There aren't many other polar bears in the world - not the metaphorical kind, though if we're talking literal bears, there won't be many of them left soon if global warming gets its way, but I digress. I can't think of very many people whom I could call a fellow polar bear. I suppose I should characterize this. To be a polar bear, one must be bold, one must have a certain something in one's appearance - but above all - one must have an absolute ferocity concerning that which they believe in.
In other words, Ted Kennedy is a polar bear.
I came home this evening from a meeting concerning an upcoming production of Macbeth, only to find out that the youngest child of Joe and Rose, passed away.
I can't quite believe it. Ted Kennedy has been the figurehead of liberal America for over 40 years. He fought hard for not only the citizens of Massachusetts, but all American citizens, pushing fiercely for gun control, greater rights for immigrants, a strong candidate for women's rights, a fierce protector of the environment, and one of the most outspoken advocates of civil rights for ALL people - not just whites, not just men, not just heterosexuals - ALL. He was the last REAL democrat; certainly the democrat that I compare others too. Barbara Boxer is now my last hope.
And while he was a Kennedy, privileged and affluent, he was possibly one of the best examples of what a politician should be. Sure, he was a flawed man. But that's part of what made him great - he knew he was flawed, but he worked so very hard to fight for what he believed in, despite his shortcomings. There was never anything in his political career that made me guess or question his motives; not one time where I didn't know where he stood. If you'd like to take a look at his rather impressive voting record, you can check it out here. (The only bummer I can see is that he voted to reauthorize the Patriot Act...)
Well, done, sir. Well done, and thank you. And although you're often referred to as the liberal lion of the senate, I beg to argue that you are, in fact, a polar bear.
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4 comments:
Amen. Lion, polar bear, fierce, true. All of these things apply. I am drinking a glass of Jameson in your honor, good sir. If for no other reason than simply because I know that you fought for me, when no one else would dare.
Excellent post dude.
good post I really liked it
excellent post, as usual.
I think most people voted to reauthorize the Patriot Act, if I'm not mistaken, as it was seeped in political manipulation and fear-mongering and politicians tend to back down to that shite.
Rest in Peace, Ted. Phoenixes and Polar Bears alike will miss you.
Ben - thanks dude. We'll all miss him. And even though I'm not a politician, I'll still fight for our rights.
myroom76 - Thanks so much! :) Cheers to you!
Phoenix - most people did vote to reauthorize the Patriot Act ... but of all people I would have thought to vote against it, it would have been good ol' Ted. Or Dennis Kucinich. Ah well. 'Tis a small gripe. Do you think it's fate or coincidence that both of our power animals start with a P?
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