Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy

Subject: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 11:32 PM

Senator Edward M. Kennedy died last night, and a lot of Mudcatters want to engage in respectful contemplation of his life. This second thread is for that, so please don't combine it with the obituary thread.

Tonight National Public Radio played a special hour-long program with several journalists who have covered his life and career. It was fascinating.

Clearly, the young Ted Kennedy was from an elevated backround socially and financially, the youngest son in a family of over-achievers, and not necessarily expected to shine like the rest, for whatever reason. He made a few well-documented poor choices in his life, the first discussed on the program was a cheating scandal at Harvard. He was told to return in 2 years, so he joined the Army as a private, not as an officer like his older brothers did. They felt he got a candid look at how everyone else lives, outside of the family compound and ivy league schools. He entered politics so young that a family friend held a seat in congress (previously held by one of his brothers) for two years until he was old enough to assume it (age 30). This is a sketchy description of the program.

By age 36, with the death of his brothers and father, he had become the family patriarch, a role he had to grow into fast. There was a beautiful, poignant, description of this process, as he helped raise his brothers' children, walked their daughters down the aisle and attended the christenings of their children, took them sailing on family vacations, etc. He became the family eulogist.

Despite the personal lapses along the way, he was clearly overwhelmingly a caring, nurturing individual who worked tirelessly for improved conditions, on many fronts, for millions of people. They played snips from interviews of people who, out of the blue, learned that Kennedy had intervened with authorities or administrators in many instances and it made the difference between life and death for some of these people. One family in Russia was allowed to leave the country based on special compassionate circumstances (a baby with a severe birth defect) and moved to the U.S. for medical treatment. They had no idea that Kennedy, visiting from America, knew of their troubles, yet he stepped forward and assisted them. Kennedy met them at the airport when they landed. It is astonishing how much work he got done in his lifetime, on top of all of the good works that were largely behind the scenes.

Here is the program that played this evening, hosted by Linda Wertheimer discussing his life with Nina Totenberg, Ken Rudin, and others.

http://www.npr.org/ is the page where you'll find many more links and rememberances.

Joe Biden discussed the many years he spent in the Senate with Kennedy, as did many others, on both sides of the aisle. Orrin Hatch was moved and articulate on their working and personal relationships.

Christopher Dodd hopes Teddy Kennedy's passing will spur the GOP to finally act on Health Care. If anything could bring it back into the national conversation on a more level playing field, to be heard above the astroturf shouts, it is the death of this great politician, who spent decades working toward the end that is within reach this summer.

SRS

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Beer
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 11:37 PM

Thanks SRS
Adrien

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 11:43 PM

Nina Totenberg discussed the family as "Shakespearean" with the tragedies but also the good works. I think she nailed it.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Azizi
Date: 26 Aug 09 - 11:48 PM

Senator "Ted" Kennedy's legislative accomplishments:
[excerpt from http://www.abcnews.go.com/Politics/TedKennedy/Story?id=7787098&page=2]

"'In the four areas that Kennedy has dominated... health care, in education, civil rights, immigration," Boston Globe reporter Peter Canellos said. "He has fundamentally changed the relationship between the government and individuals in that arena.'

Here's a closer look at some of the other issues Kennedy heralded:

Civil Rights
Kennedy's brother, President John F. Kennedy, introduced the Civil Rights Bill in June of 1963, only months after Ted Kennedy joined the Senate in November 1962. During a speech, President Kennedy asked Congress to "enact legislation giving all Americans the right to be served in facilities which are open to the public -- hotels, restaurants, theaters, retail stores and similar establishments."

The bill that, after a struggle, eventually passed the House of Representatives Feb. 10, 1964, and met strong resistance in the Senate, remained on the floor for a 57-day filibuster. Though Ted Kennedy was still recovering from injuries he sustained in a devastating plane crash April 9, 1964, he gave an impassioned speech pleading with members of the Senate to end the filibuster of the Civil Rights Bill.

