The Lion Roared!
by
Clyde
8:20 AM
I have to admit that there have been some truly fantastic speeches given at this year's Democratic Convention in Denver. However, there is one that stands out to me and while the delivery was a bit flawed, it was arguably the most inspirational speech I have ever had the pleasure to be witness to.
When Senator Edward Kennedy took the podium and delivered his speech I was truly amazed at what this man has been able to overcome. I may be a little more sensitive to Teddy's condition than most people because of what my father had to endure because of his epilepsy.
My father, whom I named this column after, had to undergo brain surgery when I was but a small child. And while I do not remember exactly what he had to go through to get back to where he was before the surgery. I have heard the stories from family and friends. It was a very difficult road for him and when I saw Senator Kennedy deliver his speech, I was immediately inspired at the raw grit and determination that this man must possess.
To be able to get up on stage in front of a crowd of thousands is a task that many of us could not make even in the best of health. But to go and deliver a speech just a few short weeks after being diagnosed with brain cancer is beyond my ability to describe. If I had not already respected Ted Kennedy before this, that speech alone would have gotten it in a heartbeat.
No matter what your political affiliation, no matter what your ideology, you cannot deny the fact that this nation owes a debt to the Kennedy family. Yes they were privileged and were able to do as they pleased and not want for anything. They could have said to hell with it and just lived lives of luxury, but that is not the Kennedy way.
Public service to this family is not some campaign slogan or motto, it is part of their very existence, and I have to say that the one that has given the most is Ted Kennedy. While it was John Kennedy who inspired a nation, it was the Lion of the Senate that shaped it. While it was Robert Kennedy who fought the battle to end discrimination, it was the Lion of the Senate that waged the war.
When one looks at the facts, Ted was able to do more for this country than both of his brothers combined. Had they not been gunned down in their prime, the fact is that when they would have ended their terms in the White House (Bobby would have won) their political careers were essentially over. While Ted's career spanned 30 plus years and if Monday night is any indication, he isn't done yet.
The Lion continues to roar!
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