via www.time.com
I was never a huge fan of Ted Kennedy. I agreed with some of his policies and disagreed with others. However, I always felt that his background and image hurt his causes more than it helped them. However, when I took a closer look at the legacy that is Ted Kennedy I came away with something more.
Edward M. Kennedy was above all else a communicator. He worked tirelessly with other colleagues - from Democrats to Republicans - to try and fix what he saw were wrongs with the country. While his brothers will forever live as young and idealistic - shot down in their prime before their ideas could come to light - It was Ted who lived. And what he did will last longer than the glow of idealism. He was critical in passing everything from the Freedom of Information Act and OSHA to the Americans with Disabilities act. While his brothers will always be remembered for their idealism, it was the youngest who lived to get those ideas passed into law.
He was a great orator who had a booming voice that could rouse the audience. But he was also someone who worked with the Republican Party and tried to reach compromises as much as he could. It is this type of communication that will be missed in the Senate. In this era of partisanship, it was Kennedy who would be able to reach across party lines and get something done. That is being able to communicate. I just wish a few more Senators would be able to learn from him.
Travis
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