Senator John Kerry's Statement on the Passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

[Luftmensch067]

We have known for some time that this day was coming, but nothing
makes it easier. We have lost a great light in our lives and our
politics, and it will never be the same again. Ted Kennedy was such
an extraordinary force, yes for the issues he cared about, but more
importantly for the humanity and caring in our politics that is at
the center of faith and true public service.

 
No words can ever do justice to this irrepressible, larger than life
presence who was simply the best -- the best Senator, the best
advocate you could ever hope for, the best colleague, and the best
person to stand by your side in the toughest of times. He faced the
last challenge of his life with the same grace, courage, and
determination with which he fought for the causes and principles he
held so dear. He taught us how to fight, how to laugh, how to treat
each other, and how to turn idealism into action, and in these last
fourteen months he taught us much more about how to live life,
sailing into the wind one last time. For almost 25 years, I was
privileged to serve as his colleague and share his friendship for
which I will always be grateful.

 
Teresa and I send all our love to Vicki, Teddy Jr., Patrick, Kara
and their family, and to the entire Kennedy family for whom Teddy was
always a rock at times like this. Massachusetts and our entire nation
feels their loss and grieves with them.

[Island Blue]

1. What a beautiful statement..

My condolences to the entire Kennedy family and to all of my dear friends from Massachusetts. Thank you for sharing this great man with us all.

RIP Uncle Teddy. :cry:

[TayTay]

2. Amen and well-said Sen. Kerry

Just brokenhearted today. I will miss Teddy Kennedy. IT just won't be the same without him, is humor and his incredible passion for life.

For God's sake, pass health care in his memory. Honor this man's life's work.

Uncle Teddy: So nice to have danced with you in '05 and you're "Still the One" in my book.

Do not stand at my grave and weep,

I am not there, I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow;
I am the diamond glints on the snow.
I am the sunlight that ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumns’s rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush,
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry.
I am not there; I did not die.

For Teddy:
May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face.
May the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
May the Lord hold you in the palm of His hand.

Stories to come later. That is a huge comfort on Boston media today, to hear all the stories. God Awmighty, are there ever stories to come.

[karynnj]

9. In addition to thinking of Kennedy himself,

I thought of you and the other MA people in this group who have had Senator Kennedy as your Senator since childhood.

Kerry's statement is beautiful and meaningful, as his statements always are. Kennedy was the best person to stand with him. I think he surprised even Kerry by saying when he listed what Kerry was to him at the Kennedy Center event something about still wanting him as his President (in 2008). That Kennedy stuck with him until he opted out was impressive,given what the rest of the party did.

Kennedy will be missed.

[TayTay]

10. Thank you

It is so amazing to read all the tributes to Sen. Kennedy. I feel almost sinfully full of pride to think that this Senator from Mass was so influential on the national and world stage. It is a humbling honor to think of everything this great man did. It is also comforting to remember how funny Teddy was. Again, there are a million stories to come....

My husband remembers going to DC in 2005 for Marty Meehan's "Day on the Hill." Teddy was there and he brought the dogs with him. He remembers Teddy's deep voice asking people to go ahead and pat the dogs. They ran around while The Senitah spoke. That was Ted. Holding a meeting and bringing the dogs. He never took himself that seriously, he took his issues and his people seriously indeed though.

[ProSense]

22. I'm really sad.

My condolences Tay and everyone. Thank you all for being here over the past few years.

[MonteLukast]

34. You got to dance with Ted?!

Lucky you. B-)

[Blaukraut]

3. Beautifully said, Senator Kerry

This is one of the saddest days I can remember in a long time. We all knew it was coming, but it doesn't make it easier at all. :cry:

[TayTay]

4. I know.

:cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: for today. I knew it was coming, but still, it hurts.

As in any true Irish wake, the stories will come. First the tears have to dry a bit.

We have lost a giant figure and that will take a bit of time to absorb, even if we knew it was coming.

I can think of him greeting his brothers and sisters, mother and father and getting a seat at the table with them all. All those brothers are now united again. That is no small comfort.

[Inuca]

6. ....

:hug:. Actually :grouphug:

[Inuca]

5. Reading Kerry's statement

and your comments below... tears again :cry:. Woke up abut before 5 and turned the TV on and heard it :cry:. And in between tears, moments when I felt like tearing (literally) those that made it impossible for him to see health care legislation passed and that are doing their stupid best so that maybe it will not be passed at all. And yes, this includes dems, and not only Baucus and his ilk, but also the rigid ones that don't understand that perfect is so often the enemy of good.

Sad, sad day....

