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The senator noticed my shiny, smooth-belly-ostrich cowboy boots and joked, with a big smile and a warm demeanor that I could not have expected, that I “must be the page from New York, for Clinton.”

n Wednesday, we lost a mainstay of modern American politics. For almost half a century, Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy championed what his heart told him was just.

Breaking legislative deadlocks, forging unsuspected political alliances, and advancing urgent – by some accounts importunate – initiatives, he left his mark, as his legacy will continue to do for some time.

Although his life was occasionally marred by scandal and controversy, Senator Kennedy found stability in Victoria Reggie and, we would hope, laid his inner demons to rest when he publicly recognized, and apologized for, his “own shortcomings: the faults in the conduct of [his] private life.”

A large measure of Kennedy’s political success owed to his sincere and tireless passion. Whether one appraises his beliefs as laudable or one views them as misinformed, Kennedy’s stature as a public servant can hardly be questioned—at least regarding the degree to which he attempted to achieve all he promised his constituents.

I had the pleasure of meeting Ted Kennedy while serving as a Senate Page for John Cornyn (R-Texas). I had been waiting downstairs of the Capitol – near the trams that whisk staffers and politicians to and from the Hill – notifying the Republican cloakroom of the various senators on their way to a vote. As I began to proceed to the Senate chambers, I found myself walking next to the Senate lion himself.

After exchanging a short “good day,” the senator noticed my shiny, smooth-belly-ostrich cowboy boots and joked, with a big smile and a warm demeanor that I could not have expected, that I “must be the page from New York, for Clinton.” I laughed and rejoined that I was, rather, paging for the man who equated gay marriage with civil unions between men and “box turtles.” Ted chuckled as we headed towards the elevator on the way up to the Senate floor.

I then informed the senator that my boots were actually out of dress code for pages and that I’d been reprimanded on a few occasions—much to the amusement of the boot-bedight senators Cornyn, Enzi, and Lott. I told him I didn’t mind as my boots, which have been in my family for years, are a source of my pride and represent who I am. I’ll never forget his response:

“Well, as an outspoken person, you’ll soon learn that your confidence in your character and convictions, whatever they are, will never please everyone. I guess if we please everyone we never truly fight for someone.”

The elevator door opened and the senator promptly bid me goodbye as he made his way to the floor to fervidly fight for someone. I lingered in the elevator for a few seconds, humbled and inspired by the unexpected exchange.

This Saturday, Senator Kennedy will be buried at Arlington Cemetery. From a grave nearby and a plot looking down from a neighboring hill, Robert and John will welcome their brother home after all these years for continuing the impassioned legacy they had begun and to which they devoted their lives.

pbtaerodad
The passing of “The Lion of the Senate” aka splash: is that from his unplanned Oldsmobile Chappaquiddick backwater interface ending with the drowning of Mary Jo Kopechne, a young campaign worker for Robert F. Kennedy? Or from scotch whiskey being poured over ice? Senator Kennedy was considered an extremist by his brother John who in most ways was a middle of the roader / conservative on most defense and monetary policies. “Teddy this may fly in Massachusetts, but you won’t be able to sell it in the Midwest and the south.” Morally bankrupt in his personal life, the senator was an outspoken supporter of the elderly and the poor. Unfortunately his passions were directed to entitlement programs that did little more than ensure a continued growth of bureaucracy at the federal level and return a pittance to those that were targeted for the federal aid. On the plus side for the supporters of this type of wealth redistribution was an ever increasing political base that the senator and his allies could rely on. “Keep them dependent on the federal government and we can depend on their vote.” Senator Kennedy was not without admirable traits though. He was the “father figure” and actively involved in the lives of his many nieces and nephews. But often exhibiting poor judgment at times in these relationships by being a drinking buddy rather than an uncle. His love and obvious affection for his mother should be a model for all of us in regards to the personal responsibility that we all have for our aging relatives. Senator Kennedy was also known for reaching across “the aisle” in compromise with Senate Republicans on many important legislative issues. Unfortunately, many of these “statesmen” like agreements were much of the quid pro quo that our Senate and House of Representatives are famous for. “I will give up a few programs on this entitlement bill were debating, and I’m sure you will be able to offer us your support. I of course will support you and that worthless pork project in your state that is coming to committee next week.” We will never be able to determine how history will view Senator Ted Kennedy. But I fear that the record of that summer night in Martha’s vineyard over forty years ago, that subsequently dashed any real hope of rising to the presidency of the United States will be item 2 in any biographical commentary. Item 1 will be that he was the brother of President John F. Kennedy and son of ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy.
Posted 10:56 pm, Aug. 31, 2009 | Reply | Report Abuse
Theodore Nielsen
I have to say that the loss of the 'Lion of the Senate' will likely adversely impact Obama's push for healthcare initiatives. You're likely aware of Sen. Kennedy's tireless efforts on behalf of that political issue, and while on the 20th he requested a quick replacement, I strongly doubt the agenda will receive much traction from an empty seat.
Posted 4:22 pm, Aug. 30, 2009 | Reply

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