An Era is about to come to an End......
Over the last 24 hours, I have read with great sadness that Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Sister of the John Kennedy, Ted Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy, is in critical but stable condition at a hospital near her home in Massachusetts. I have also seen reports that the California Governor and his Wife, Maria, have flown to be by her side. That tells me that she may not survive this health scare.
Mrs. Shriver and her husband, Sargent, are part of a tradition in America that epitomizes the best in public service. Mrs. Shriver founded the Special Olympics and I believe also served as Ambassador to Ireland. Although I have had profound disagreements with the way their Son-In-Law, the current California Governor, has run the State, it seems as if that committment to Public Service is something that he has learnt. Mrs. Shriver son's Mark, is a member of the City Council In Santa Monica, California. Others continue to be involved in one way or another.
Now, there is the continued health challenge that Senator Kennedy has had. He has a tumor in his brain. I was nearly floored when I read the report. He has been away from the Senate and missed the vote that I think he wanted to be a part of the most: the confirmation of Judge Sotomayor to be Justice Sotomayor. I have been periodically visited his online office to read his statements and his pronoucements. Senator Kennedy has been at the forefront of all major legislation for the past 50 years. The Right will always burn him in effigy. Whatever the right may say and what personal failings Senator Kennedy may have had, it still does not take away what he has helped achieve for the American People.
In many ways, the torch has passed on to a new generation. I will always be inspired by the example the Kennedy Family has shown. They showed all of us who truly wish to serve that anything is possible. I hope that no one is discouraged. The future of American Democracy depends on it.
The Kennedy Family circa 1948 (Source: JFK Library Website):
Really Long Link
Mrs. Shriver and her husband, Sargent, are part of a tradition in America that epitomizes the best in public service. Mrs. Shriver founded the Special Olympics and I believe also served as Ambassador to Ireland. Although I have had profound disagreements with the way their Son-In-Law, the current California Governor, has run the State, it seems as if that committment to Public Service is something that he has learnt. Mrs. Shriver son's Mark, is a member of the City Council In Santa Monica, California. Others continue to be involved in one way or another.
Now, there is the continued health challenge that Senator Kennedy has had. He has a tumor in his brain. I was nearly floored when I read the report. He has been away from the Senate and missed the vote that I think he wanted to be a part of the most: the confirmation of Judge Sotomayor to be Justice Sotomayor. I have been periodically visited his online office to read his statements and his pronoucements. Senator Kennedy has been at the forefront of all major legislation for the past 50 years. The Right will always burn him in effigy. Whatever the right may say and what personal failings Senator Kennedy may have had, it still does not take away what he has helped achieve for the American People.
In many ways, the torch has passed on to a new generation. I will always be inspired by the example the Kennedy Family has shown. They showed all of us who truly wish to serve that anything is possible. I hope that no one is discouraged. The future of American Democracy depends on it.
The Kennedy Family circa 1948 (Source: JFK Library Website):
Really Long Link
Mike Pouraryan
