Lessons from the death of Ted Kennedy

Community (This content is not subject to review by Daily Kos staff prior to publication.)

Wednesday August 26, 2009 · 11:21 AM PDT

2009/08/26 · 11:21

The death of Senator Ted Kennedy has evoked an outpouring of grief from the country. And it's not just from Democrats mourning their progressive champion - those who never agreed with him respected him too. Kennedy was flawed, but as so many have noted today, he was a tireless, steadfast public servant who actually changed the lives of millions for the better, and was the embodiment of progressive charisma. People knew what he stood for, and even those who disagreed can respect that.

I want to contrast all of this to a post by Matt Yglesias in which he attempts to understand the psychology of the dime-a-dozen centrist Senators, addicted to power, who are willing to sell out legislation that insures millions or preserves the environment as we know it in exchange for another six-year term of doing nothing.

I'd like Max Baucus, Kent Conrad, and Ben Nelson to imagine the newspapers on the day of each of their inevitable passing. My guess is that the headlines won't be about them, and I imagine tears will only be shed by family and close friends. And while the forgotten Ozymandias at least left behind an imposing monument in an antique land, the best Max Baucus can hope for is an elementary school or two in Billings.

There's a titan-sized hole in the Senate, but no legislator can fill it alone. Only a Senator wrapped in a cause larger than him or herself can - and only such a Senator will be remembered. I hope that Baucus, Conrad, and Nelson reflect on this today as they mourn the passing of their colleague.

----

This is a cross-post from the blog polivalence.blogspot.com.

Sorry to post and run, but I have a tremendously important test tomorrow to study for. As you can imagine, the news this morning has not made that any easier.

This content was created by a Daily Kos Community member.

Make YOUR voice heard!

Comments are closed on this story.