Sunday, August 30, 2009
Senator Edward Moore Kennedy 1934-2009
A crowd forms at the Middle Street overpass on Route 3, waiting for Ted Kennedy's last ride through Weymouth.
When you're rich and famous and powerful and in the public eye for a lifetime, it takes a special person to absorb the criticism as well as the accolades and still maintain a body of work, in the end, to be proud of.
This is parts of Senator Ted Kennedy's letter to the Pope that was delivered shortly before he died.
I know that I have been an imperfect human being, but with the help of my faith, I have tried to right my path.
I want you to know, Your Holiness, that in my nearly 50 years of elective office, I have done my best to champion the rights of the poor and open doors of economic opportunity. I’ve worked to welcome the immigrant, fight discrimination and expand access to health care and education. I have opposed the death penalty and fought to end war.
Those are the issues that have motivated me and been the focus of my work as a United States Senator.
I have always tried to be a faithful Catholic, Your Holiness, and though I have fallen short through human failings, I have never failed to believe and respect the fundamental teachings.
Senator Ted Kennedy was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on August 29, 2009 next to his brothers.
POSTED BY STAN on August 30, 2009
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