Ted Kennedy only did the job that he was elected to do. Had he done otherwise and not pushed forward the agendas of the people that elected him, he would not have been re-elected so many times. I have never been a big fan of most of Kennedy's politics, but he was not elected to represent my views. I would encourage everyone to cultivate the human capacity to respectfully disagree with people.

I agree completely. I am always amazed that when someone disagrees with a comment they always think that they have to call the other person ignorant or stupid or imply that their geographical location somehow negates their right to have an opinion. Let your point stand on its strength or weakness. You do yourself or the discussion no good by stooping to name calling.

John Doe, I've been asking that same question "can't we all just get along?" for months. The respectful answer that I get, is "No."

I don't understand why, but it seems some people enjoy carrying grudges or making people look silly in front of others or downright embarrassing others. Perhaps it's a reflection on their personal need to appear superior or an insecurity they have about their intelligence...whatever the reason, it is damaging to the community and to the United States as a whole. I am just one person...but I would like to encourage others to attempt to respect other peoples opinions even if they are not like your own. Respecting others doesn't mean you must AGREE with them.

I long for the time when people could understand the difference between public and private lives and had the brainpower to keep the two separate.
.
We are all human. We all have our flaws. But for some reason, most people seem to be so filled with bitterness and contempt that they cannot (or will not) recognize and acknowledge that people can rise above their human flaws and do good things to the benefit of all.
.
Is this what Bill O'Reilly means when he uses the term "pinhead?" (Applied equally to both sides.)
.
If what I am reading in a lot of these comments is true, then it seems that most of the Republicans who are now calling Senator Kennedy their "friend" are hypocritical.
.
Can't we all just get along?

NVgrf uses the same old hippy play book. Make a statement regarding the greatness of _____, make a few generalizations that sound good, then, when those generalizations get shot down as the b.s. they are, instead of refining the argument, go on to attack the desenter with red herrings and ad hominem attacks. You go ahead and bank on that election,sister. The reality is, the democrat candidates suck worse than the republican one.I really cant wait to here your whining come november.

I wish people would stop labeling people as liberal or conservative, republican or democrat, left or right...I think everyone is entitled to an opinion on all subjects. I happen to have one on a lot of subjects. It doesn't help anyone's cause to act or think under a particular "party". Think and act for yourself! If your thought is in alignment with others, that's great. If it's not, then either take some time to learn more about the issue and re-evaluate your stance or have a reason to take the position you do. Don't just throw out names at people that they are "liberal" so of course they think that...or they are "republican" so they support that...it's time for people to actually think about what they want in their leader. and it's time to let senator kennedy know that regardless of politics, he is suffering and I wouldn't wish that amount of suffering on my enemy.

NVgrf:
Pointing out that I didn't hit the space tab is the best you can come up with? A lot (how is that) of what you have to say is nothing but the typical left wing mantra. Do you get your marching orders from the media, or are you on deans email list. Did you check to see how many democrats voted for what you called the "republican" war or will you just ignore the facts like most liberals do? You are entitled to your opinion, but you can not make up your own facts. I'll point out to you again about november, don't count your chickens before they hatch, or come home to roost.

I will agree to a certain extent. Yes, it has taken financial resources that could have been better used here to finance the war. I was supportive of the war in the beginning, but now that Saddam is not in power, we need to have a solid exit strategy, which we do not. I have to admit that I am one of the conservatives that has changed his/her mind on the situation. That still does not excuse the Democratic politicians and their leaders, (Pelosi and Reid), for not living up to promises, (energy prices, Medicare reform, etc), they made to their constituents when they were elected. I will say I still do feel for Mr. Kennedy, and anyone that has to endure a brain tumor. This will be a terrible thing to deal with.

I am sure you will agree that George Bushes war has had the biggest impact on all of these issues.

NVgrf, "your party" has been in control for the last two and a half years. I haven't seen any "reverse of the Republican destruction" yet. I remember people like Nancy Pelosi saying that now that they were in control of the House and Senate, they would fix the high gas and oil prices, and finish the Iraq war. Wow, gas prices have doubled. They did a great job didn't they. As for what this story is about. I do feel for the Kennedy family, I will say that I am a conservative, but the Kennedy family has been one of the most influential families of our time. My prayers are with Senator Kennedy.

You certainly have some serious issues to have such animosity against one of our nation's greatest Senators. And as far as being a liberal, I am extremely proud of that label. And the sad reality for you is that come November we will be back in power and working to reverse the last eight years of Republican destruction; domestically and internationally. You and your ilk are all done. The sand in your hourglass is running out my friend. My humble suggestion is that you get used to it. Change is coming with or without your approval. Have fun!

