The Wrong Way to Remember Ted Kennedy

NewsReal Blog ^ | August 29, 2009 | Joseph Klein

[HorowitzianConservative]

We do not honor Ted Kennedy's memory by perpetuating his mistakes. Despite all of the live prime time cable TV coverage last night of speeches extolling his legislative accomplishments and willingness to reach across the aisle on occasion, Kennedy's extreme views on foreign policy, judicial appointments and health care are not worthy of emulation.

Unlike his brother John F. Kennedy who understood the Soviet menace and America's special mission to carry the torch of liberty throughout the world, Ted Kennedy was a moral relativist when it came to dealing with our enemies. An anti-war and nuclear freeze advocate to the core, he was one of the charter members of the 'blame America' crowd who tried to appease the Soviet Union. He was a strong opponent of effective intelligence gathering programs. He did not understand the gravity of the Islamic terrorist threat, and in 2007 voted against designating Iran's Revolutionary Guards as terrorists ( Senator Obama was also against this designation but did not vote at the time). Kennedy was also against virtually whatever it took to prevent another 9/11 catastrophe.

With respect to judicial appointments, it was Ted Kennedy more than any other Senator who turned Senate confirmation hearings into the poisonous, partisan battles that they have become.

Within 45 minutes of Judge Robert Bork's nomination to the Supreme Court, Ted Kennedy took to the Senate floor with a slanderous attack against Bork in a nationally televised speech, declaring:

[JaneNC]

Yes, he harmed our country. He smeared Judge Bork...he was against out military, against the surge and against capitalism.

[SuziQ]

Hmmm. I wonder how Joe Klein ‘remembered’ Strom Thurmond, or Jessie Helms?

[Congressman Billybob]

There is a radical difference between Kennedy's high-falllutin' speeches and the facts on the ground of what he did with his life. I agree with this author that what Kennedy did should usually NOT be emulated. But what he said, can and should be taken literally and stuffed up the nose of whatever Kennedy or Jennedy-wannabe seeks to take his place/

Click below for more info on this.

Congressman Billybob

Latest article, "A Fitting Legacy for Teddy"

[Art in Idaho]

How do you calculate the damage his bills and stands on abortion, the military, illegal immigration, welfare, taxes and socialism have done to this country? Incalculable. .

[Publius6961]

Ted who?