Why Ted Kennedy was Real

The Kennedy's were a family of wealth, privilege and power. There is no doubt surrounding the truth of that statement, they seemingly had it all. But they were also a family of tragedy, secrets, and sadness. Every chronicle you've probably read surrounding the passing of Ted Kennedy, I'm certain did not fail to mention more than one of the many examples of the reality of the Kennedy fortress.

During all the eulogies and remembrances of the life of Ted Kennedy, I could not help but think of how proud the surviving Kennedy's should be of a man that truly embraced the meaning of what it is to be a Liberal. Despite his dalliances, drinking and scandals, Ted Kennedy never claimed to be anything he wasn't. He truly understood the perils and struggles of those who had much less than he ever knew. He embodied the spirit of a Liberal by working countless hours trying to put forth a right that he knew was a right, not a privilege, that is, healthcare for all. He was a man of true conviction.

In 1964, Ted Kennedy was seriously injured in a plane crash along with Indiana Democratic Senator Birch Bayh and his wife, Marvella, legislative aide Edward Moss and the pilot, Edwin Zimny. Kennedy broke 3 vertebrae, 2 ribs and had a collapse lung. Birch Bayh heroically pulled Kennedy from the wreckage. Bayh's wife was trapped in the plane along with Moss and Zimney.

What was not widely reported was the Ted Kennedy lain on the ground in serous pain as he insisted that Bayh and other passersby attend to the others. They subsequently rescued Mrs. Bayh and Moss; Zimny had died on impact. Mrs. Bayh suffered small cracks in her back and Moss later died in surgery. Ted Kennedy had insisted they treat Mrs. Bayh and the others first and not worry about his needs. He was more concerned with the comfort of the others than that of his own suffering.

Ted Kennedy's endless battle for healthcare began the night of that 1964 crash. He knew he would be cared for with the utmost attention and care. But his thoughts and concerns were for that of the others, not himself. He lay in wait cold and in pain for hours near the crash while rescuers took care of the other passengers finding them comfort and getting them to the hospital. His suffering meant less than providing the needs for those that may have needed it more. His selflessness carried through a lifetime to help those who would receive much less care that he knew he would always be given. He truly and honestly believed - and lived the fact that healthcare was a right and not a privilege.

As I listened to all the accomplishments and revelations on Kennedy's life as a Senator during his Memorial and Funeral, I couldn't help but wonder how other Republican Senator's or Republican Politician's public life, accomplishments and fights would compare. I can honestly say, I couldn't think of any, not one.