[Inuca]

7. And in case you don't know, Obama to speak

at 8:30 ET

[Luftmensch067]

8. I've come to appreciate Ted Kennedy so much more over the last decade or so

I think I sort of took him for granted before that and didn't know enough about him. The more I saw of his work in the Senate, of his support for issues and people he believed in, his amazing care for every member of his family and his devotion to the well-being of all the people of this nation, the more admiration and personal warmth I've felt for him. The feeling of loss is deep for those of us left behind, the feeling that he was at peace and knew that he had lived life the way he wanted to and could go to his rest is some consolation.

I feel fortunate to have seen him and his beautiful wife at two events over the last couple of years -- the reading of the John and Abigail Adams letters by MA political couples at Faneuil Hall and the special Harvard convocation held to honor him last year. When the news broke early this morning, I heard it from Noisy Democrat who told me about it from California. We grieved together and then I immediately went and found the link to the archived video of the Harvard event: http://video2.harvard.edu:8080/ramgen/HNO/kennedy.rm It was an extraordinary comfort to see him so happy about being honored by his beloved alma mater and to see the fire and joy and determination burning bright as he spoke. You can see him begin to speak about 44 or 45 minutes into that video. If you look close during the closing moments of the video, you can see JK and THK and also our own MBS in the crowd.

I loved seeing Senator Kennedy's steadfast support for John Kerry as a fellow politician and friend, and have been so moved to see JK and THK quietly and steadily there for Ted and Vicki at every moment since the diagnosis. It seems clear what a strong and abiding friendship developed between the Kennedy and Kerry families over the years since those early pictures of JK sitting with other veterans on the grass in DC where they had been joined by the young Senator Kennedy who left his office to come out and speak with them.

[beachmom]

11. I want to express my condolences for John Kerry and all who loved Teddy in Mass.

I just think this is going to be a rough week for John, while he also needs to start being the senior Senator from Mass. That was a beautiful statement, but I still feel like privately, he has to be hurting profoundly. This is someone who has been with him every step of the way throughout his career.

I turned on the "cables", and couldn't listen to the blather (what do I care what Joe Scarborough or Pat Buchanon thinks?). I do have in my DVR an HBO special called "Teddy: In His Own Words", which I can watch tonight. I was never a "Kennedy family" person, but I have appreciated the great things Teddy has done in the Senate, and how he has been an incredible mentor to Sen. Kerry. I also know a few "stories" myself of the good things Teddy has done for constituents in Mass., even die hard Republicans. This is a big loss for Mass.

Thanks Inuca for the heads up on the POTUS.

[TayTay]

12. You can watch Boston station coverage online

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/index.html

This will be an evolving coverage. The initial shock, ever if we knew it was coming, to the stories is going on.

This is much better coverage than you will get nationally. It's the bitter and the sweet, as it should be.

And thank you to everyone who is posting condolences. We will miss Teddy in MA. We will miss him ever so as a voice for our nation in the Senate. We also mourn America's loss here, as Teddy was truly a national and global voice.

To venture a guess, where I would usually hesitate to go, I would think that Sen. Kerry is as sad as he he has ever been today. Teddy was his hero, you could see it whenever they spoke. I would imagine that we won't see Sen Kerry until later today or tomorrow. Broken hearts do heal, in time, and Teddy would want someone to go out and get that process started. Teddy was not maudlin and he would not want to be remembered that way. So, tears today, then we move on as he would have wanted.

[Blaukraut]

13. Channel 5 is doing a wonderful job. The priest interview

almost killed me :cry:

[Luftmensch067]

15. What happened with that interview, Blaukraut?

I've been anchored on WBZ (Ch. 4) all morning. They interviewed Menino and talked to Patrick on the phone, but mostly only neighbors on the Cape otherwise.

[Blaukraut]

16. Sorry, here's a summary:

The priest said that he was one of the last people to see Teddy alive, and that the whol family was there, surrounding him, praying with him, and that Ted was at peace near the end, and ready to go to heaven to be with his brothers, sisters, and parents. The priest said he'd never seen anything so beautiful as Teddy's last moments with his family there.

[Luftmensch067]

20. Oh, man -- thanks so much for that summary!

That's so beautiful!

[wisteria]

33. How comforting. n/t

[rox63]

14. As one MA person to another

:hug: :cry: :grouphug: :cry:

[TayTay]

19. Me too

for everyone here and for all the good folks in MA who stuck with Teddy through all those years.

From Teddy's speech for his brother Robert: (I can think of no better words to remember Teddy, btw)

My brother need not be idealized, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life; to be remembered simply as a good and decent man, who saw wrong and tried to right it, saw suffering and tried to heal it, saw war and tried to stop it.

Those of us who loved him and who take him to his rest today, pray that what he was to us and what he wished for others will some day come to pass for all the world. As he said many times, in many parts of this nation, to those he touched and who sought to touch him: 'Some men see things as they are and say why. I dream things that never were and say why not.'

