(no subject)
Yesterday Senator Kennedy passed away. I think far too many people are focused on his failings...the list of things he has done for both our Commonwealth and the country is seemingly endless. In spite of all the trials he went through, Kennedy has provided an inspiration to all of us. We would do well to always remember him and to ensure that, in his own words, "the dream shall never die."
What is that dream? Everyone has their own answer, though I think we can draw some inferences from Kennedy's work in the Senate. There is the dream of a country in which adequate health care is a right and not the privilege of those who can afford it. A dream of better schools that will once again prepare American students to lead the world in science and innovation. A dream like Dr. King's, in which one day we will be able to put down the barriers that divide us, whether they be race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disabilities, or anything else. A dream in which our elected officials serve the best interests of their constituents and not their campaign doners. A dream of a country in which everyone has value, everyone deserves a chance to live a good life, and everyone is served by their government.
In my opinion, there is no higher calling than public service, whether you be a doctor, a member of the armed forces, or a politician of good will.
Kennedy was the "liberal lion," a figure whose life's work left him to tower above all others. Now it will fall to others to carry the torch forward. It does not matter if you are a liberal or a conservative, a socialist or a libertarian...we should all be able to agree that we want a better tomorrow for our children.
The end of Kennedy's presidential concession speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1980 has always stuck with me: For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.
This is a sad day, but also one of renewal. We should reflect back on those who have come before and think about how we will be remembered when we are gone. For all of his detractors, Kennedy touched the lives of millions of people in countless ways. No one can be perfect. And in the absence of perfection, what better virtue, what higher cause is there to have than a dedication to helping those in need.
There is much work to be done and we all have a part to play, big or small.
What is that dream? Everyone has their own answer, though I think we can draw some inferences from Kennedy's work in the Senate. There is the dream of a country in which adequate health care is a right and not the privilege of those who can afford it. A dream of better schools that will once again prepare American students to lead the world in science and innovation. A dream like Dr. King's, in which one day we will be able to put down the barriers that divide us, whether they be race, gender, age, sexual orientation, disabilities, or anything else. A dream in which our elected officials serve the best interests of their constituents and not their campaign doners. A dream of a country in which everyone has value, everyone deserves a chance to live a good life, and everyone is served by their government.
In my opinion, there is no higher calling than public service, whether you be a doctor, a member of the armed forces, or a politician of good will.
Kennedy was the "liberal lion," a figure whose life's work left him to tower above all others. Now it will fall to others to carry the torch forward. It does not matter if you are a liberal or a conservative, a socialist or a libertarian...we should all be able to agree that we want a better tomorrow for our children.
The end of Kennedy's presidential concession speech at the Democratic National Convention in 1980 has always stuck with me: For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.
This is a sad day, but also one of renewal. We should reflect back on those who have come before and think about how we will be remembered when we are gone. For all of his detractors, Kennedy touched the lives of millions of people in countless ways. No one can be perfect. And in the absence of perfection, what better virtue, what higher cause is there to have than a dedication to helping those in need.
There is much work to be done and we all have a part to play, big or small.