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.