Here's to dreaming things that never were and saying "why not."

[beachmom]

17. Thanks. I have to step out but maybe I can check it later.

You actually should get the word out that folks should watch this. In fact, I think someone here should post Kerry's statement on dkos. Again, I'm going out, but I hope someone has the chance.

[ladym55]

44. Just watched the videos from channel 5 Boston

When I saw JK choke up, I lost it.

Good suggestion to go Boston stations ... get the coverage from the people who knew and loved Teddy best. It's very comforting somehow.

[ProSense]

18. Beautiful statement.

RIP, dear Senator Kennedy. Your passion and voice will be sorely missed. My condolences to the Kennedy family and everyone who admired and loved Edward Kennedy.

:cry: :cry: :cry:

[YvonneCa]

21. This is a time when it is difficult to find the right words...

...to say. As usual, Senator Kerry's words are perfect. I think the idea that

"Ted Kennedy was such an extraordinary force, yes for the issues he cared about, but more
importantly for the humanity and caring in our politics that is at the center of faith and true public service"

is important for us to remember. It's not a part of all people in politics and/or government...but it IS what Ted Kennedy (and all the Kennedys) have stood for. We need more people in government like him.


I thought of the Massachusetts contingent in this group when I heard the news last night. I know this is such a sad time for you. TayTay, I send hugs. :grouphug: Be strong. As I posted last night...




My thoughts and prayers to Senator Kennedy's family and friends. This is a very sad passing. He was a remarkable man who did many good things for this country. :patriot:





.

[MH1]

23. Sad day ... classy statement.

Thanks for posting. I was so sad to hear the news this morning. My heart goes out to all of you who appreciated Teddy.

I think this must be very tough for JK even though he knew it was coming.

I am working from home today and very glad that I don't have to listen to reich-wing nonsense at the office. They're usually somewhat circumspect (knowing there's libruls in their midst) but I don't even want to hear that discussion at all today. For the record: Michael Smerconish (Philly morning radio host) proved once again why he sucks even though he usually looks sane and rational when compared with the Limbaugh set.

[sandnsea]

24. So beautiful

This is such a great loss. They really have been the example of what it means to be American, what it meansa to be family.

[TayTay]

25. MA Dem Party Statement

--------------------
Subject: Statement of Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair John Walsh:

“It is with deep gratitude for his service to our state and to our country and sadness for our loss that the Massachusetts Democratic Party says farewell to our senior Senator Ted Kennedy. He and his family inspired generations. His effectiveness built a legacy of accomplishment that any Senator will find difficult to match. His example will always remind us to fight for what is right and to always look for the opportunity to move forward by seizing and celebrating what is possible.



“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Kennedy family at this difficult time.”

[MBS]

26. Beautiful

Actually, this is the best tribute I've seen, among the many heartfelt words that have been written and spoken so far.
Wonderful.
Thanks, JK.

At my MA workplace, the flag is currently flying half-mast. I'm working today in a building that was dedicated by both of our senators, Kennedy and Kerry, in the early 90's. There's still a photo posted of that day.. .it looked like it was a happy day for both of them.

Damn. : (

[Inuca]

27. Make sure you also have a look at what Biden said

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=8612233&mesg_id=8612422
"never was petty" I think is as beautiful a tribute as any.

[MBS]

29. very moving, thank.. and here's Dodd's official statement..

(email from chrisdodd.com)

Dear MBS

I'm not sure America has ever had a greater Senator, but I know for certain that no one has had a greater friend than I and so many others did in Ted Kennedy.

I will always remember Teddy as the ultimate example for all of us who seek to serve, a hero for those Americans in the shadow of life who so desperately needed one.

He worked tirelessly to lift Americans out of poverty, advance the cause of civil rights, and provide opportunity to all. He fought to the very end for the cause of his life – ensuring that all Americans have the health care they need.

The commitment to build a stronger and fairer America, a more perfect union, was deeply ingrained in the fiber of who he was, and what he believed in, and why he served.

That's why he stands among the most respected Senators in history. But it was his sympathetic ear, his razor wit, and his booming, raucous laugh that made him among the most beloved.

Whatever tragedy befell Teddy's family, he would always be there for them. Whatever tragedy befell the family of one of his friends, he would always be there for us. And in this moment of profound grief, our hearts are with his wonderful wife Vicki, his fantastic kids Ted Jr., Patrick, Kara, Curran, and Caroline, his grandchildren, and the wide and wonderful extended family for whom he was always a safe harbor.

I will miss him every day I serve, and every day I live.

[Inuca]

30. I just saw that in my inbox

the last sentence... very moving.

