Senator Ted Kennedy – A Statement from President Barack Obama

I signed up for the barackobama.com mailing list last summer before the election, so I get e-mails pretty regularly.  To be honest, I skim – if not completely ignore – the vast majority of them.  This one, however, I wasn’t about to skip.

photo credit: Nieve44/La Luz

I needed to know how the President was going to respond to the passing of the last Kennedy brother.  I wanted the comfort of knowing that he, of all people, really understood the impact that JFK, Bobby and Ted Kennedy had on the American existence so many take for granted these days.

After reading the statement, I believe he does understand.  I believe he understands what is worth fighting for.  I believe he shares Ted Kennedy’s fundamental passion and understanding of the need for Americans to be able to rely on a universal health care system.

And I believe that Ted Kennedy will now be whispering in the ears of Democrats throughout Congress accomplish what couldn’t be accomplished in his lifetime – to provide a health care system that all Americans can have trust and confidence in; to rise to the challenge already met by other nations like Great Britain, France and Canada.

Below is a transcript of the President’s e-mail dated August 26th, 2009:

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly 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.

His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives — in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education’s promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.

In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that’s one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

I personally 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 benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we’ve all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.

For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. 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.

Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.

Sincerely,
President Barack Obama

Ted Kennedy dedicated his life to public service – to fighting for the civil rights and fundamental human rights that everyone should enjoy equally.  Based President Obama’s statement, it’s clear he understands what is at stake here and will ultimately live up to the promise that Americans are worth the time, effort and money required to help every individual live and die with dignity, as Senator Kennedy did.

This is a huge issue.  It is a building block toward strengthening the foundation of democracy that has continued to erode over the past decade.  America didn’t change on 09/11.  America changed long before 09/11.  We became a nation of “haves” vs. “have nots” years and years before.  Somewhere along the way those in power lost compassion for mainstream America.

Career politicians forget what their basic objectives are supposed to be.  Along the way many elected officials adopted the grand misconception that they are in Washington to represent their interests, to fatten their own wallets and hobnob with other high dollar/low character members of the “Masters of the Universe” club.

In reality, these officials are supposed to be there representing us – the constituents who elected them to office.  The vast majority of them don’t have the first clue what it means to be a “public servant”.  They haven’t the compassion, empathy, decency or judgment to legislate based on what is best for their constituency.

There weren’t enough Ted Kennedys in Washington before Senator Kennedy passed away.  I now fear what will happen if no one picks up that baton.  Someone has to run with it…someone has to continue fighting the good fight for all of America. Mr. President, right now, that someone is you…