I sit here with tears in my eyes, just having watched Teddy Kennedy, the old liberal lion, give a loud and rousing roar. His speech was beautifully set up by the filmed appreciation of his family and his achievements, to remind anyone needing reminding of what a giant the man has been in our nation's history. Then Teddy himself came out, to remind us that history is today.
On this night when haters have again been arrested with guns, trying to take our future away from us, I watch the Kennedy brother who lived, roaring and fighting and leading like few Americans ever have. I am reminded of the great Martin Luther King, whose incomparable "I have a dream" speech will be celebrated Thursday night. The other great speech that should never be forgotten, King's valedictory, supplies the words that come to mind, bringing with them apprehension and deliberation.
Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really doesn't matter with me now, because I've been to the mountaintop.
And I don't mind.
Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land!
And so I'm happy, tonight.
I'm not worried about anything.
I'm not fearing any man!
Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!!
April 3, 1968 Memphis, TN
Teddy, facing the great battle against cancer, may help President Obama pass sweeping progressive legislation in the 111th Congress. God willing.
But it is up to us, here and now, to push this country forward to realize the dream of this great American -- the dream that never dies. This great man renews my determination and my hope.
UPDATE: Video thanks to NDakotaDem.