|
Praise, sadness for Sen. KennedyLocal leaders reactPeter Marcus, DDN Staff WriterThursday, August 27, 2009 | |
Statements of sadness and praise for Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy poured into the newsroom yesterday following the death of the 77-year-old dynamic senator.
Considered one of the most important and influential U.S. senators of all time, Kennedy’s pursuit of civil rights and justice, as well as education and health care reform, touched the lives of countless Americans.
Even while fighting a hopeless battle with brain cancer, Kennedy remained the rock that he was. His speech on Day One of the Democratic National Convention in Denver last year moved many in attendance to tears. During his surprise speech, Kennedy spoke of health care being the cause of his life and quite candidly linked the issue to his own health struggle.
“The work begins anew. The hope rises again. And the dream lives on,” Kennedy said to a room full of applause at the Pepsi Center.
In an almost cosmic twist of fate, the beloved senator died one year following the emotional speech, almost to the hour. Some believe his appearance at the DNC in Denver last year and his endorsement of Barack Obama is what propelled the current president to the White House. Likening Obama to his brother, President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, certainly helped Obama’s campaign.
Some will remember Kennedy as being a brilliant politician while others will remember the tragedy, when a car he was driving in 1969 at Chappaquiddick careened off a bridge and killed a young woman passenger.
No matter what, being the last surviving son of the nation’s most influential political family will forever secure his position as the closest person America has to royalty.
Just hours after his death early Wednesday morning, praise from local politicians and activists began pouring in.
Gov. Bill Ritter immediately followed a presidential proclamation ordering U.S. flags lowered to half-staff on all federal facilities through Sunday to honor Kennedy.
“Today Colorado joins the nation in mourning the loss of Sen. Ted Kennedy, a tireless advocate for those who live on the margins,” said the governor. “His unparalleled dedication to improve civil rights, health care and the plight of working families has left an indelible mark on the country and Colorado. As one of America’s most eloquent, determined and intelligent leaders, Sen. Kennedy was an inspiration to public servants everywhere.”
Congresswoman Diana DeGette, D-Denver, remembered early in her career turning to Kennedy for direction.
“Given Senator Kennedy’s knowledge and experience, I sought his guidance early on as I crafted my stem cell bill,” she said. “His advice was key to ensuring passage of the Stem Cell Research Enhancement Act. Senator Kennedy’s legacy will be firmly ingrained in our nation’s history when it comes to health care, immigration and civil rights.”
Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, a former U.S. senator from Colorado, described Kennedy’s death as losing a “leader” and a “great man.”
“Senator Kennedy was not just a colleague but a friend who inspired me, as he inspired so many, to serve this great country, to seek justice, and to care for the least among us,” he said.
The Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition remembered Kennedy for his tireless work helping immigrant families.
“Senator Kennedy understood that we cannot ignore the contributions immigrants have made to America’s history, strength and the potential of our nation,” said Julien Ross, executive director of CIRC. “As we mourn the loss of this visionary leader, we must complete the struggle for a humane and just immigration system.”
U.S. Sen. Mark Udall, D-Colo., remembered the senator for his level-headed approach to politics.
“At its best, politics is a people business, where bridging differences matters,” he said. “Ted Kennedy was not just a crusader for great causes, he was also a champion of compromise.”
|
