RIP Teddy Kennedy...

[bjornolf]

For any of you who know me, or have followed my arguments, you know that I tend to the conservative side of moderate. However, it is always sad when people lose their battles with cancer, so I say, RIP Mr. Kennedy. This brings to an end the Kennedy reign in US politics, unless you count Arnold, and I doubt any of the Kennedys want to claim him. I will say a little prayer for your family today.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090826/us_nm/us_kennedy

[YmoBeThere]

He does have a son Patrick who is serving in the House as a representative for Rhode Island.

[bjornolf]

Yeah, but Teddy and his brothers were political royalty back in the day. So, unless Patrick rebuilds the family from the ground up and becomes a lot bigger than a representative from Rhode Island, I think it's safe to say that it's winding down.

[CameronBornAndBred]

Saw the news when I woke up, it caught me by surprise. I knew he was sick, but there was no public indication he was doing worse. I know he very recently pushed that his successor be named quickly, instead of the 5-6 month delay that it would normally take.

[Miles]

RIP Mr. Kennedy.

[windsor]

I had surmised when he did not attend his sister's funeral that he was very ill. I am still saddened.

I had the opportunity to meet the Senator at a Washington event a few years ago. It was an honor and a privilege. We had a 20 minute conversation (on health care) that was one of the most intelligent conversations I have ever had. He was intelligent, curious and genuinely made you believe he cared what you thought. One of those rare people that just has a presence. Until that day I considered him something of a drunken buffoon – I changed my tune pretty darn quick.

The Senate loses its last lion….Rest In Peace Senator.

[DukieInKansas]

Condolences to his family. No matter where you fall politically, Ted was an important part of politics for 40+ years. His service in government is appreciated.

[captmojo]

Condolences to his family. No matter where you fall politically, Ted was an important part of politics for 40+ years. His service in government is appreciated.

I'm agreed. Probably but for the surgeons at DMC, he would have been gone sooner.

[CathyCA]

It is the end of an era.

I imagine that his brothers and sisters greeted him just beyond the pearly gates and then challenged Teddy to a game of touch football. There's sadness here, but there's joy in heaven today.

[YmoBeThere]

Yeah, but Teddy and his brothers were political royalty back in the day. So, unless Patrick rebuilds the family from the ground up and becomes a lot bigger than a representative from Rhode Island, I think it's safe to say that it's winding down.

Patrick is younger than I so I for one won't be so quick to dismiss him.

[TillyGalore]

Yeah, but Teddy and his brothers were political royalty back in the day. So, unless Patrick rebuilds the family from the ground up and becomes a lot bigger than a representative from Rhode Island, I think it's safe to say that it's winding down.

Patrick is younger than I so I for one won't be so quick to dismiss him.

But with the demons Patrick is battling, not sure he will be able to go as far as his father did in politics. Or life. I worry that he too will succumb to the Kennedy curse.

[bjornolf]

Yeah, but Teddy and his brothers were political royalty back in the day. So, unless Patrick rebuilds the family from the ground up and becomes a lot bigger than a representative from Rhode Island, I think it's safe to say that it's winding down.

Patrick is younger than I so I for one won't be so quick to dismiss him.

Probably depends on how motivated and ambitious he is. If he went into politics because he's driven and that's what he really wants, then yea, I agree. However, if he went in because it was easy and he had easy ins thanks to his pedigree and its what he thought would make his family happy, then I don't see him going very far. He wouldn't be the first to do that. Of course I have no idea, I don't know the guy at all.

[Bostondevil]

It's the end of an era for me as well. I have been represented by either Jesse Helms or Ted Kennedy since 1973. I've always wanted to see the short list of issues where they voted the same way.

I shall miss Senator Kennedy.