On August 25, 2009, Senator Edward M. Kennedy died, due to the effects of brain cancer, a malignant glioma for which no known cure exists. Mr. Kennedy fought a brave last fight.
[Legislatively, Ted Kennedy personified the decades-long, political journey toward national, all-citizen covered Health Care Insurance. It would be interesting to hear his comments on how Congress (esp. his Senate colleagues on either side of the aisle) has approached the matter, given its recent penchant for - typically - a watered down plan touted as "reform". Of course, as of Jan. 1, 2010, that is exactly what has happened].
I respect Senator Kennedy's clear and valiant commitment to civil rights and his career-long quest to help all American citizens become covered by guaranteed U.S health care, "a right and not a privilege". It is ironic that this passionate advocate of universal health care for the citizens should, in the end, have been afflicted himself with such a difficult and terminal diagnosis, and which no amount of personal wealth could ever alter.
This week, I have returned to Arlington to re-visit, and to find some new reflection by viewing Senator Kennedy's final resting place.
It is quite a powerful impression: seeing all three Kennedy brothers sleeping in the same location. I believe time and events have already suggested that Ted Kennedy achieved more than his two predeceased brothers, for obvious reasons.
Kevin Martin
