Kennedy's presence

A few days ago, the world lost the physical presence of last of the famous Kennedy brothers. Senator Edward M. Kennedy passed away at the age of 77. He died of brain cancer. He had served 46 years as a Democrat in the Senate.

His other brothers, President John F. Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy were assassinated in the 60s. Both were young. Only in their 40s. Their eldest brother, Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., died at the age of 29 during World War II while on a bombing mission. Photo of the famous three brothers (July 1960) by Associated Press

Senator Kennedy of Massachusetts could have been president, following his famous brother, John F. Kennedy. But along his political and personal life, he had a couple of stumbles, specifically the Chappaquiddick accident which resulted to the death of Mary Jo Kopechne.

And we would all surely remember the death of John F. Kennedy Jr. during a plane crash in 1999. Many had hoped he would follow JFK’s footsteps in the White House and keep the Kennedy tradition alive. See the young Ted on his father's lap in this photo from the New York Times.

President Obama said, “His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives — in seniors who know new dignity, in families that know new opportunity, in children who know education’s promise, and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just — including myself.” Wonder what Pres. Obama is whispering to the late Senator's ear in this photo by Brendan Smialowski (NYT).

Still, this tradition will continue to live with the Kennedy Library in Boston, the Kennedy Center in Washington and the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

Last December, in Harvard University, he said, “We know the future will outlast all of us, but I believe that all of us will live on in the future we make. I have lived a blessed time.”


The Kennedy spirit will continue to shine in US politics as long as there are Democrats and Republicans who argue and debate in the halls of Congress. Am no expert in American politics but am sure many will miss the fire and vigor of Sen. Kennedy in the US Congress. Photo by George Tames in the late 60s, shows the young Ted talking to his supporters on top of a van.

Many Filipinos here are also Kennedy followers. They are not only mesmerized by the “royal family” of US politics, but firm believers of the democratic process and good governance. Associated Press photo shows the Kennedy family after the death of JFK.

Come May 2010, we do need to make our own presence felt as we select leaders who live and practice the ideals of good governance, just like the Kennedys. There is still time to seek change. Let us trash all traditional politicians and support those whose ideals are for the greater good of Filipinos.