Farewell to the Lion of the Senate

This past week, the United States suffered a terrible loss of the “Liberal Lion” of the Senate, Ted Kennedy. Senator Edward Moore Kennedy died on Tuesday night after a grueling 15-month struggle with brain cancer at the age of 77.

The senator from Massachusetts had often been overshadowed by his influential brothers, President John F. Kennedy and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, both of whom were assassinated. However, his 47-year career in the Senate was nothing short of legendary. Kennedy was first elected in 1962 at the age of 30, and went on to pass some of the most groundbreaking legislation in United States history. Some of his most noteworthy accomplishments included work on the Civil Rights of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, and the Family and Medical Leave Act in 1993. It is because of Kennedy’s influence that everyone has equal voting rights in America today and that the disabled have access to the resources they need to succeed. Kennedy had a famously voracious work ethic, and it certainly did not go to waste.

Because of his tireless efforts to aid in issues such as health care reform, Obama awarded Kennedy the Presidential Medal of Freedom in August. Now, Democrats are clamoring to put Kennedy’s name on the health reform bill currently in Congress. Kennedy’s funeral will be held on Saturday, August 29 at the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Boston.

Overall, Ted Kennedy was the model of all that a United States Senator should be; he was willing to reach across party lines to pass legislation for the common good, worked hard, and made the most of his career. Though his views often seemed radical at the time they were suggested, he made a profound impact on America as we know it and will be sorely missed.