Edward M. Kennedy: Some Thoughts
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 at 08:18AM As a child in the Sixties, my political upbringing was liberally (!) influenced by the Kennedys. My parents were active in Republican politics and they were Westerners who deeply resented the attitudes of the "Eastern elites," both Republican and Democrat. I remember two conversations with my father from that time (there were many more, but these were memorable.) One time I asked him about the Kennedy brothers. His summation of their various talents went like this: Jack was the most politically talented, and, from my dad's point of view the least objectionable but it was unclear whether that was because of his anti-communism or because he was dead; Robert was the most intelligent, and Ted was not only stupid but a fellow-traveler of the first order. It says something about my upbringing that at age 10, I knew what a fellow traveler was.
The other conversation was later and had nothing to do with Ted Kennedy. I was abut 12 and my dad came to me with a book and said, "You need to read this." The sense of urgency in his voice stayed with me but didn't move me to action for another 33 years. The book was "Witness," by Whittaker Chambers. Having read it all these years later, I realized how Edward Kennedy, more than any other politician, had been in the service of forces that want to destroy this country. Perhaps unwittingly, but on a technicality only.
It is my belief that there is justice, ultimately, and that Senator Kennedy has gone at long last to his reward.
Reader Comments (4)