American Civilization

I was shocked to hear this morning’s news that Senator Edward Kennedy died last night.  Not only was he an effective legislator, but he was the lone male survivor of his generation of the iconic  Kennedy  family.  His voice during the negotiations about health reform in the U.S. will be sorely missed.

I think I was especially shocked by his death because it felt so sudden.  True, he hadn’t been seen in public recently, even missing the funeral of his sister Eunice Shriver.  But, I had been fortunate to see him in the Senate chambers last April during the budget deliberations.  He did only arrive on the floor during the final day of the Senate, but he looked terrific:  robust and healthy – not emaciated and sick. It doesn’t seem possible to me that he could be dead.

Earlier today I heard an interview with Kennedy  from  February of 2008 during the presidential primary season.  I was especially moved by one of his statements and decided to use it in class today as we began our new school year:
« All of us do better when we’re challenged. »

May you rest in peace and may you be an inspiration for us this coming year, Senator Kennedy……