Being is the essence out of which all things evolve. This blog is an ongoing conversation of being in various facets and areas of life, including the personal and the professional from which relationships of all kinds are formed and teams built in all communities, virtual or real, at home, at work, in politics and at play.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Being Senator Edward Kennedy
"Conscience is a man's compass."
--Vincent Van Gogh
We are most grateful for the conscience of Senator Kennedy, that 'true compass,' that led him to fight tirelessly for "the least of these" for over 40 years.
Growing up as a Boston Irish Catholic in the 50s & 60s, I took the Kennedys' successes VERY personally, beginning with JFK's election in 1960. It seemed like everyone around me knew at least one of the Kennedys. (My late uncle took special pride in his relationship with Teddy.) Needless to say, I remember exactly where I was when Jack and Bobby were shot. Fortunately, Ted's passing doesn't carry the same shock. Quite a family; quite a legacy.
John - Thanks for your story. I understand the pride and personal attachment for you. That's great! The Kennedy's broke ethnic and religious stereotypes. With regards to the impact of the brothers, I wonder if the murder of his brothers at such young ages when of the brink on success -- although we really don't know how they would have faired in the long run-- was the difference. Ted Kennedy actually did the work for major change for so many years and he will be recognized as such. He was not only a dashing young man with great potential--not that his brothers were only this too. But he grew old, built a long record and worked tirelessly. This is the greatness of Ted Kennedy. Being from a family of privilege, he didn't have to work for the working class and poor as he did. Yet, he did. In this regard, the impact of his death is far greater than his brothers, although I understand the pain and shock of the assassination of President Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy's death.
I loved the passion in his voice when he spoke on behalf of the suffering in our country. I truly believe that he was a caring and humane senator and man. That's a rare quality in a politician. I admire someone who fights for the underdog and doesn't stop. His dedication and voice will be missed.
Without a compass, surely our direction will go awry. The Kennedys do left their own brand in the annals of American Political History. Sen Ted Kennedy is surely one of those K's.
I owed much of debt of gratitude especially to the late Pres. JFK Sr.
Through his Peace Corp Program, I met and knew a certain Miss Constance Parker Riemer (hope my spelling did not get interchange) of Cleveland, Ohio and I wish to get reunited with her.
My only problem is, I lost all our photos with her due to our mobile way of life in the past. So I have no concrete evidence to support my claim, only memories. (sad)
Yes, indeed Bonnie. What a great brand, one that goes beyond name to action. This is one of main focus of my blog, The Being Brand--brands in action.
I hope you find your Peace Corps friend. What a great program that has been as well as the more recent program as City Year. People who think that government has no role in the lives of people are whacked!
Perhaps it's more a matter of the extent of government and how it operates. Some seem to think that it should only advance corporations. But in any regard, in the US the government is us. We are the government.
"Conscience is a man's compass."
10 comments:
Wonderful post! Senator Kennedy was a rare jewel given to us. Him and his dedication to service will truly be missed.
Amen, Pamela. Amen.
I was so sad to hear hear of his passing this morning. He lived a truly remarkable life! Love & Blessings!
Growing up as a Boston Irish Catholic in the 50s & 60s, I took the Kennedys' successes VERY personally, beginning with JFK's election in 1960. It seemed like everyone around me knew at least one of the Kennedys. (My late uncle took special pride in his relationship with Teddy.) Needless to say, I remember exactly where I was when Jack and Bobby were shot. Fortunately, Ted's passing doesn't carry the same shock. Quite a family; quite a legacy.
Marion - It's sad. Arianna Huffington has just written a good piece on Kennedy and she challenges us. Check it out here.
John - Thanks for your story. I understand the pride and personal attachment for you. That's great! The Kennedy's broke ethnic and religious stereotypes. With regards to the impact of the brothers, I wonder if the murder of his brothers at such young ages when of the brink on success -- although we really don't know how they would have faired in the long run-- was the difference. Ted Kennedy actually did the work for major change for so many years and he will be recognized as such. He was not only a dashing young man with great potential--not that his brothers were only this too. But he grew old, built a long record and worked tirelessly. This is the greatness of Ted Kennedy. Being from a family of privilege, he didn't have to work for the working class and poor as he did. Yet, he did. In this regard, the impact of his death is far greater than his brothers, although I understand the pain and shock of the assassination of President Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy's death.
I loved the passion in his voice when he spoke on behalf of the suffering in our country. I truly believe that he was a caring and humane senator and man. That's a rare quality in a politician. I admire someone who fights for the underdog and doesn't stop. His dedication and voice will be missed.
Thank you for your words, Kelly. I so agree with them.
Without a compass, surely our direction will go awry. The Kennedys do left their own brand in the annals of American Political History. Sen Ted Kennedy is surely one of those K's.
I owed much of debt of gratitude especially to the late Pres. JFK Sr.
Through his Peace Corp Program, I met and knew a certain Miss Constance Parker Riemer (hope my spelling did not get interchange) of Cleveland, Ohio and I wish to get reunited with her.
My only problem is, I lost all our photos with her due to our mobile way of life in the past. So I have no concrete evidence to support my claim, only memories. (sad)
Yes, indeed Bonnie. What a great brand, one that goes beyond name to action. This is one of main focus of my blog, The Being Brand--brands in action.
I hope you find your Peace Corps friend. What a great program that has been as well as the more recent program as City Year. People who think that government has no role in the lives of people are whacked!
Perhaps it's more a matter of the extent of government and how it operates. Some seem to think that it should only advance corporations. But in any regard, in the US the government is us. We are the government.
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