"Integrity is the lifeblood of democracy. Deceit is a poison in its veins." -- Senator Edward Moore Kennedy
The title of this post is an Edward Kennedy quote, and below is the speech he gave to the Democratic National Convention in 1980 after realizing he will not be representing his party as the presidential nominee. The title of the speech is "The Cause Endures" it is as relevant today as it was then.
Senator Edward Kennedy had to be one of the most active and probably the most influential members of congress. He worked vigorously to pass legislation impacting every aspect of American life; education, healthcare, housing, disabilities, fair treatment in the workplace. Kennedy dedicated his life to making a difference in the lives others, and insisted on making the world a better place for the common man. His most recent battles included the fight against the Iraq war, and to secure healthcare for all americans. Legislation that passed because of Kennedy's committment includes:
Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 The voting Rights Act of 1965 National Cancer Act of 1971 Higher Education Act of 1972 Federal Election Campaign Act Amendments of 1974 Pregnancy Discrimination Act of 1978 Refugee Act of 1980 COBRA Act of 1985 The Comprehensive Anti-Apartheid act of 1986 The Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988 National Military Child Care Act 1989 The Nutrition Labeling and Education Act of 1990 The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 They Ryan White AIDS Care Act in 1990 The Civil Rights Act of 1991 The Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993 National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993 Family and Medical Leave Act 1993 Violence Against Women Act of 1994 The Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994 The Mental Health Parity Act 1996 S-CHIP State Childrens Health Insurance Program 1997 The Food and Drug Administration Modernization Act of 1997 The Goals 2000 Education America Act 1994 Workforce Investment Act of 1997 Pension Protection Act 2006 The FDA Amendments Act of 2007 America Competes Act College Cost Reduction Act 2007 Higher Education Opportunity Act 2008
One of his greatest moments of courage and grace came when he spoke at the funeral of his brother assasinated presidential candidate Robert Kennedy, the speech Ted gave to eulogize his brother is profound and the same speech could be given to compliment Senator Kennedy's own life.
The Lion roars no more, he is with his brothers now. Senator Edward M. Kennedy 1932-2009
Ted Kennedy official website: http://kennedy.senate.gov/