Mass. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy dies at age 77

Peace to the Kennedy family. With that being said, he was a pedophile and a murderer. Nothing more, nothing less. And I'm sure that the great state of Mass. will elect another fool to take his place.

An email from the President:

Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.

For nearly 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.

His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.

In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

I personally 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 benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.

For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.

Sincerely,

President Barack Obama

Well said. Teddy's passing marks the end of era.

RIP Teddy......

Regardless of whether one is Right, Left or in the middle, the truth that none can deny is that you work very hard for what you believed was necessary to improve the quality of life in the country that you dearly loved.

May you have peace with your family forever.......

Peace to the Kennedy family. With that being said, he was a pedophile and a murderer. Nothing more, nothing less. And I'm sure that the great state of Mass. will elect another fool to take his place.

You are a very sad and angry person......

Peace to the Kennedy family. With that being said, he was a pedophile and a murderer. Nothing more, nothing less. And I'm sure that the great state of Mass. will elect another fool to take his place.

This is completely out of line IMO. May you find some compassion in your heart today.

Now I see how a thread on Ted Kennedy got 31 posts. Not surprised, really.

You are a very sad and angry person......

I'm neither sad nor angry. I'm just not letting the fact that he's a Kennedy cloud my judgement of what kind of person he was. If he were most anyone else, he would have spent a large part of his life in prison rather than the Senate. In stead, his power and Kennedy name gave him a free pass. A lot of you guys said lots worse than this about GWB just because you didn't like his policies. I'm just choosing to remind everyone of what should be an important part of Fredo's legacy.

I'm neither sad nor angry. I'm just not letting the fact that he's a Kennedy cloud my judgement of what kind of person he was. If he were most anyone else, he would have spent a large part of his life in prison rather than the Senate. In stead, his power and Kennedy name gave him a free pass. A lot of you guys said lots worse than this about GWB just because you didn't like his policies. I'm just choosing to remind everyone of what should be an important part of Fredo's legacy.

And you have every right. Just take it to a new thread. This one shouldn't carry that tone. IMO.

G

Now I see how a thread on Ted Kennedy got 31 posts. Not surprised, really.

Yeah, I was hoping that the focus would be on the amazing accomplishments of Ted Kennedy. Chappaquiddick was such a terrible tragedy, nobody is denying that it was terrible, but I and many Americans are thankful that he continued on his mission to make the US a better place for all- he truly had a useful and purpose driven life as a public servant. I wish his critics had half the purpose of Kennedy! I can't imagine how someone can't be in thankful for his many accomplishments that helped so many Americans.

I knew that he had a hand in a lot of important legislation, but I had no idea how much. Good reading.

http://kennedy.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/Kennedy Accomplishments.pdf

Peace to the Kennedy family. With that being said, he was a pedophile and a murderer. Nothing more, nothing less. And I'm sure that the great state of Mass. will elect another fool to take his place.

that's like putting a steak knife in someone's neck and saying have a nice day.

Last month I saw HBO's outstanding documentary about Kennedy, "In His Own Words," and I was struck by the clip where the early interviewer asked him about his political viewpoints. "Oh, I'm liberal," he said, without hesitation. It made me reflect how sad it is that "liberal" has become such a dirty word, and what Kennedy meant when he said it.

Whatever his flaws and mistakes, Kennedy was the patriarch of an incredible family, one that TRULY has dedicated itself to public service and the greater good -- with deeds, not just money. I think it is fair to say his service rivals any the Senate has ever seen. His many friends on both sides of the aisle will I'm sure be attesting to that in the coming days.

RIP Teddy.

you have said it perfectly. thanks for your post TFT.:wub:

I watched about 4 hours of "The Kennedys" on PBS last night. Now i know my history again...at least some of it. They were an interesting family. Rest in peace Teddy.

I'm neither sad nor angry. I'm just not letting the fact that he's a Kennedy cloud my judgement of what kind of person he was. If he were most anyone else, he would have spent a large part of his life in prison rather than the Senate. In stead, his power and Kennedy name gave him a free pass. A lot of you guys said lots worse than this about GWB just because you didn't like his policies. I'm just choosing to remind everyone of what should be an important part of Fredo's legacy.

That is no reason to make accusations of crimes against anyone. You have a right to your opinion, but please take it elsewhere -- I would feel the same way if you were talking about someone named John or Jane Doe.