Bell Curve The Law Talking Guy Raised by Republicans U.S. West
Well, he's kind of had it in for me ever since I accidentally ran over his dog. Actually, replace "accidentally" with "repeatedly," and replace "dog" with "son."

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Rest in Peace

United States Senator Edward M. Kennedy (b. February 22, 1932 - d. August 25, 2009)

12 comments:

Raised By Republicans said...

He was a flawed man to be sure. But he accomplished an enormous amount of beneficial legislation - much of it co-sponsored with Republicans. And in the final analysis he arguably had a greater impact on our daily lives than either of his brothers - in whose shadow he lived.

I'm sure that Senator Kennedy was most concerned about the current attempt at health care reform. It was a top priority for him throughout his political career. I can only hope that his passing will have improve the determination of the Democrats to get some major reform passed. It wouldn't surprise me at all if the bill would now be named after him in some way.

We are fortunate that Massachusetts has a Democratic governor so that an appropriate replacement can be made. Let's hope it happens quickly enough to have the seat filled for the health care vote!

Raised By Republicans said...

I would also like to point out that his sister just passed away as we noted on this blog. http://thecitizens.blogspot.com/2009/08/eunice-kennedy-shriver-dies.html

It's been a rough month for the Kennedy family.

The Law Talking Guy said...

I am actually astonished at how saddened I am by this news. Actually, I have tears in my eyes, quite unexpectedly. Of all the Kennedys, he probably did the most for this country. Yet he was in the shadow of his dead brothers' glamor his whole life. A flawed man but in so many ways a redeemed man.

I do not think it is a coincidence that the Obama family chose to vacation at Martha's Vineyard this week. They knew.

FYI, I am quite certain the health insurance reform bill will now be called the Edward M. Kennedy bill with no complaint.

The Law Talking Guy said...

RBR, Mass must wait 145 days, sadly.

Raised By Republicans said...

If a health care reform bill fails by one vote in the Senate, I'll never forgive Joe Lieberman (on the assumption that it will be HIS vote that kills it).

The Law Talking Guy said...

Under current law, no appointment is possible. A special election must be held within 145-160 days. In this case, that means no earlier than January 18, 2010. I strongly suspect that when the Massachussetts General Court (legislature) returns from vacation on September 8, they will provide for an interim appointment by the governor. Massachussets has the most single-party legislature in teh country: Senate is 35D-5R, House is 143D-16R.

Who might be an interim appointee? While it would normally seem callous to ask about it now, what family is more political than the Kennedys? I wonder if they might just appoint Caroline Kennedy and have her agree to be just the interim seatwarmer.

Raised By Republicans said...

CNN mentioned his sons.

The Law Talking Guy said...

It is a bit crass to speculate, I know, but it is hard to resist, particularly given who the Kennedys are.

I don't know why more states don't adopt Wyoming's rule that requires the Governor to choose between three nominees chosen by the party of the Senator who has left office by resignation or death. This prevents party switches. Graft that onto a requirement for a special election in 180 days, and you've got a good formula.

Anonymous said...

I think he was the Perfect Gentleman...and a huge loss for us all. His eulogy for Bobby still echoes in my head...to hear a Kennedy speak, was to hear prose. He certainly did not go lightly into the night.

The Law Talking Guy said...

Although the Bushes produced two presidents, the GOP never had a family the likes of the Kennedys.

Raised By Republicans said...

Among the differences between the Kennedys and the Bushes: Where the Bushes produced two presidents and a governor, the Bushes had Neil Bush and his corrupt S&L deals. The Kennedys had Eunice Kennedy Shriver and the Special Olympics.

The Bushes give every indication of a family on the make and out for themselves. The Kennedys are a huge family with some flawed people but amongst those tragically human people, so many of them are dedicated to helping others.

I know Republicans don't see it that way. But I think the image of the Kennedys as being more concerned about others is fairly widespread.

The Law Talking Guy said...

Well, let's not forget Chappaquiddick, Marilyn Monroe, and William Kennedy Smith. The difference between greatness and mere success is not the lack of scandal or even some very bad deeds. Greatness is measured by what men and women aspire to do. The Kennedys wanted to do great things. The Bushes were always men of small dreams.