Sen. Kennedy's dream 'shall never die'

September 13, 2009 12:36 am

Perhaps you never knew it, but the late Sen. Ted Kennedy has touched all of our lives in a most positive way.

He cared deeply for Americans of all ages and means. He authored more than 2,500 bills, of which 500 became law.

He fought for children's health care, for education, for civil rights, for peace, for higher wages, for people with cancer.

He championed legislation to bring about the end of apartheid rule in South Africa. He was a champion to the elderly, the poor, the working class, the mentally ill, and the marginalized of this nation.

He reduced the voting age to 18, penned the Americans with Disabilities Act, increased the minimum wage, funded Meals on Wheels, brought about health care for the indigent, and voted against the Iraq war.

His dream was to bring health care to all Americans. It was the cause of his life, and it will be his proudest legacy.

Perhaps the health care bill will be called the Ted Kennedy Health Care Bill.

In his words, "the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

Thank you, Sen. Kennedy.

Elisabeth Piatt

Culpeper