Obama calls Kennedy 'greatest U.S. senator of our time'
Posted: August 26th, 2009 08:07 AM ET
(CNN) – President Obama issued a statement Tuesday morning on the passing of Sen. Ted Kennedy:
For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.
I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.
An important chapter in our history has come to an end. Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time.
For most of my life I lived in Massachusetts. Senator Kennedy will never be forgotten for all he tried to do. When he could have taken the easy way out, he fought because he thought it was the right thing to do. Just like his brother, President John F. Kennedy, said in his famous speeches. To the Kennedy family, it was a lot more than words.
Was he perfect? No, none of us are. I am sure some in this country will bring up Mary Jo Kopecky and the Chappaquidic Bridge, because it's already started. This happened in 1969. They never stop to think that this man had already suffered too many deaths and maybe, just maybe was not thinking right at all.
Joseph Patrick Kennedy, Jr, 1944 died in WWII
Kathleen Agnes Kennedy, died in a plane crash in 1948
John Kennedy, assassinated 1963
Bobby Kennedy, assassinated in 1968
Rosemary Kennedy, lobotomy at age 23
Did he make a fatal mistake in judgment? Yes, but what is missed is why and what was behind it.
The rest of his life, what he tried to do and the people he tried so hard to take of though, remember him as a champion for the forgotten. He could have spent his life out of the public eye and relaxed with the family's wealth but he chose to serve instead. Three brothers before him died in service to this nation, one in the military, one in the president's office and one on his way there left him knowing his life of pain and anguish also enabled him to retain compassion in public service.
If you want to leave a comment about Chappaquidic, forget about it. I won't allow one. That day haunted him enough already. He pleaded guilty for leaving the scene of an accident, but it never left him. If you look up what he did for the rest of us the rest of his life, maybe, just maybe, he can be forgiven by those who still wish to judge him.
