Kerry: No Words Can Do Justice To Kennedy

By WBUR News & Wire Services
Aug 26, 2009, 7:07 AM
1 Comments

Massachusetts Sens. Edward Kennedy and John Kerry in March 2001. (AP)

Sen. John Kerry on Tuesday released the following statement on the passing of Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, his Massachusetts colleague in the Senate:

We have known for some time that this day was coming, but nothing makes it easier. We have lost a great light in our lives and our politics, and it will never be the same again. Ted Kennedy was such an extraordinary force, yes, for the issues he cared about, but more importantly for the humanity and caring in our politics that is at the center of faith and true public service.

No words can ever do justice to this irrepressible, larger than life presence who was simply the best — the best Senator, the best advocate you could ever hope for, the best colleague, and the best person to stand by your side in the toughest of times.

He faced the last challenge of his life with the same grace, courage, and determination with which he fought for the causes and principles he held so dear. He taught us how to fight, how to laugh, how to treat each other, and how to turn idealism into action, and in these last fourteen months he taught us much more about how to live life, sailing into the wind one last time. For almost 25 years, I was privileged to serve as his colleague and share his friendship for which I will always be grateful.

Teresa and I send all our love to Vicki, Teddy Jr., Patrick, Kara and their family, and to the entire Kennedy family for whom Teddy was always a rock at times like this. Massachusetts and our entire nation feels their loss and grieves with them

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Delia Donatelli

Senator Kennedy became a rarity in government, a true statesman. After he lost the nomination for presdient in 1980, he set ego aside and devoted himself to serving the common people. He empathized with the needs and challenges of the common people and strived to make government acknowledge its responsibility to serve all the people, not just the wealthy and influential corporate elite. He was unique; though enjoying some of the privileges of wealth, he sincerely believed that this privilege also came with the responsibility to serve those less fortunate. He continually fought to ensure that social needs were balanced with, and not sacrificed to, corporate interests, whose wealth and influence ensure that this struggle can never be completely resolved but must be continually fought. His passing leaves a vacuum that likely may never be filled, for few, have the courage and the will to continue the struggle, and even fewer are in a position to do so.

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Kerry: No Words Can Do Justice To Kennedy

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