The Kennedy Thread

[Marx]

UPDATE #2: Kennedy will lie in repose in Boston, buried in Arlington

Three sources close to the Kennedy family say Sen. Ted Kennedy will lie in repose at the John F. Kennedy presidential library in Boston.

A procession Friday will travel from the library to the Mission Church in Boston, where a funeral mass will be held. Kennedy will be buried Saturday at Arlington National Cemetery, also the final resting place of his brothers John and Robert Kennedy.

 

[chaseter]

I bet his funeral has a massive turnout.

I just hope, I sincerely hope, that no one at his funeral mentions this healthcare bill.

 

[VampElvis]

Yeah, but who gets in the ground first? He or MJ?

 

[Marx]

I bet his funeral has a massive turnout.

I just hope, I sincerely hope, that no one at his funeral mentions this healthcare bill.

I agree. Political posturing should be off limits at his funeral.

 

[chaseter]

Yeah, but who gets in the ground first? He or MJ?

They will parade around MJ as long as they can to make money, which is also despicable.

 

[Hobodeluxe]

I bet his funeral has a massive turnout.

I just hope, I sincerely hope, that no one at his funeral mentions this healthcare bill.

why? It's his life's work. That would be like not mentioning spinal cord injuries at Chris Reeve's funeral.
Or civil rights at MLK's funeral.

You just hope and pray that his death doesn't promote his life's work for your own partisan purposes.
admit it.
you're not concerned his legacy would be tainted by politics.
you're worried this will help his cause and hurt yours.

selfish,partisan,petty

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Who badmouthed Novac here?

And if you have something to say on Kennedy, say it. Not like you'll have your tounge cut off.

Atleast...I don't think so...

 

[Marx]

TIM KAINE issues statement

Today we mourn the loss of one the greatest and most consequential political figures in American history with the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy.

Senator Kennedy was adored by millions of Americans and was respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his energy, his passion, his humor, his compassion, his friendship and above all his commitment to serve his country in pursuit of a more common good for every American.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Senator Kennedy devoted his entire adult life – in the great tradition of the Kennedy family – to public service. And, in his forty-six years in the Senate, Senator Kennedy's primary focus – and the legacy he will be most remembered for – will be his work to improve the plight of ordinary Americans, to empower the powerless and to end the scourge of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and economic background that was all too prevalent in an earlier time.

For his efforts to ensure civil and voting rights for minorities to equal rights for women, Senator Kennedy was a champion. For providing health care to millions of our nation's children to fighting for the cause and rights of workers and organized labor, Senator Kennedy was a hero. For working to improve education and educational opportunities for children and college students to fighting for the security and dignity of older Americans, Senator Kennedy was an icon. And, for his career-long pursuit of quality, affordable health care for every American, a cause he was devoted to until the very end, Senator Kennedy was an inspiration to millions of Americans who are fighting today for that just cause.

In the Senate, he was called the Lion. To the Democratic Party whose values and ideals were embodied in and shaped by this great man, he was a giant. To the American people, he will be remembered as one of the greatest and most accomplished legislators in American history. And to his family he will be remembered as a father, a husband, an uncle, a brother, a grandfather and a friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kennedy family as we mourn the loss and celebrate the extraordinary life of Senator Edward Moore Kennedy.

JUDD GREGG issues statement

Today America lost an extraordinary leader, a legendary political force, and the patriarch of one of the greatest families in American history. For nearly half a century, Ted Kennedy has tirelessly served our nation during one of the most transformative times in history. He has been a leading voice for advancing civil rights, social welfare, and health care – and has always worked humbly to assist those who are less fortunate.

In the Senate, Ted and I had a remarkable working relationship, and a friendship I will always cherish. We served on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, alternating as Chairman and Ranking Member as the party majorities switched. During this time Ted was always willing to not only reach across the aisle, but had the unique ability to pull people together to get things done, with both substance and a great sense of humor. He was undoubtedly one of the single most effective senators in this history of our country and the impact of his loss will be felt far beyond the halls of Washington or the streets of Hyannis Port. Where his booming voice once echoed through the Senate, there will now be a resounding echo from this great loss, but his memory will never leave us.

 

[Marx]

ORINN G. HATCH issues statement

Today America lost a great elder statesman, a committed public servant, and leader of the Senate. And today I lost a treasured friend.

Ted Kennedy was an iconic, larger than life United States senator whose influence cannot be overstated. Many have come before, and many will come after, but Ted Kennedy's name will always be remembered as someone who lived and breathed the United States Senate and the work completed within its chamber.

