When Warren Zevon was dying from cancer, he claimed that he wouldn't die until he got to see the next James Bond movie. He made that goal, and a little beyond. It was obvious that Ted Kennedy was set to vote on Health Care reform. That wasn't to be. But his legacy will certainly influence how the debate plays out from this point forward. And even if there were nothing else, that would establish him as one of the Good Guys. But there is more; a lot more.
Edward Kennedy is already being eulogized vastly better than I could do here. Most of those eulogies involve using his own impressive words, from a life spent helping, serving and showing others what leadership should look like. The simple truth is, I didn't know the man, other than as a Senator and a fine leader in that august body. That he earned respect (and some fear) on both sides of the aisle is a testament to the man's legacy as a serious leader in that circus of clowns we call 'the Senate'. The Good is that Senator Kennedy's legacy is so potent it will likely be fondly remembered far longer than that of his more distinguished brothers.
The Bad: many of those opposed to that aforementioned legacy have been gracious concerning his passing. At least for now. That includes Our Unhinged Lady of the Concentration Camps, strangely enough. Too many others, however, seem in competition to see who can sully Kennedy's legacy the harshest and quickest. Their work is almost cloned from each other. 'His works were not good works because he was not a good man.' I don't need to point out how backward that kind of Ad Hominem is. But then again, backwards thinking is the bread and butter of these folks. Their complaints will be long forgotten before the Congress ever forgets the legacy of Ted Kennedy.
The Ugly: As the right fumes over the fact that Health Care reform, part of Kennedy's life work, might actually bear his name, at least one is already dismissing his role in defense of the mob.
Meet Jeb Hensarling (idiot, Texas):
Funny, I don't remember any elections held this August. One has to wonder what kind of fool would invoke "honor" while promoting a complete disregard for a founding tenet of our Country. Democracy isn't a hollow word to be sullied by misuse of those who've vowed to serve the Constitution ... except to Jeb, apparently. That alone does more dishonor to Kennedy's legacy and America than any ranting about alcohol abuse from online wingnuts.
…like we’ve all been saying, it’s not a good proposition. Look at Canada and all other countries that have this type of health reform…it’s not beneficial to folks who truly need good and quick health attention.
(I don't mind contrary opinions. But don't put spam in the URL. Do that again and it's a one-way ticket to the spam filter. W)
Posted by: bblack | August 27, 2009 at 02:24 PM