"My brother was the first president of the United States to state publicly that segregation was morally wrong," Kennedy said. "His heart and his soul are in this bill. If his life and death had a meaning, it was that we should not hate but love one another; we should use our powers not to create conditions of oppression that lead to violence, but conditions of freedom that lead to peace."

The bill was passed by the Senate several months later and signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson July 2, 1964.

In 1970, Kennedy supported the Voting Rights Act Extension, which essentially lowered the voting age to 18...

LGBT and Women's Rights
Kennedy also came out as a strong supporter of gay rights and women's issues.

"Kennedy is one of the earliest advocates for gay rights," Oliphant, the former Globe reporter, said.

A few instances of Kennedy advocating gay rights include his opposition to the Defense of Marriage Act and the constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, his efforts to gain funding for HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment programs and, most recently, his support for expanding hate crimes to include sexual orientation.

As late as 2007, Kennedy voted to re-introduce the Equal Rights Amendment and ensured access to and funding for contraception. He also supported what many hailed as a women's rights issue by voting against a proposal to end funding for women-owned businesses, among other measures.

Americans With Disabilities Act
Kennedy introduced the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990. The bill was designed to prohibit employers from discriminating in job hiring and in the workplace against people who had a disability.

The crowning achievement of these decades of progress was passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990, and its promise of a new and better life for every disabled citizen, in which their disabilities would no longer put an end to their dreams," Kennedy said on the 17th anniversary of the act in 2007. "The Americans With Disabilities Act was an extraordinary milestone in the pursuit of the American dream. Many disability and civil rights leaders in communities throughout the country worked long and hard and well to achieve it."

In 1978, Kennedy co-sponsored Civil Rights Commission Act Amendments, which expanded the jurisdiction of the Civil Rights Commission to protect people from discrimination on the basis of disability."...

-snip-

And more.

Thank you, Senator Kennedy.

RIP

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 12:05 AM

I transcribed the bit spoken by Nina Totenberg in the hour-long special I linked to. They're wrapping up the discussion, and she had a pretty good conclusion here:

"There was Good Ted and Bad Ted all along the way, but the Kennedys and Ted Kennedy in particular are positively Shakespearean in their tragedy, in their flaws, and in their greatness as well. And in the last 10, 15 years of his life, there were almost none of the old flaws that you saw. He married, it was a happy marriage, there was none of the carousing, and he was able to realize more legislative accomplishments, so that the redemption was complete by the end, in a way. There are all of these cliches, but they're cliches for a reason, he passed the torch to the next generation, to Barack Obama. It's a great drama."

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 12:15 AM

Stilly - you are my kinda girl! "Uncle Ted" was much loved and will be missed greatly in both his private and public arenas. He was born into money and priviledge - something he had no say in; but, he had to overcome personal shortcomings (as we all do) as well as short expectations from within his family. Folks can say what they will, but Teddy weathered the storm and rose to the very top; and, through it all we learned that "Uncle Ted" had great heart, concern and caring for others less fortunate than he. As one journalist talked on NPR today - Ted was up and running every morning at 7 a.m., and you know what?...he didn't have to, he did it because he wanted to.

Prayers and much love go with "Uncle Ted," and surround the Kennedy family and their circle of friends. Thanks for everything, Teddy.
Cheers,...............................mwh

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Amergin
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 02:50 AM

I was listening to the radio this afternoon...and one lady rang in saying that although she never met him...she felt like she was losing a family friend....apparently her brother for many years served as a publicist for several democrats...including Kennedy....eventually he tired of politics and he and his wife left to open a restaurant....apparently her brother and sister in law and several of their employees were murdered several years later....and Kennedy rang up her mother to personally give his condolences...and he rang up her nieces and spoke with them for a long time...telling them that if there was anything they needed any help at all to let him know....most politicians if they gave any notice at all would have an assistant do it....but he did it personally....

I think that whatever his mistakes in the past were, that the people of the US lost the best friend they had....

