Consider this list of Ted Kennedy's legislative accomplishments. Then try to think about the contributions the conservative movement has given to America. What lasting legislative achievments do conservatives have? When I review the thinking behind Ted Kennedy's legislation, I remember why I vote Democrat and why I am a liberal.
With the passing of Ted Kennedy we can see how truly remarkable he was. It is astounding to look at Ted Kennedy's vision and accomplishments. Most of the GOP are hyper-partisan. They are thinking about the next election and trying to do nothing more than block progress. They are not leaving a legacy that touches America in a meaningful and positive manner.
When your wife/sister was pregnant and didn't get fired, you can thank Ted Kennedy. When your daughter get's the chance to play funded college athletics, thank Ted Kennedy. When you see the handicapped space in the front of a grocery store so your Grandmother can park a little closer - thank Ted Kennedy. When you hear stories of women in war essentailly fighting alongside men to win, thank Ted Kennedy.
Then try to think of one single lasting positive contribution of the Republican Party. Can you?? What is the real legacy of the conservative movement?
Kennnedy championed Title IX of the Civil Rights Act in 1972, which prevented educational institutions from discriminating against women (afterward, colleges and universities integrated, paving the way for women like Sonia Sotomayor and Hillary Clinton to attend Ivy League institutions), as well as requiring equitable athletic opportunities.
Voting Rights: Kennedy worked on the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which allowed equal access to voting as part of the Civil Rights movement. He also worked to add amendments in 1982 that expanded voting access to Native Americans, Latinos, and others who required language assistance.
HIV/AIDS: Kennedy introduced what became the Ryan White CARE Act, which addressed thirteen cities hit hardest by the HIV/AIDS crisis in 1990. When it was up for reauthorization in 2000, it provided nearly $9 billion in HIV/AIDS services over the following five years.
Domestic Violence: Kennedy worked with Vice President Joe Biden on the 1994 Violence Against Women Act. He also worked on its reauthorization in 2000, which allowed immigrant women to apply for permanent status in the United States without their abusive partners.
Disability Equity: Kennedy worked to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990, which provided much-needed accommodations for those with disabilities.
Women in Combat: Kennedy championed the repeal a ban of women in combat in 1991. Women are still technically barred from fighting on the "front lines," such stipulations are meaningless in modern combat. By working for legislation that repealed archaic legislation, Kennedy helped women achieve more equality in the military.
He saw the passage of the Pregnancy Discrimination Act in 1978, which made it illegal for employers to fire women for leave taken due to pregnancy.