Thank you, JK.

[MonteLukast]

Democrats just scored a huge victory tonight, and I thank you.

For never giving up, even when most of America was ready to ignore you.
For inspiring us to stay determined and keep our chins up, in our darkest hour when we were down and demoralized.
For reminding us what heart, wisdom and brains look like in a town where they too often seem to be in short supply.

For being such a good friend to Ted Kennedy, and of learning the best from him. He is looking down from above tonight, and smiling one of his big smiles.

And wishing you congratulations... as we all are, too.

:patriot:

[Luftmensch067]

1. What you said!!!!

A great day for America, though only the beginning of the fight for the full reform we need. JK and THK and Vicki must be so happy tonight, as are we all!

[wisteria]

2. Same here! n/t

[MBS]

3. yes, yes! Beautifully said. n/t

[karynnj]

4. Sandnsea posted Vicki Kennedy's statement from John Kerry's fan facebook page

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=7979720&mesg_id=7979720

Here's the photo that Kerry's staff put on the page:


Great picture - that had to be the 1980s - Kerry's hair is all black!

[ObamaKerryDem]

6. I love this pic! :)

[ObamaKerryDem]

5. I so second this!

Really, you just said everything I've been thinking and feeling...so there aren't very many other words, LOL :)

John Kerry, you have been and continue to be a true inspiration to me! I count you, Ted Kennedy and President Obama among my political heroes! :) Speaker Pelosi also has my total admiration and respect, for spearheading last night's victory in the Congress, as do all the other brave Democrats who have stuck this thing out, who have seen it through, even when things looked bleak, even when things seemed impossible. Took sheer determination, principle..and GUTS! :)


I am SO proud to be a Democrat on this day....and proud to be an American. THIS, after all, is what America is all about!

:bounce: :kick:

Now on to the Senate for the improvements--come on, we know you can do this! ;)

[beachmom]

7. JK did a lot of tireless work for which he worked under the radar getting little credit.

I actually favored the more robust Cadillac tax which apparently was majorly watered down. But a lot of the other things Kerry worked for like women not paying more than men for premiums made it in.

[karynnj]

8. One other thing he fought for was for the states

that had already expanded Medicaid to be treated fairly. I suspect that the Baucus Formula that paid only for those added was done to keep the costs low with the cynical knowledge that most of the states that had done this were very blue and their Senators and Congressmen would - push come to shove still vote for it.

I like the resolution better - not just because it helps NJ, but because it is fair. (These are mostly the biggest donor states already - so this really was a point where with state budgets being tough everywhere, it was fair to ask to be treated fairly.

[ladym55]

9. Yes! Yes! Yes!

Thank you to a tireless fighter and someone who just won't give up. :applause:

[politicasista]

10. Kick. Somewhat OT..

First and foremost, Thanks to Senator Kerry, Uncle Ted (R.I.P.), Madame Speaker Pelosi, and Democrats for fighting and winning this battle. :patriot:


However, I hope that he and his fellow colleagues have thought long and hard about the cruel, "despicable" (from Rep. Clyburn) behavior from the Tea Party people towards some members of Congress (i.e. Reps. Lewis, Cleaver, and Frank) a few days ago.

Some peeps on the Jack & Jill Politics blog, one of them the Senator's constituents are urging fellow bloggers to thank him/them for their Yes votes, but also to call/e-mail him, and all Sens/Reps and urge them to come together and publicly denounce the Tea Party's vile behavior this past weekend.

They believe that the large silence of the "white folks in Congress" (Democrats included) sends the wrong message; ignoring that the Tea Party people are a big deal, and Democrats should not underestimate them.

They think that if they don't respond on this issue, it could be a sign that this country will turn into a race war against President Obama and his policies. Almost like what former Pres. Carter said and thought. It's going to be important that the Dems need get behind (agree to disagree on issues) and stay with this President. (The latter to parapharase Green man Van Jones :)).



http://www.jackandjillpolitics.com/2010/03/monday-open-thread-87/#comments (scroll down)











edit for clarity

[beachmom]

13. I just have to disagree with that. That is bad politics.

Why keep bringing that up? It's over, and the jerks lost. The point of those incidents is to paint the tea party movement for which the GOP leaders are catering to as extremist. But I am against always dwelling on racial incidents. Sure it makes the news and everyone gets all outraged, but I guess I like following the President's lead which is to brush that stuff off, only using it for political advantage. I think Kerry would have sounded like a grandstander if he had spoken out especially AFTER the bill has passed.

[politicasista]

14. Ok

It's a catch 22. It was just a thought considering this was hard fought issue by the President and Democratic Congerss.

[YvonneCa]

11. Perseverance. I have learned a lot about that from...

...Senator Kerry. He NEVER gives up fighting for what he thinks is right. I am grateful to him for that...and for health care reform. :patriot: :hi:

[MH1]

12. Well said!

and also thanks to all the loyal supporters here, and everywhere else, of JK, Teddy, and doing what's right.