Mr. Kennedy has passed and with him passes the closest thing we had to an effective liberal voice

in government.

Blue dogs and screw ball right wingers may now begin dancing on his grave as they celebrate this countries inexplicable, inexorable and permanent shift to the right.

They are now free to enjoy their Reaganism. May it give them everything they deserve.

there are a few good liberals still in the Senate, (Bernie Sanders, Russ Feingold, etc) and they need to speak louder in his memory.

If this doesn't kick Blue Dogs in the ass to pass health care reform I don't know what will.

Mass posted it here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x8611815

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.

the U.S. Senate.

John Kerry is no slouch. His words for his friend and colleague today are elegantly written and emotionally moving. The two of them comprised the most liberal duo of U.S. Senators from any state.

There are some folks who for a trick of the calendar do not fully acknowledge, let alone appreciate, the Commonwealth's liberal voices in the Senate. I wish those some folks would do some earnest googling today and compare the voting records and public positions of John Kerry and Ted Kennedy to the entire history of the U.S. Senate.

I believe respect must be paid, etc.

This said as someone who things the two MA Senators are/were completely amazing.

He holds the president accountable to the constitution, no matter who the president is. And his heroes are the Kennedy brothers.

I think Feingold, Kohl less liberal than the VT pair.

Hopefully we'll replace him with someone more progressive.

Hopefully we'll replace him with someone more progressive.

and much longer attached to the K boys of the Commonwealth.


:hi:

I think Boxer is a good one too. :thumbsup:

No argument there.

Who else is or has been as effective?

from across the ailse.

The king is dead, long live corporatism!

It's sooo sad. People in other countries just can't understand how Americans can be so mean spirited and ignorant. Especially about health care.

The last dim glow of grace has faded with our loss of Ted. Kucinich is the only champion that comes to mind now.

When I heard about Senator Ted this morning, I felt like my party had died.

Will the last Democrat turn out the light? It seems something new is gonna have to take it's place. Because the last captains have gone down with the ship. Listening to Kennedy gave a speech about health care-I believed him. He had faults but he really cared and made it his life's work. I don't believe Obama.

He far preferred Kerry over Kucinich in 2004 and Obama in 2008.

is an unashamed Liberal.