Edward M. Kennedy (1932 – 2009)

Boston, from the JFK Presidential Library and Museum (02-02-2008)

His family, they’ve given so much to this country. I love Ted Kennedy. I love Vicki Kennedy. And I love that whole family, and I just want everybody to know that they need to be revered. That’s a family that’s given a great deal to this country, and they deserve a lot of credit.
– Senator Orrin Hatch (R-Utah)

I have a good friend who had the privilege of working for Senator Kennedy some years ago, and so I know that people who got to know Ted Kennedy personally loved him a lot. Democrats have not yet had a truly great President in my lifetime. But we’ve had Ted Kennedy, and we and the nation, even those who bitterly denigrate the man, are better for it.

Of the 300 or so laws written by Kennedy that have been enacted, I have personally relied a good deal on the COBRA Act of 1985 and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. I’m sure I could find plenty more if I looked a little deeper.

Thank you, Sir. Rest in peace.