Seventy Seven: Ted Kennedy

Here is a dispassionate eulogy to Ted Kennedy:

My heartfelt condolences go out to his surviving family members. The loss of a loved one is hard, no matter what the circumstances or age of the loved one who is lost. And when the one who is lost has personal failings (alcoholism, criminal activity, male chauvinism, morbid obesity), the loss is often more acute.

Like most human beings, Mr. Kennedy's life included inconsistencies, or as some would say, hypocrisy. He has been hailed as a champion of national health care and civil rights, and an advocate of the poor. This from a man who has never paid a dime for his own health care, did not associate with minorities (except as servants), was born with multiple silver spoons at his disposal, and never worked a day in his life, unless you count his various political welfare jobs. I am always amazed at how society (primarily influenced by eastern media types) worships people like Mr. Kennedy who essentially squander their talents and heritage, but nonetheless manage to be likable.

Mr. Kennedy made enemies. Chief amount them would be any American who appreciates the institution of the Supreme Court. Mr. Kennedy single-handedly, by lying and fear-mongering, prevented one of the most qualified and talented legal minds ever from sitting on the Court. And in the process, Kennedy permanently demeaned and degraded the nomination and confirmation process.

As far as I can tell, the Kennedy family has been a blight on American public life.