Phillip wrote earlier this morning about the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. It is a sad day in America today and the U.S. Senate has lost a tremendous leader and the progressive movement has lost a long-time friend.
President Barack Obama issued a statement this morning upon hearing of the Ted Kennedy's passing:
Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.
I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.
An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.
And the Kennedy family has lost their patriarch, a tower of strength and support through good times and bad.
Our hearts and prayers go out to them today--to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.
In reading Phillip's post about Kennedy's last speech at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, I felt it necessary to post the video. There are too many great lines in there to quote individually.
When Sen. Kennedy first fell ill and suffered a seizure that, at the time, no one knew the cause of, I was just finishing up my graduation day at SUNY Fredonia. It was news that I hoped wouldn't be bad news, but days later it was revealed that brain cancer was the culprit of the tumor.
The Senate has big shoes to fill. But that can wait while we remember the life of a man who championed some of the most progressive legislation in our nation's history.
And one day, in Sen. Kennedy's honor and to achieve a goal he stated forcefully at the DNC last year, we will ensure that health care is a right and that every man, woman and child in the United States of America enjoys that right.