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Donuel
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 09:47 AM

My wife had the wonderful opportunity to work with this man and at a facility sponsored by his siter Eunice. I only met him once here in DC. Everything about him was unselfish.   His dedication to justice fairness and the dignity of the common man and woman is unmatched by anyone I know perhaps due to the crippling breaks he recieved in his early life and a re dedication of his life to the person and not the machine.
Hemmingway wrote, "Everyone's life is broken in places but there are rare people who grow stronger at those breaks and become larger than life itself.

Every aspect of his life was dedicated to others. Even in something as small as a tennis game. He would call his opponents balls in when they were actually out. The ambitious competitive person would do the opposite.

In one meeting with Sen Kennedy Gov. Sununu apparently without provocation lost his temper and screamed at a staffer who was explaining some data. Ted grew red in the face and bellowed at Sununu "Don't you EVER yell at staffers again, if you have something to say in that tone of voice you say it to me."
The meeting continued with a renewed sense of dignity and unity.

The small examples reveal his greatness.

The big things came from the small dedications;

Universal health care for the elderly (Medicare)
Civil Rights Act (in Schools, employment, domiciles)
Voting Rights Act
Emergency Room care for all



The sadest thing people are saying now is that the last person who could make civil bi partisan agreements with trust and respect is now gone.


He would say "The hope goes on"

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Alice
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 09:48 AM

Whether it is minimum wages, nutrition programs for poor mothers and children, home heating assistance for the poor... so many caring programs, senator Kennedy really cared about helping people who need help the most. So sad that we had only one senator who not only championed those causes and at the same time had the power to get things done, because now who will be able to do it?

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: katlaughing
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 10:40 AM

Thanks, SRS, for this thread, and thanks to all who have posted. I've been listening to npr this morning and it is ever more apparent what a great loss this really is for everyone, but esp. the "underdogs" so to speak. He was their Champion.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 11:52 AM

Thanks SRS. I always knew he was one of the good guys, but had not appreciated the huge extent of his influence and achievements. Alice is right: who now in the US is strong enough to carry the torch for basic decency, against a tide of greed and self-interest?

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Ebbie
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 03:19 PM

If he had done nothing else,- and he did so much more - Senator Kennedy's championing and pushing on the Disabilities Act would ensure him a place in history. Every town, every public building, every sidewalk, reflects that success.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Ebbie
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 03:20 PM

The phrase that Senator Kennedy reiterated was 'The dream lives on.' I only hope he passed the torch to someone else. We'll know, in due time.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Alice
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 03:32 PM

He was referring to passing the torch to Barack Obama.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Alice
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 03:39 PM

I don't know if this was already posted in the obit thread, but I received this email (as I am on the Obama mailing list as I'm sure millions of others are).
Alice
------------

Friend -- Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me.

In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.

I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom.

His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives.

For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.

Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still.
Sincerely, President Barack Obama

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Ebbie
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 03:52 PM

Alice, the phrase came from long before that.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Alice
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 04:04 PM

Yes, I know, but he used it in supporting Obama, to pass the dream to him at the Democratic convention, so I was referring to when he most recently used it to pass it on.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Stringsinger
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 04:58 PM

Chappaquidick followed him throughout his life and career.

He did many constructive things in the Senate. Promoted Single Payer as I recall.
Civil Rights for gays.

The Kennedy's (Bobby and Jack) tried to kill Castro. It backfired. Don't know if Ted was involved in that.

Ted was smart not to run for the presidency. He was hated by the Wing-nuts.

