Don't Pass Health Care Because Of Kennedy

I am so mad at the 24/7 media I could scream. They are the ones pushing for the passage of legislation that hasn't even been completed to honor Ted Kennedy! That would be the most stupid, irresponsible reason in the world to pass it and would hardly "honor" the man.

I'm no fan of Ted Kennedy, nor any of them for that matter. More poor little rich boys getting passes throughout life for behaving badly. I cannot give Ted a pass for the death of Mary Jo Kopechne. A death that could possibly have been prevented had he gone to the first house across that bridge and called for help - or mustered the help of those who lived there. To have waited 10 hours was criminal. But he was a Kennedy. All the motions were gone through but everyone knew what the outcome would be. Pass.

In another sense, he took the life of of another individual too. The career of Supreme Court nominee Robert Bork. His campaign against Bork has to be one of the most venomous in the history of politics. It destroyed Bork's nomination and reputation. That too drained a life.

His bad boy behavior behind the scenes could be repulsive too. Take for example the "waitress sandwich" story that's making the rounds on talk radio today. It would seem he and his great friend Chris Dodd (D-CT) were dining in one of D.C.'s more posh restaurants with a couple of sweet young ladies that were not their wives. In a private room known as "The Teddy Kennedy Fun Room". Everyone was very drunk. When the sweet young things took a ladies room break, Kennedy grabbed a waitress, threw her on a table then threw her onto the sprawled Dodd and piled on top of the two of them. The details of the incident are disgusting.

So we lionize the man for his years of service and the fact he was a Kennedy. It was expected and will play itself out after he is interred in that most sacred of ground at Arlington; the final resting place of those who died for their country. Truly for their country.

I doubt, if the legislation is passed without serious revision, our narcissistic President, who wants health care reform to be his legacy , will allow another name on it. If he does, however, maybe it's fitting.

Just remember, you who are making your views known while you can, what happened to the country after the last major piece of legislation was pushed through without thought after 9/11? The Homeland Security Act has negatively impacted so many aspects of our lives! Our rights have been trampled. As a small example, we can't cross what were once friendly borders without hassle, we can't fly without physical intrusion or the risk of our names being on a terrorist watch list for no reason. We can be listened to with impunity. Our e-mails can be scrutinized. What will happen to our privacy this time?

Maybe Kennedy devoted himself to a lifetime of public service as a self-imposed penance for past transgressions. I'd have an easier time believing that had others, less serious in that a life was not taken, had not been a benchmark of his private life. Rather it had been behavior deserving the kudos his senatorial tenure seems to muster.

As Bill Clinton said, in effect, when asked about why he did what he did in the oval office with a young intern, "Because I could". It would also seem to be the case with Senator Kennedy.

Now. What about Chris Dodd? Another man who would be President. I'm beginning to wonder if we have a choice any more. I'm learning one thing. The moral standards of public figures are far different than mine. No matter. I still factor it into my opinions with no apologies.

What Qualifies One For The Senate?

According to WCBS TV , a reporter following Caroline Kennedy on her upstate "listening tour" had this to ask, "But you've never held public office so what experience [do you have]?"

Maybe it's time to take a look at what qualifies an individual to serve in the U.S. Senate! Especially when you consider the bunch that's in there now and those aspiring to be. Consider the stellar character represented by Ted Stevens and Larry Craig for example. Hillary Clinton had never held public office before being elected to the Senate. Were they not all considered adequately "qualified" when elected?

The Senate is a pretty exclusive "club". There are only 100 Senators. Two from every state; not like the gazillion of Representatives from gerrymandered districts! To find two people from each state that have their state's interest, as well as the nation's, at heart should not be that difficult. Is there any reason to assume Caroline Kennedy does not?

Being educated, having character and ability seem far more important to me than whether or not one has previously held elective office. I know. That may actually mean Al Franken, better known as a comedian than a politician, is superbly qualified. After all he is a Harvard man. And that is the crux of the argument. I based my support for Obama on much the same criteria. Intellect, character and education. Caroline is also a Harvard grad plus a J.D. from Columbia Law. The worst thing I can say is, "Not another lawyer!"

Actually, the fact that she is not a career politician is a plus in my book. Yes. She has far different life experiences than many of us, but what we have in common is equally important. A view of the world and life from outside the beltway.

Who would ever have thought the Kennedy name would be a negative? Is that a reason for David Patterson to not appoint her? I should hope not.

Brain Trust

Every time I go to the doctor I get a knot in my stomach. Usually for no good reason other than knowing it will be another reinforcement of the fact I'm getting old and have the ailments that accompany the process.

Then I watch the story about Ted Kennedy, a 76 year old not in the best of health in the first place, coming through what was anticipated to be six hours of surgery in three and a half. Plus, he was awake throughout and spoke with his wife immediately after. Wow. Step one has gone well and I sincerely hope his recovery process continues on such a positive note.

The government health plan is extremely generous. In addition, with his personal wealth, Kennedy can afford the best medical care the country has to offer. Then there are the rest of us.

A few weeks ago I had some blood work done. Routine stuff that we elders have done at least once a year. One of the tests was not covered by medicare. Hub wants to know which one and why. Me too.

Obama has promised the American public that we will be offered health coverage to match what those in Congress have. Hold him to that; hold any of the candidates to that! Medicare reimbursements to doctors are being cut to the point they actually lose money by having we old folks as patients. Many conditions and tests are not covered. More and more doctors are declining to take on medicare patients. It's an uneasy feeling.

I try not to bother my doctor more than necessary, but when it is I resent feeling like a financial burden. I don't resent the doctor, I resent the law makers who have put us in this position.

Concern about this area of our lives seems to be one of the Democrats strongest issues. One thing for sure, we are all going to face the need for greater and better medical care as we age. We all strive for that rather than the alternative. Science is obliging us but funding the service end of the deal is failing us.

I don't know if Hillary is going to eke out the nomination or not. If Obama prevails, as expected, I can think of one area in his administration where she would excel. Health care. She has the experience albeit it a bad one. If she is as smart and capable as her legions believe she is, she'll have learned from those mistakes and would make one ferocious champion for those of us who increasingly need one the most and are the least able to fend for ourselves.

Being the best niche player out there could leave her with a better legacy than being president!

A Sense Of Urgency?

I've watched the ongoing coverage about Ted Kennedy today. The last of the old lions, they said of him. At least the last that still is effective.

It is sad under any circumstance, but especially because the old time politicians that could argue all day and still share a belt after hours have all but disappeared. An era soon gone.

I can't help but wonder if Kennedy had an inkling something wasn't quite right within himself as he chose to pass the Kennedy mantle to Barack Obama. A young man. A man of mixed race. An articulate and charismatic man. An intelligent, well educated and accomplished man.

A new face for a new time looking forward. What's past is past. Senator Kennedy, I suspect will fight to see another day, but how many remain to be seen. Senator Obama will fight to establish a new direction in a new era.

Fights will be fought during the days ahead. Each man with a different cause yet a common bond. I wish non-partisan strength to them both.