And then there were none

The passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy marked the end of the legendary Kennedy brothers, and the era of what was called a modern day Camelot. Teddy, as he was known to friends and family, passed away from the effects of brain cancer earlier this week at the age of 77. He was the youngest of the Kennedy clan.

The family, who for decades, was the closest thing to royalty in America. It was also a family beset by unspeakable tragedy. The eldest brother, Joe, died in a plane crash during World War II, defending his country. He was the brother who was earmarked to become president by the family Patriarch, his father, Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr. The eldest daughter, Kathleen, or "Kit", as she was called by her family, also died in a plane crash. Another daughter, Rosemary, suffered from mental retardation which caused mood swings so severe, her father arranged a new procedure - a lobotomy - which impaired her abilities more, to the point of institutionalizing her until her death, many years later.

John Fitzgerald Kennedy was elected president in 1960, and was assassinated in November of 1963. Less than 5 years later, Brother Bobby, running for President and having just won the California Primary, was also struck down by an assassin.

Some of the most emotional moments in my lifetime, not involving family, were when JFK and Bobby were killed. I was a senior in high school when the news of President Kennedy's death came on our loudspeaker system. I was a volunteer for Bobby's campaign in California when he was shot to death.

The passing of Teddy brings out different emotions in me. I always felt a little sorry for him. He was the youngest brother in a family of over-achievers, and he was expected by everyone - not just his family - but by the millions of Kennedy admirers to reach the great heights that his older brothers did. He might have done it too, except for one ill-fated night. He drove off a bride in Chappaquiddick in 1969, and a young lady by the name of MaryJo Kopechne drowned. Teddy somehow survived, but he failed to even report the accident until 9 hours later. No matter what excuses he offered, none of them rang true.

Some 11 years later he made a run for his party's candidacy, challenging an incumbent, though unpopular President Jimmy Carter. Chappaquiddick and his involvement there ruined his chances. It is doubtful he would have succeeded in the general election, as the Republican foe, Ronald Reagan, popular former Governor of California, had the right message for the times.

I had always wondered if Teddy really wanted to be president, or if he was simply responding to the pressure of those around him urging him to run and the sense of duty to fulfill what he convinced himself was the family destiny. He appeared uncomfortable to me when interviewed, though occasionally he could rouse a crowd with a heartfelt speech, as he did delivering brother Bobby's eulogy, or his concession to Jimmy Carter at the Democratic Convention. Most times, however, he just didn't seem to be the impassioned Public figure that either of his brothers were.

Of course, he redirected his energy in his Senate career, and both sides of the aisle praise him for his hard work and efforts during his nearly 50 year career. Unfortunately, his public persona continued to suffer, with publicized drinking bouts and womanizing. One wonders how he could have separated such an effective legislative life from such a disastrous public life, though many politicians have, both before and since, done the same thing.

He also was the poster boy for Liberals during much of his life which, of course, made him a hated person by many. Yet some of the legislation he was instrumental in passing - American Disability Act; Title IX; Children's Health Insurance; No child left behind, among others - made our country a better place, and benefited people from all parties.

His loss will be felt by many, and be, most likely, welcomed by some. But we shouldn't forget that time, long ago, when he and his family represented the best of what America had to offer. So, Senator Kennedy, as you join your brothers....

In short, there's simply not
A more congenial spot
For happily-ever-aftering than here
In Camelot.

Old Fart Mike