I think he will be remembered fondly.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: ranger1
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 06:04 PM

I met him once, very briefly. He had excellent taste in dogs, he spent about ten minutes petting and talking to my old Clancy Dog (back when Clancy was young), and then said exactly two words to me: "Nice dog." I think that made more of a positive impression on me than if he'd spent the time talking to me.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Michael Harrison
Date: 27 Aug 09 - 11:01 PM

Ted Kennedy hated "Wing-nuts?" Wait a minute here, I'm a Wing-Nut and I...always...thought...that,...oh yeah, that's right, I'm a different kind of wing-nut - I'm a Red Wing Nut and that's o.k. I just got confused there for a moment,...sorry. GO RED WINGS!Cheers,.........mwh

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Peace
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 12:04 AM

He was one helluva senator.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 08:23 AM

It sounds like there will be some huge traffic problems around his funeral today. And in order to let people know what to expect when, the family set up a Twitter account. (Mashable article.) @KennedyNews is the Twitter address.

I read yesterday that with so many interruptions of the family vacation, the Bernanke appointment and then writing the Kennedy eulogy, that he's going to visit Camp David for a vacation from his vacation. I first heard that Bill Clinton would do the eulogy, then Obama. I hope both are called upon to speak--won't that be a tour de force of intelligent speech!

SRS

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Peter K (Fionn)
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 01:09 PM

Wouldn't mind if Jimmy Carter got a look in, too. He's been commendably generous in his tributes considering that the 1980 business didn't do his chances of a second term much good.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 03:29 PM

Here is a New York Times article about the plans so far and the reception at the Kennedy Library.

Kennedy family members shook hands with mourners like Ms. Gayle-Flores who said they felt as if they had known Mr. Kennedy, and greeted those senators, political aides and others who had. The hours for the public viewing were extended on both ends to accommodate the overflowing crowds.

The Kennedy family estimated that 25,000 people attended the wake on Thursday night, with lines stretching to four hours, and the library kept the building open to the public until 2 a.m. Friday. When the lines began forming again at dawn, the library opened its doors 20 minutes early, at 7:40 a.m.

When the public viewing ends at 3 p.m. Friday, the library will be prepared for the bi-partisan memorial service, set to begin at 7 p.m., for the extended Kennedy family and invited guests. Representative Joseph P. Kennedy II of Massachusetts, Mr. Kennedy's nephew, is to speak first, followed by Senator Christopher J. Dodd, Democrat of Connecticut, and Mr. Kennedy's closest friend in the Senate. The Republican senators John McCain of Arizona and Orrin Hatch of Utah are slated to speak, and the service is to conclude with remarks by Vice President Joseph R. Biden and Mr. Kennedy's niece Caroline Kennedy.

There will be a video tribute directed by Ken Burns, and Brian Stokes Mitchell, the Broadway star, will sing Mr. Kennedy's favorite song, "The Impossible Dream," from the musical "Man of La Mancha."

I was with them until the song "The Impossible Dream." That one got too much air time when it was first popular and I played it too much on the piano as a kid. I overdosed on it. In a news story yesterday someone in line to go past the coffin remarked that she hoped this "wasn't the end of Camelot." But with this song, it certainly isn't the Camelot theme, is it? Instead of Knights of the Round table it's the picaro Don Quixote tilting at windmills. It's ironic he would favor this song, and that his family would choose a song from the musical based upon such a metaphorically-stuffed novel.

SRS

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: robomatic
Date: 28 Aug 09 - 10:24 PM

I think LBJ did more for Civil Rights than JFK. The Kennedys have been much longer on image than on action.

Image is important, but I think the actual accomplishments bruited about will fade over time as historians get perspective over the coming years.

Not that I didn't vote for him when I lived in MA. I just figured his publicity was probably masking more effective legislators.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 10:25 AM

I don't think you'll find a more effective legislator, once the personal stories of all of the help he offered comes forward.

The funeral will be broadcast and right now they're showing the arrivals. Lots of lesser knowns in the back rows and not mentioned; they're mostly focussing on the family and the Obamas, Bidens, Clintons, Bushes (Dubya) and Carter. I haven't seen Cheney. Perhaps Voldemort wasn't invited to the funeral? Buses of Kennedy family members. They've experienced exponential growth and there are a lot of pews set aside for the various generations.

It is a beautiful church.

