In the past 48 hours we have witnessed an out-pouring of grief over the death of Senator Edward (Ted) Kennedy, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the accomplishments he achieved during what has to be deemed a long life by the standards of his grief-embattled family. Although there can be no doubt that he left with more to do, Senator Kennedy nevertheless accomplished an incredible amount during the span of his public life.
It seems to us that his battles for civil rights protections, universal health care and protections for the environment, perhaps more than anything, reflect a commitment to basic human dignity, and (un)common decency. This hits home for us particularly in the context of his support for low-income weatherization, a bid to ensure that the safety and comfort of a well-insulated home is not limited to those with means.
Much has been and will be written about Senator Kennedy in the next few days, as we take note of his accomplishments in light of the realities of his life - both the grandeur and the punishing fate that defined it, but did not diminish it. Our gratitude for Senator Kennedy's efforts on our behalf extend to the duration of our lives. As President Obama pointed out, "For 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."
In honor of his fighting spirit, let's keep going.
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