The Silence of the Lion
August 29, 2009
Last night I watched part of “Remembering Ted Kennedy” on MSNBC. In just a few moments, the person I grew up watching, “The Lion of the Senate”, was larger than ever before. It seems as though he did as many great things out of the public eye as he did before the camera. I was so impressed with his multitude of accomplishments and the tremendous work he did on behalf of the disadvantaged.
I was fascinated by those who spoke so passionately about “Teddy” the father, family patriarch, ardent fighter for healthcare and great lover of the sea. The night belonged to him through the touching words of John Kerry, John Culver, Orin Hatch,Thomas M. Menino, John McCain, Joe Biden and his niece Carolyn Kennedy Schlossberg(more to come). What was so amazing about the politicians was their warmth, humor, admiration, humility and eloquence in speaking about Senator Kennedy. Thru their funny stories, antidotes and tales of behind the scenes negotiations, they spoke as friends, colleagues and admirers of the senate icon. The sounds emanating from their voices were warm, loving and reverent.
As I watched and listened, I couldn’t help but think, why can’t you all be like that all the time? (Or maybe most of the time?, ok-every now and then?) Why can’t you play nice and be as bipartisan while doing the “work of the people”?
Ted Kennedy was a great example of what can be accomplished when we work together towards a common goal.
Politicians seem to always have their game face on, doing battle and obstructing. It’s not pretty to watch or listen to. I know it’s way too simplistic to expect and want so much more from those we choose to lead us, but hey why not?
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