SRS

---

Funeral broadcast (click)

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Alice
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 01:31 PM

Text of Obama's eulogy at Kennedy's funeral Mass

CLICK here

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 01:37 PM

I had to tape part of it because I was called into the garden to help neighbors, but saw the end. It was beautifully done.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Ebbie
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 01:47 PM

The most moving part of the human element, to me, was the eulogy given by his son, Teddy. I remember so well when it became public that he had a cancer in his leg and then had that leg amputated. If I recall correctly, the boy was only 12 at the time.

So hearing what he had to say about those days and the approach his father used was moving.

I am very grateful that the last of the Kennedy boys was not assassinated. That would have been almost more than any family could bear.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: robomatic
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 03:20 PM

Just read this fascinating article on the New York Times blog:

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/08/28/weekend-opinionator-kennedy-bork-and-the-politics-of-judicial-destruction/

It seems to critique Kennedy, but in fact it made me think much more of him, and I mean since my last contributions to this thread.

Meanwhile, one continuing lesson of the Kennedys is a very important one: Great wealth does not lead to a life of ease, nor should it. Big problems, failings, and disappointments occur to us all in life, and it takes guts and gumption to counter and persevere over them. These are qualities that the Kennedys have in abundance.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Peter T.
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 05:48 PM

I think you can read Obama's speech as a mourning for his own misguided dream that some part of mutual respect in politics was still functioning in the corridors of power in America.   He seems to have become deluded on this score, in spite of the insanity of his current opponents. With luck he will finally bury that dream, and get on with getting some things done.

Peter T.

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 08:50 PM

Who says it's misguided? It is unfortunate that the corruption and self-serving nature of conservative politics and America's corporations make putting others first almost an impossibility.

robo, that blogger finally came around to an appreciation of Kennedy, but he took such a long time of doing it and finding darker and darker critics along the way that it almost amounts to "damning with faint praise." He lets stand his assessment of political corruption even though he eases up on Kennedy's personal kindness and sincerity. That certainly constitutes a "mixed" review!

SRS

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: mg
Date: 29 Aug 09 - 10:20 PM

They played Holy God we praise thy name at some point. Great Catholic hymn.

Here it is in Slovenian.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QpTv8RftILc&feature=related

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 12:01 PM

Kennedy's dogs from Politico (He apparently knew what John Steinbeck conveyed in Travels with Charley: Dogs can be great ambassadors.)

Kennedy's dogs will be missed on Hill


Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) was years ahead of the curve when it came to Take Your Dog to Work Day. The constant presence of his three Portuguese water dogs in his Russell building office helped humanize their owner and brought a sense of fun to a workplace known for rules and formalities.

Now, lobbyists, staffers and other Hill dwellers say they mourn not only the passing of Kennedy but also he end of a unique chapter in Capitol Hill's canine history. With their black curly hair, floppy ears and bouncy gait, Kennedy's dogs became a part of the lawmaker's nearly 47-year Hill tenure.

Kennedy's Senate office always had water bowls and tennis balls on hand. Major legislation was hammered out as White House officials patted fuzzy heads and threw balls during meetings. The dogs were known to snooze under committee room tables.

"It's like the end of an era," said Kennedy's former judiciary committee general council David Sutphen. "I find it hard to believe you'll have another senator with a dog who comes to meetings all over the Capitol. It's kind of the closing of a chapter."

With the exception of the Senate floor, there were few places Splash, Sunny and Cappy didn't have access to, including committee hearings and, once, even the Oval Office. It was a rare day when the Massachusetts lawmaker wasn't shadowed by at least one of the pooches, whether Kennedy's schedule brought him an office full of visitors or a committee bill markup.

A powerful man with a booming voice and a formidable family legacy, Kennedy often used his dogs to break the ice with Republican lawmakers, to relax nervous visitors and to put political personalities to the sniff test.

"They were part of the landscape," said former Bush senior education adviser Sandy Kress, who partnered with Kennedy's office to develop the mammoth education bill No Child Left Behind.

