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John, Robert and Ted Kennedy, c. 1960
Friend -- Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me. In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives. For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family. Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still. Sincerely, President Barack Obama
This is the cause of my life. It is a key reason that I defied my illness last summer to speak at the Democratic convention in Denver?to support Barack Obama, but also to make sure, as I said, "that we will break the old gridlock and guarantee that every American...will have decent, quality health care as a fundamental right and not just a privilege." For four decades I have carried this cause?from the floor of the United States Senate to every part of this country. It has never been merely a question of policy; it goes to the heart of my belief in a just society. Now the issue has more meaning for me?and more urgency?than ever before. But it's always been deeply personal, because the importance of health care has been a recurrent lesson throughout most of my 77 years.
Dear MoveOn member,
The Lion is at rest. Senator Teddy Kennedy passed away last night and our movement lost a hero. His leadership, his vision, and his passion will never be forgotten.
As we grieve, we must honor his memory and re-dedicate ourselves to his fight. Right now, let's listen to his words. Below is a powerful video that lots of MoveOn members are passing around this morning:
Tonight, please light a candle in your window to memorialize him. Tomorrow, as Senator Kennedy said, "...the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die." Tomorrow, let's re-commit ourselves to achieving the thing that mattered most to him: Quality, affordable health care for every single American.
Thank you for all you do.
?Justin, Adam, Amy, Anna, Annie, Carrie, Christopher, Daniel, Danielle, Eli, Emily, Gail, Ian, Ilya, Ilyse, Joan, Jodeen, Julie, Kat, Keauna, Laura, Lenore, Marika, Matt E., Matt S., Matthew, Melanie, Michael, Nita, Noah, Peter, Sasha, Scott, Stephen, Steven, Susannah, Wes, and the entire MoveOn team
Psalm 72Of Solomon. 1 Endow the king with your justice, O God, 2 He will judge your people in righteousness, 3 The mountains will bring prosperity to the people, 4 He will defend the afflicted among the people 5 He will endure as long as the sun, 6 He will be like rain falling on a mown field, 7 In his days the righteous will flourish; 8 He will rule from sea to sea 9 The desert tribes will bow before him 10 The kings of Tarshish and of distant shores 11 All kings will bow down to him 12 For he will deliver the needy who cry out, 13 He will take pity on the weak and the needy 14 He will rescue them from oppression and violence, 15 Long may he live! 16 Let grain abound throughout the land; 17 May his name endure forever; 18 Praise be to the LORD God, the God of Israel, 19 Praise be to his glorious name forever; 20 This concludes the prayers of David son of Jesse.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Kennedy http://pol.moveon.org/kennedy/?id=17001-10122484-U5KN.tx&t=2 |
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