NVgrf. dont feel sorry for me, I don't need your pity, as I am not a liberal and can do without your help. As far as the whole sad and bitter thing goes, I am quite happy and sweet thank you. McCain? What does he have to do with your argument? You give Kennedy credit for civil rights.Which majority party couldn't get that passed without Republican votes? Thats right, the racist bigot Democrats. You give Teddy credit he doesn't deserve. He's been riding on his two dead brother's coat tails and his fathers booze running money his whole life and has himself accomplished jack squat. Education? Ever seen the average public school education product? No wonder its "free", because nobody in their right mind would pay for it. War on poverty? There's a joke. Any idea what that has done to the fabric of poor families' since the inception of that misbegotten good intentioned program? Take a look at the number of single parent households before it was enacted and now. Look at the total lack of responsibility that this has enabled with young "fathers" and welfare mothers, and all the other problems that can be linked to this. Way to go Ted!

curtaincall Bush isn't the cause for all the problems. It's both the democrats and republicans. They can't get along and are to busy worrying about there agenda to do what is good for the American people. Yes Bish and the republicans got us into a war. Clinton and the democrats put us in the crappy ecomony with NAFTA and blocking drilling for oil in Alaska and other place here in the US. So instead of blaming one man look at the parties, they both have equal blame. When its time to vote, don't vote the party actually vote for the person you believe has the best chance to work with both parties and lead us out of the economy crap and get us out of the war without making us look like idiots.

whatdidyousay........"alot" is two words...
"a lot" When you figure that out you may continue on with your fabricated version of American History. Very sad!

People will never forget about mary jo, but Ted Kennedy is a good man, he has paid his entire life and will continue to so for that one mistake. How tragic.

HOWEVER that man in the white house, I am sorry for saying this, Bush. HE will be remembered for all his lies, lies that cost thousands of Americans their lives. That is what bush will be remembered for . He will leave office as one of the most disliked presidents in history.

He did nothing for this country but cost us lives and billions of dollars.

His lies cost thousands of lives.

would you please not say Bush, the man makes my skin crawl. he is creepy.

Prays to the Kennedy family. We are all thinking of you.

To whatdidyousay, your candidate sucks. He is a old man, a bush wanna be. Bush has done so much damage to this country it will take years to repair. Your just angry because Obama will win and turn this country around. The republicans are a joke. A bad one.

Bringing up his wrong doings is taking the low road to bring up Mary Jo Kopechne. We all have things we have done that we are not proud of, that were mistakes. When someone is diagnosed with a very serious medical issue you don't go pointing out all there flaws, you youself are not flawless, would you want your family to have to tolerate that crap when you are very sick, possibly terminally ill. NO. YOU sound like children in a school yard. Ted Kennedy has done great things for this country. He will be remembered for what he did for years after the tragedy with Mary Jo, all the good, all the things he fought for that benefit everyone in this state. It's funny how many people who post on here think they are such perfect people. You have no class. Grow up. Ted Kennedy has a excellent record. That is what he is known for and will be remembered for. By the way he is still living lets keep that in mind as we post.

NVgrf:
Don't call me buddy or any other of your childish rhetorical names, and I know alot about politics. I also am sick and tired of people like you on the left that think they are the chosen people to lead this country. I have watched for years now how you people try to manipulate the constitution by using activist judges because you can't get your socialist programs passed through the legislative process. I'll match my mind against yours any day, and like you democrats did in 2004 you are counting your chickens before they hatch. Should obama be your candidate, and it looks like he is, you haven't seen anything yet as to what is going to come out about him. In a year that should be the lefts for the taking, they have managed yet again to come up with two highly flawed candidates. Just because they are doing well within your primary season, the general election is a different ballgame. You speak about the truth being out, since when have democrats cared about the truth? You think ted is great guy, his character is suspect to say the least. Besides the incident with Kopechne, what about his involvement in Florida with his nephews and young girls? His notorious drinking escapades. Like I stated before, liberals don't care how they attain their objectives as long as the outcome is the one they desire. You say it's a republican war, you had better do some research on the number of democrats that voted for this war before making that kind of an asinine statement. Again, before telling someone else they don't know anything about politics, you need to take a look at your own qualifications.

Seabee... I feel sorry for you. You sound like quite a bitter and sad person. Your attack philosophy is pretty ineffective. And I am confident that McCain's similar strategy will fail also.

Great examples you give there. Ill give you maybe civil rights. Education and poverty? What a great job he has done there LOLOLOLOLOLOOL

You might want to start your education at tedkennedy.com/record

You must be kidding! If you really don't know, it is you who should educate yourself. Just Google Edward Kennedy legislation history and spend some time reading. During his long history he has led legislative battles leading to improvements in everything from civil rights to education to fighting poverty, etc. etc. etc. He has been able to build coalitions across party lines like no other in the history of the Senate. He will be remembered by both sides of the aisle as one of America's most influential leaders.
I am quite sure that if you take the time to watch some of the TV specials on Senator Kennedy after his death you will be able to find the information you are seeking also. Good luck.

