I don't know what I can add to these thoughts, except my own personal feeling about Ted and the Kennedys. They were larger than life. They came from wealth, but spent their political lives trying to better the lives of ALL Americans, the middle class and the poor. They inspired a generation, certainly MINE to try and reach out of our narrow lives and be part of a larger community, to contribute goodness to the world.
It's the end of legacy, end of an era.

As far as his mistake of 40 years ago, I do believe it was truly an accident. (If anyone has ever seen a picture of that bridge, btw, it is treacherous). I think his track record shows that he was a man of conscience overall (and there's NO use arguing it with people who disgree)

For me, I just feel terribly saddened, and the entire family seems to have been met by tragedy at ever turn.An older brother lost. Two brothers lost. A sister lost. A lovely and elegant sister in law gone. A nephew of great promise, most heartbreakingly gone too soon. And yet, where lesser folks would have faltered and been thwarted, Ted Kennedy took up the mantle and never lost his fire and dedication to a cause greater than his own.

Rest in peace Ted. Rest in peace all of them.