Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Statement from Robert J. Gould, President/CEO, Partnership for Prevention:
Senator Kennedy’s passing is an inestimable loss to government, to history and to the cause of health reform. A summary of his accomplishments shows that every piece of major health care legislation passed over the last four decades has borne his imprint. His lifelong devotion to the cause of making quality health care available to every American speaks volumes about his heart and his character.
Our thoughts today are with the senator’s family and friends. To those who share his dream of health reform, we would suggest that the greatest tribute would be to take to heart his own words:
“For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”
Labels: reform, Robert J. Gould, Ted Kennedy
On one of their annual treks to Florida for the winter in the mid-60s, my parents stopped in to his Senate office in Washington and was quickly taken to the Labor Committee room where he was chairing a hearing. As I witnessed the moment, he interrupted the hearing to welcome "two good friends from Sheffield, Martin and Sally Karson."
My parents were of most modest means and of little political influence, but Ted Kennedy demonstrated his amazing warmth and csring concern for two people he had met briefly in his first campaign. My parents, then in their 60s, recalled that moment and their beloved Ted the rest of their lives, as I have.
Stan Karson