By Hillary Clinton
Today I join all Americans in mourning the passing of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, one of our nation's finest statesmen and a dear friend. My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy's wife Vicki, his children, grandchildren, and all the members of the extended Kennedy family.
For five decades, Senator Kennedy was at the heart of our greatest debates, serving on the front lines of democracy. With optimism and courage, he helped us meet the challenges and seize the opportunities of our times. He was a champion for women and families, for health care, education, civil rights and the environment. He inspired generation after generation of young Americans to enter public service, to stand up for justice and to fight for progress. And he was a legislator without peer, who understood both when to stand his ground and when to seek out the common ground on which compromise and progress is built.
When I was First Lady, we worked together to provide health insurance for America's children. When I arrived in the Senate, he was a generous mentor and a thoughtful colleague. We worked together to raise the minimum wage, improve education, and champion the cause we shared so deeply: ensuring that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. And as Secretary of State, I valued his counsel on how to make America a force for peace and progress around the world.
I will always treasure the memory of his friendship and the time we spent together, from the Massachusetts waters he loved so much, to the floor of the Senate that will feel empty without his booming voice and broad smile.
We have lost Ted, but his life's work will shape our nation for years to come. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of millions of Americans who are freer, healthier, and more prosperous because of his efforts. As he said, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.
an absolutely beautiful statement. such class, this woman.
ReplyDeleteHillary was far too gracious, if you ask me.
ReplyDeleteShe was very gracious, SYD, and we learn over and over again that she has almost superhuman strength in her capacity to forgive and move on.
ReplyDeleteHillary exudes grace, class, intelligence, courage, wit wrapped around a central core of doing the best for her country's everyday people. The contrast between her and what we had foisted on us is so gut wrenchingly painful.
ReplyDeleteShe is the embodiment of what many of us were raised to think was our reason for existing - to make the world a better place for all. I am from a small college town on the Ohio River in SE Ohio - we were told "you can do anything". Everything was always predicated on our community, our State, our Country. Today children are getting the message to do what you need just for Themselves.
I do not think this country, in it's present state, can produce another Hillary - we have lost our moral compass. While there are others in politics who endeavor some causes, who amongst them have the strength, courage and knowledge to fight for this nation like Hillary did and take the abuse? Sadly, I can't think of one. I didn't just lose my party last year - but my country also. We are a country of greed now. Bush set the stage for eight years.
There has to be a better way, Boo, and I'm thinking that Hillary is a good role model for her supporters. So far, though, I've been unable to live up to her standards. She just keeps on going on, doing what she can to make the world a better place.
ReplyDeleteIt's always good to hear from you!