I know that this man was not admired at one time and I understand why. Despite this knowledge, I admire him for his commitment, tenacity, professionalism and for his unwavering advocacy. I was privileged to be in his presence twice. The second time, I heard him speak to a small audience in a small room in support of a pending labor bill in Washington D.C. He was impressive. Perhaps this excerpt explains better than me why he is an example to others who struggle to transform their lives:
"Forty-seven years was long enough to transform him in popular vocabulary from Teddy to Ted.
It was long enough for him to bleach and in many eyes redeem the most garish stains on his public image. Twenty years ago Kennedy’s name tended to be invoked first in the context of personal excess and scandal, and only secondarily in the context of public service. In later years this order was emphatically reversed.
"From 1980 to this day, I know of no one who has transformed themselves – not overnight, just steady, year by year, bill by bill, problem by problem – to, what do they say - 'lion of the Senate,'" said former Sen. Harris Wofford (D-Pa.)
After the deaths of his brothers and his own disgrace in the 1969 incident at Chappaquiddick, Wofford said, Kennedy turned his attention to a sustained, deliberate effort to rebuild his reputation." Full article here.
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