What legislation are you talking about? Give some examples, and I mean examples that had positive affects, not good intentions. We are waiting......

whatdidyousay.......If you knew anything about politics you would know that Ted Kennedy was responsible for far more positive legislation that his brother, John. And I am personally sick and tired of people like you who do not have the integrity to admit that it has been the Republican agenda that has taken our nation to historical depths during the last eight years. While your small minds continue to blame some sort of "liberal agenda" for what ails our nation, the truth is out. The November election will certainly demonstrate that Americans are sick and tired of the Republican war and the Republican destruction of our economy. Wake up and smell the coffee buddy.

Politics is in sad condition in this country. We make heroes of some and demons of others with nothing more than partisanship as motivation. When Charlton Heston died, many on the left celebrated and made ugly, derogatory remarks as they did when Tony Snow announced his cancer. And now some on the right cannot resist the same outrageous behavior. Ted Kennedy is no demon. I was not on that bank some 40 years ago, but I do not believe he meant that girl harm. Ted Kennedy is also no saint. His character assassination of Clarence Thomas on sexually immoral grounds was contemptible as he is well known to have satisfied his lusts outside of marriage whenever the opportunity arose, and opportunity arouse often since he is a wealthy and powerful man. Regardless of all that, he and his family are, and will be suffering and are worthy of consideration and respect. After all, who among us is without sin that we can cast stones?

I pray for Ted Kennedy and his family. You may not agree with his opinions or the things he has done in the past, but he and his family are suffering now. I have found that "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all" works best in this type of situation. I know that when I meet my maker I will have some explaining to do, too.

SarahB,I have a HUGE heart, thank you. I just don't feel the need blog a bunch of do-gooder touchy-feely hand-holding warm fuzzy drivel to the world to boost my self-importance or make myself somehow more beloved by the rest of the useless whiners out there. Her's my real feelings about it. So Ted has brain cancer? Thats too bad. I'm going to go wash my car now.

NVgrf:
You're childish rhetoric is getting old. I don't drink. Watching ted preach the same old liberal garbage has never impressed me, and blocking any legislation that didn't follow is leftist agenda doesn't gain favor with me either. Had the investigation concerning Mary Jo been persued to a factual conclusion, and not influenced by the Kennedy name and fortune, old teddy probably would have been doing time in the big house instead of congress. Liberal thinking like yours has always amazed me, overlook and ignore the bad things as long as the sought after objective is attained in the end. John Kennedy was a fine man, ted kennedy phtttttt!

rims:
Stating a fact is taking the low road? You are kidding right? Since when is speaking the truth, taking the low road?

Seabee: We also know that you have no heart! My blessings to Senator Kennedy and his family. Fight on, Teddy!

Our thoughts with him and his family. He has worked hard for many. It's really to bad that some people have to show no class and take the low road and bring up Mary Jo. We are not one's to judge.

He is one fine man of a fine family and I wish him the best in this situation. I have always been a Kennedy supporter and I was in the 4th grade in NOV,1963 where were you??????? The day the world stood still. My prayers to him and his family.he and his family did alot for the people of this country! and most of us have lived with a skeleton or two in our lives, I know i have.......

I don't care if you lean to the right or the left, this does prove once and for all one fact. He has a brain.

whatdidyousay.....well put. looks like nvgrf wanted to throw some rhetoric out there and you countered. though i rarely agreed with ted and actually never liked him, i respected his right to opinions. i am very concerned about his health and wish a miracle would occur and the tumor desolved. my thoughts (i also whispered a prayer)are with you ted. and yes, you are one tough guy. may god be with you!!

Ted Kennedy can, and I'm sure has, wrestled with the Mary Jo incident for the past 40 years. He will have his own issues to deal with in the hereinafter with respect to that. I'm no fan of the Kennedys. That being said, Ted Kennedy has been a huge champion of the poor and oppressed and has truly served the public good, from minimum wage, to small businesses, student loans, immigration, public health, discrimination, you name it. He also voted against invading Iraq. Politicians can blow whatever rhetoric they want, but Ted's voting record is virtually solid gold.

I am sure you were sitting on the bank of the pond sipping on a beer and witnessed the entire incident. Give me a huge break. It might be better if instead of guessing what happened in that incident that you focus upon Kennedy's accomplishments as a US Senator and the positive contributions he has made to our nation.

NVgrf:
If Mary Jo Kopechne were alive today, she might disagree with you, but because of teddys actions she isn't here to speak for herself. This guy should have went to prison instead of congress.

A very sad situation for one of the very top United States Senators in our nation's history. A true champion of civil and human rights, education, health care, etc. A tireless fighter against poverty in America. Knowing what a fighter he is, I am sure he will go down winging left hooks. Give it hell, Teddy!