Senator Ted Kennedy passed away just before midnight 25 August 2009. He lost his battle with brain cancer at the age of 77 years.His remarks at the Democratic National Convention one year ago today sum up our hope for health care reform:
"For me this is a season of hope — new hope for a justice and fair prosperity for the many, and not just for the few — new hope. And this is the cause of my life — new hope that we will break the old gridlock and guarantee that every American — north, south, east, west, young, old — will have decent, quality health care as a fundamental right and not a privilege."
Ted Kennedy was instrumental in many changes that expanded health care. Ted Kennedy blasted Republicans who fought against universal health care for children. Because of his hard work we have already seen insurance portability, COBRA care, and insurance care extended to people suffering from HIV and AIDS. He fought against the Republicans to increase the minimum wage from $5.15 to $7.25 per hour for workers in America. He championed the causes of the poor, the elderly, and the disabled.
His brother, President John F. Kennedy spoke out against secret, covert government operations around the world and in favor of free and independent people. Robert Kennedy stood for freedom and equality for all Americans.
The assassin’s bullet took Bobby and John from us too soon. Teddy was allowed to stay with us; to work with us; to work for us; to make the words of our Declaration of Independence, and the great hope of all people – that we are all created equal – the reality of our lives and not just words on dusty old paper.
Your hard work brought us closer to that day when the American Dream becomes the American Reality. Thank you Senator Kennedy.
You are with your brothers now. We miss you all.
FULL TEXT OF SENATOR KENNEDY’S SPEECH AT THE DNC
“For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, and the dream shall never die.” Ted Kennedy, 1932 – 2009
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