TFT...thank you for a wise and non-partisan reply! How refreshing. I hear you on the reasons for the push of this bill. Does it not look and feel like a "payback" to Ted K for his years of sounding the alarm? Can Mr. K not be honored in another way other than pushing through such an important bill?
You know, it does seem a bit like payback. What a good point. I really think T.K doesn't have much time left, and Obama is acutely aware of this, and would like him to see the legislation passed before he dies.
Is it a good reason to pass legislation that is deeply flawed? No. The great thing about this though is that discussions are ongoing. From today it looks like the Blue Dogs may get at least one concession that seems to make sense.
And briefly on T.K ... he is on my mind because I watched the HBO special "In his Own Words" last week and it was utterly fascinating. It addressed (but moved quickly through) Chappaquiddick and glossed over his womanizing and drinking, but overall I would say it was pretty good. Lots to admire about the Kennedys' committment to public service, and WOW when you put together everything that has happened to his clan, it is remarkable and often sad.
Sometimes I feel like we are living a different version of the 60s - so much tumult. It is notable that the Civil Rights Act, which was JFK's passion, did not pass until the year after his death. It makes sense to me that Obama would like to see Teddy's dream filled before he passes on. There is a genuine bond between Obama and all the Kennedys, seemingly more than there ever was with Clinton. I have never been a rah-rah fan of Teddy Kennedy, but i do have respect for him. He is imperfect but he has rallied time and again.
Miss Kitty said:
BTW, and this is really important stuff! ;-) I LOVED Mr. Obama in jeans and I LOVE that Mrs. Obama wears the same thing twice (well, except for those ridiculous Lavin tennis shoes!).
Obama is a nerd and is not afraid to admit it ... those jeans were awful but I love that he doesn't care! I know that there are people who view him as a sinister figure who is hiding a lot of stuff, but really ... I think that the vast majority of the time, he is keepin' it real.
