We have lost our Liberal Lion, Senator Ted Kennedy.



No doubt his yesteryear is mingled with both positive and negative. As is the case for most of us. Indiscretions on Senator Kennedy's part caused a woman to loose her life. For this I make no excuses. But would suggest a pause to reflect on how many others have chosen to drive under the influence with no repercussion for this choice. Is drunk driving intolerable yes. Should this be the defining moment of this mans life? I for one suggest not.

I do believe this was a pivotal moment for Senator Kennedy. A moment where he chose to serve the public as his brothers did. His speech at the 1980 Democratic Convention sill resounds today. "For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end. For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

Kennedy did not accept this as a final defeat. He devoted his life to the service of the public. He worked tirelessly for health care and education reform.

Kennedy became a watchtower for negotiation and work ethic. I for one liken him to Churchill - another politician who never gave up.

Even in his final days he did not leave his post. Knowing the end was near Senator Kennedy asked the State of Massachusetts to reform the method in which a replacement senator would be chosen. In the state of Massachusetts you must wait 5 months before a special election can take place. Sadly reform did not happen.Senator Kennedy's seat will sit vacant for 5 months.

This is a sad day in America. The last prince of Camelot has passed. Our Lion has been defeated by a disease that as of yet has no true cure, no vaccination that can prevent this suffering.

The great adventures which our opponents offer is a voyage into the past. Progress is our heritage, not theirs. What is right for us as Democrats is also the right way for Democrats to win.

The commitment I seek is not to outworn views but to old values that will never wear out. Programs may sometimes become obsolete, but the ideal of fairness always endures. Circumstances may change, but the work of compassion must continue. It is surely correct that we cannot solve problems by throwing money at them, but it is also correct that we dare not throw out our national problems onto a scrap heap of inattention and indifference. The poor may be out of political fashion, but they are not without human needs. The middle class may be angry, but they have not lost the dream that all Americans can advance together.

The demand of our people in 1980 is not for smaller government or bigger government but for better government. Some say that government is always bad and that spending for basic social programs is the root of our economic evils. But we reply: The present inflation and recession cost our economy $200 billion a year. We reply: Inflation and unemployment are the biggest spenders of all.

-- Address to the Democratic National Convention, August 1980.