kennedy will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery

 

[Hobodeluxe]

I agree 100%. I cannot believe Hobo even suggested that, extremely disgusting. You know the Democrats are going to sink to the depths and use Ted's legacy and name to ****e out their bias...shameful.

you sir are a mean and vindictive sort to skew this man's last wish into your partisan agenda.

how is it not honoring his legacy to use his name to promote his own agenda?
I feel sorry for people like you. SO full of hate.
That you'd think that speaks volumes for your character.
and that goes for anyone else here who wishes to deny this man his last wish.

If a person's death furthers their own agenda it's not "****ing it out"

I think you're just afraid this will push the last few fence straddlers in the direction you don't want to them to go.

Selfish,partisan and petty.

 

[chaseter]

Oh yeah, it is totally in remembrance of him to slap his name on partisan legislation that is failing. I am sure no one in Washington ever thought that name association would shine a better light on a bad situation.

This isn't naming a park or street after the man, this is using his legacy to pass something that is falling through. That is disgusting. If this bill has unanimous support and was loved by the vast majority, then it should be named in his honor.