"I had no problem patting the dog while talking about Section 10.32. ... It just created a pleasant environment," said Kress, who often watched the senator toss tennis balls to the dogs in the office. "At one point, we got it into our heads that the dogs reacted poorly to committee members who weren't No Child supporters. We always joked that the dogs knew best."

Studies have shown that pets in the workplace can boost productivity and raise employee morale and Kennedy was walking proof, animal experts say.

"Our pets humanize us. Immediately, there's something to talk about," said ASPCA executive vice president Stephen Zawistowski. "A dog provides easy common contact. It's a neutral contact."

Kennedy is far from the only lawmaker known for bringing furry friends to the Hill — a hobby he used to make friends on both sides of the aisle.

The Senator bonded with House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer over their canine affinity, according to the Congressman. Hoyer's English Springer Spaniel had her own bed in Hoyer's office before she passed away in 2007.

"God invented dogs for us, to give us the kind of uncompromising love that human beings need, and we in turn give them the same kind of love," Hoyer noted at the Congressional Canine Champions awards ceremony earlier this year.

President George W. Bush's National Institutes of Health appointee Elias Zerhouni reportedly earned Kennedy's support after one of the dogs stayed by Zerhouni's side during a meeting about the Senate confirmation process.

But Kennedy's dogs weren't saints either. Like a parent of spoiled children, the senator was loving but a poor disciplinarian.

Splash has been known to bark impatiently during long meetings. The dog once sent White House staffers into a frenzy when the pooch began barking in the Oval Office. Kennedy and his pets were at the White House waiting for the start of a religious freedom bill signing ceremony with President Clinton.

"Kennedy was working the room, and Splash starts barking incessantly. The president was off in a side room having a meeting and the White House staffers start freaking out," said Sutphen, a former staffer who attended the ceremony with Kennedy.

After Splash was excused, Clinton walked in, asking why he'd heard barking.

"No one fessed up," said Sutphen. "But it showed the light-hearted, jovial, jokester side of [Kennedy]."

The dogs' antics could turn Capitol Hill into a dysfunctional family scene.

While interning on Capitol Hill, then-Maryland University student Scott Shewfelt met Kennedy as he stumbled upon the Porties, unleashed and fresh from a haircut, digging in the shrubs outside the Russell Senate federal building where Kennedy kept his office.

"Teddy was yelling at them, but they weren't listening at all," Shewfelt said. "It was absolute chaos."

Whether the dogs were a distraction or not, Capitol Hill regulars say rarely was a complaint heard.

Boston Globe political reporter Susan Milligan, who covered Kennedy for almost a decade, was once dragged away from an interview with another Senator as Kennedy insisted she come visit the dogs.

"I was interviewing Sen. [Olympia] Snowe when Kennedy came around the corner and asked if I would come 'say hi to the dogs,'" Mulligan recalled. "At that point, what was I going to say? He had me come in the car and greet the dogs. He really wanted me to say hello."

Today, the Kennedy offices are quiet and the dogs are residing with the late senator's wife, Vicki, at the family compound on Cape Cod.

Wayne Pacelle, chief executive officer of the Humane Society of the United States, hopes the tradition of dog in Hill offices continues.

"He showed that animals are intimately involved in our lives, and there is an implicit reminder of our responsibility to them," said Pacelle. "So many more people are treating their dogs like members of the family. You may see other members handle their dogs in a similar way."

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: robomatic
Date: 30 Aug 09 - 02:42 PM

I'm wondering if the loss of Edward Kennedy will be a blow to the Family Planning movement in that his stature was great enough to allow him to receive officiation on the part of the Roman Catholic Church despite his position on a woman's right to choose. Is there anyone with enough avoirdupois to take his place on these issues?

Subject: RE: Respectful discussion of Edward Kennedy
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Aug 09 - 12:11 PM

Kerry, perhaps? I think he was in the same boat as Kennedy.