When Teddy was first elected to the Senate, New Deal thought dominated American politics and social progress was the order of the day. We were forging ahead to correct our national ills; minorities and women were being empowered as equal members of society and the richest nation on the planet was fi nally gett ing around to eliminating hunger and poverty within its borders. But John and Robert left us way too early and times changed. Fellow New Dealers were purged from offi ce or just got old. Th eir replacements have leaned more toward the concept affi rmed by Calvin Coolidge, the do-nothing president who precipitated the Great Depression, “Th e business of America is business.” Yet, Ted Kennedy forged on, never forsaking the ideal.

The tragic incident at Chappaquiddick didn’t simply impair the reputation of the man; it deprived the American public of another Kennedy White House; a place where the emphasis was on improving the quality of life for all; a place where the greatest value was people; a place where innovation and culture were priorities. Th e life of a young girl was lost that night; the reputation of a man irreparably damaged; the American people denied.

Still, as probably the greatest senator of his time, he was a beacon in the darkness, preserving the ideals of the American dream. To say he will be missed is a gross understatement. He can never be replaced. As a footnote, Barack Obama’s policies seem to be in the Kennedy vein. Unfortunately, those with like thought are long gone, with too many in Congress beholden to the moneyed interests that would prey on the public for their own gain. As things stand today, will we ever have a viable health care plan; will we ever see true bank regulation; will the mega-corporations rule until they drive the American people into the Third World?