RIP Ted Kennedy

[emily_in_nc]

Not to start anything political at all, but watching the coverage on ABC tonight really got to me. Memories of political arguments with my grandfather and political discussions with my dad, in which Ted figured prominently. His death served to remind me how much I miss my grandfather and father, especially on a day like today when another family is mourning the loss of a loved one. :(

[Biciclista]

yes, it's sad that he didn't live to see that health care package passed.
He did a lot of really good things for this country.

[channlluv]

Amen. I hope we live long enough to see this health care package passed.

Roxy

[jesvetmed]

A huge loss for this country. And for his family.
What an amazing career, committed deeply to his causes.

[badgercat]

I'm really confused...Our PM Kevin Rudd paid tribute to Mr Kennedy but i'm still unsure what Ted had to do with Australia...Why is the world media paying attention to this?

I don't get it..he was just part of the Kennedy family & no relevance to most of the planet

"[H]e played a largely overlooked but important role in international affairs, fighting for refugees from Vietnam to Ethiopia to Iraq and crusading against political oppression in nations such as Pakistan, Chile, Northern Ireland, and South Africa." Per this blog by a former New York Times correspondent: http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-08-26/ted-kennedy-global-hero/full/

[salsabike]

I'm really confused...Our PM Kevin Rudd paid tribute to Mr Kennedy but i'm still unsure what Ted had to do with Australia...Why is the world media paying attention to this?

I don't get it..he was just part of the Kennedy family & no relevance to most of the planet

Read a little more: http://www.undispatch.com/node/8817

[crazycanuck]

Sorry, i should have said he didn't have any relevance to Aust/NZ & don't see why it was front page news here.

I understand he did involved himself in many global issues & within the US. I'm glad he tried to help the peace process in NI & do something with the US HC system.

[Crankin]

I know we are in a little (maybe big) bubble here in MA, but if our governor and legislature don't change the law of succession, we are going to have only one senator for 5 months, until a special election is held. Many are pushing for the governor to appoint an interim, so we can keep the needed vote in Congress, but the Democrats voted against this option five years ago, when Republicans wanted it. I think they are under pressure to get it done, but it shall be very interesting.

[Tuckervill]

Ted Kennedy has been a senator from Mass my entire life--47 years. That's a long time! I just find that an interesting tidbit.

His whole family is just a walking tragedy. How hard it must have been to be the last one.

Karen