FORMER BRITISH PRIME MINISTER TONY BLAIR issues statement

Senator Kennedy was a figure who inspired admiration, respect and devotion, not just in America but around the world.

He was a true public servant committed to the values of fairness, justice and opportunity. "I saw his focus and determination first hand in Northern Ireland where his passionate commitment was matched with a practical understanding of what needed to be done to bring about peace and to sustain it. I was delighted he could join us in Belfast the day devolved government was restored.

My thoughts and prayers today are with all his family and friends as they reflect on the loss of a great and good man.

 

[chaseter]

why? It's his life's work. That would be like not mentioning spinal cord injuries at Chris Reeve's funeral.
Or civil rights at MLK's funeral.

You just hope and pray that his death doesn't promote his life's work for your own partisan purposes.
admit it.
you're not concerned his legacy would be tainted by politics.
you're worried this will help his cause and hurt yours.

selfish,partisan,petty

Yeah, totally petty to not want people using his death as a driving force to support failing legislation that the majority of the public are against.

I also didn't know that despising both sides, not being fully involved in either politcal party, and neither fully supporting the majority of either party's politics is partisan I guess I am an indepedent partisan I guess I am partisan to the middle

Show the man respect for at least 24 damn hours instead of thinking of ways to pass legislation. If you think that is acceptable, so be it. You see an opportunity like Pelosi.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Well, he is right though. It was his life's work. That much I know is true.

 

[chaseter]

I already said that if this current bill was revered and accepted by the majority and it was a true compromise that benefited everyone then I would see no problem in naming it after him. I do see a problem in using his name to put something in a positive light to get it passed. The accusation that Pelosi was mass e-mailing minutes after his death prooves the latter.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

Are you new to politics?

 

[chaseter]

No, just tired of it.

 

[Hobodeluxe]

Yeah, totally petty to not want people using his death as a driving force to support failing legislation that the majority of the public are against.

I also didn't know that despising both sides, not being fully involved in either politcal party, and neither fully supporting the majority of either party's politics is partisan I guess I am an indepedent partisan I guess I am partisan to the middle

Show the man respect for at least 24 damn hours instead of thinking of ways to pass legislation. If you think that is acceptable, so be it. You see an opportunity like Pelosi.

you're not an independent in the middle

I am.

 

[Hobodeluxe]

No, just tired of it.

My advice to you would be to avoid the political threads then.

 

[ChrisBaleBatman]

No, just tired of it.

Agreed.

But, politicians being heartless, opportunistic *****ebags isn't a new revelation.

 

[chaseter]

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA...sorry.

Anyways, I agree to disagree so that this thread can be in remembrance of Ted and be filled with loving responses instead of bickering.

 

[chaseter]

Agreed.

But, politicians being heartless, opportunistic *****ebags isn't a new revelation.

Nope, but I am tired of sitting on the sidelines watching the crap so I stood up and starting calling it out. Me being more active in tired politics is what all Americans need to do instead of thinking they have no voice.

My advice to you would be to avoid the political threads then.

Yeah you totally misinterpreted that.

 

[Matt]

you're not an independent in the middle

I am.

 

[Marlboro Man]

you're not an independent in the middle

I am.

Haha.

Good one.

 

[Kelly]

Kennedy was an important and fantastic Senator, though a terrible person. Many of American's most influential people were less-than-stellar people though, so I can't be too hard on him for that.

Washington is worse off for this loss.

Co-Sign....

 

[Kelly]

Let the man rest in peace, let his family bury him in private, and love him in public. Let the Senate do its job, and rather than name a bill that the American people seem to not want....let the Senate do their job, and come up with a Bi-Partisan bill that the American people can applaud, and in turn....name it after Kennedy and allow his name to be used with honor on an honorable bill, not to simply push something through the Senate in order to further the agenda of a party, but to further the betterment of our country. The Senate to honor him by doing what he did best, work in a bi-partisan fashion to pass a bill that is best for the American people.

 

[The Chairman]

It's a sad loss for America politically, but I kind of have to agree with Matt as far as him being an overall person. Political accomplishments are ultimately a small reflection of a man's character.

I'm not glad that Kennedy's dead, but aside from the fact that we lost a truly devoted politician, I can't say I'm particularly remorseful.

 

[Kurosawa]

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.

Would Ted want it named after him if it helped it pass, if it got it done?

I think we know the answer to that.