[MonteLukast]

37. When he comes to the part about his wife and daughter...

... and how Teddy stood by him after their deaths, his voice gets very low and rough, almost choking. It's palpable, what Teddy meant to him.

[ObamaKerryDem]

28. Truly beautiful statement from Senator Kerry.

It moved me to tears. I can't imagine how hurt he must be feeling right now, even if he knew it was coming. He knew Sen. Kennedy for so long and he was his mentor, as well as his friend. I am sure he will do him proud, though, as he steps into the role of Senior senator of the state. Kennedy is irreplacable, though.

Even though we all knew he was quite ill, it's still heartbreaking . He will be so missed. :cry:

[fedupinBushcountry]

31. My thoughts are with JK

and the Kennedy family today, so sad. I feel very lucky to have finally met Senator Kennedy this past January and him speaking of JK with so much love and respect. :cry:

[wisteria]

32. I just can't fathom that he is gone. The lion will roar no more.

And, and era dies with him. Senator Kennedy was everyones senator, he stood up defended and fought for all of us. I wish that he would have been the one to conquer this cancer and come back strong, although I new the odds were against this happening. As Senator Kerry said, we all knew this dreadful day would come, but now that it is here, anticipating it doesn't make it any easier to grasp. I do believe however, that he has once again been reunited with most of his family and that is a comfort. His legacy will live on and we will pass health care reform- something he fought so hard for.

:cry:

[MonteLukast]

35. That was so beautiful...

Is there a video of him speaking? I wonder how his voice sounded.

I know that Joe Biden choked up during his speech: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip6TjpFTmME

[YvonneCa]

39. Thank you for posting this. I had only...

...seen little snippets of Biden's comments. We are so lucky to have Joe Biden as our VP...he's a good man.

[Blaukraut]

36. Channel 5 just did an interview with JK

He was just leaving the compound and agreed to answer some questions. Teresa was with him. He actually choked up and had to regain his composure before he could talk.
He was saying that the family is gathered and holding a vigil of sorts around TEddy, who was still at the compound at the time. That Teddy worked on legislation until the end, and that none of the progress was accidental, but a result of Ted's strategy. That we should celebrate his life, which is what the family is doing, as well. Talked about stories the grandkids told - how they all got calls on their birthdays, etc.

JK was also asked about Teddy's letter asking the MA legislation to not leave Maass. with one senator during these important times. JK mentioned that EK honored the special election, but that he was concerned about the prolonged vacancy, and that an interim appointment has precendent both nationally and in state. Mentioned Biden's temp replacement who will not run for election, and John Kennedy's interim replacement, who also did not run and was succeeded by Ted Kennedy himself.

Very moving interview with JK overall. He had me crying all over again :cry:

[MonteLukast]

38. Oh man. That would have been something to see...

JK choking up.

How about that for those rightie media tools-- the ones who kept saying he was "aloof"-- to, well, choke on.

[ProSense]

40. I just saw that.

posted it here

I can't stop crying.

[TayTay]

41. I think this is one of the hardest losses for Sen. Kerry

and for Teresa Heinz Kerry. (Don't forget who comforted Teresa when her first husband died in that planecrash.)

Sen. Kerry also lost a hero today as well as a friend and colleague. I know that Teddy's illness has been very, very hard on everyone, but it is just devastating for Sen. Kerry. Kerry *knows* what Kerry has meant to the Senate and to Massachusetts. It is a terrible, terrible loss.

Thanks Sen. Kerry. We all sort of choked up today as well. And, btw, it's terribly unfair to have to answer questions about how you are going to step up and "fill shoes" and so forth. That question isn't even decent till at least after Saturday, forgodsake.

[wisteria]

42. I saw a picture of them from an interview after leaving the Senator's home and the pain is evident

in both their faces. What a sad day for all of Mass. and for our country.

[ladym55]

43. My sympathy to everybody from Massachusetts

:grouphug:

You have been blessed with 47 YEARS of a hard-fighting unabashed liberal in the Senate. All of us across the country have been grateful for Ted Kennedy and his public courage on so many fronts, but for all of you, he has been YOUR Senator. For you, the loss is especially hard.

I have always been blown away because you all could say, "My senators are Ted Kennedy and John Kerry." How awesome!

I'm headed now to local Boston media. I want to hear the local stories.

Love you all, Massachusetts!!! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. :cry:

[JI7]

45. this is just too sad

[DoBotherMe]

46. Peace be with you Senator Kerry

I don't post much anymore, but wanted to share my grief with fellow Kerry admirers. So sad, sad, sad.
Dana ; )

[MBS]

47. one day later.

and I STILL think this is the finest statement out there. Bravo, JK>