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WORLD: US Senator Teddy Kennedy dies, aged 77
David Gardner, Los Angeles26.08.09
Edward Kennedy, head of America's most famous political dynasty ever since the assassination of his two brothers, died today at the age of 77 after suffering a brain tumour.
Known universally as Teddy, he was the second-longest serving senator and put his imprint on every major piece of social legislation, battling for equal rights and healthcare reform.
His career, as standard bearer of his brothers' liberal causes, spanned nearly 50 years, was tainted with controversy and he never achieved his ambition to become President.
But he was known as the “Lion of the Senate” and was the patriarch of a family that was regarded as the closest thing the US had to royalty.
His death is seen as the end of the “Camelot era”, a phrase coined to describe the glamour of the John F Kennedy administration of the Sixties.
His family issued a statement saying: “We've lost the irreplaceable centre of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism and perseverance will live on in our hearts for ever.
“He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it's hard to imagine any of them without him.”
Teddy Kennedy's early years were spent in the shadow of JFK and Senator Robert Kennedy. But after their deaths, he overcame scandal to forge a long and vastly influential career as one of Washington's most powerful Democrat powerbrokers. The youngest of nine Kennedy siblings, he was diagnosed with a brain tumour in May last year and had successful surgery.
Life and times of Edward Kennedy
A 1980 challenge to President Jimmy Carter ended in defeat, but his concession speech defined his liberal mission. “For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end,” he said.
“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.” The clan seemed blighted by the “curse of the Kennedys”. Teddy's oldest brother, Joe Jr, died in a plane crash during the Second World War when he was 12. John was assassinated in Dallas in 1963 and Robert was shot dead on the night of the California primary in 1968.
One sister, Kathleen, was killed in a plane crash in 1948. Another, Rosemary, was born mildly mentally handicapped and suffered a botched lobotomy in 1941. She died in 1986 after 50 years in mental hospitals.
Their father Joseph Kennedy was incapacitated by a stroke in 1961 and died in November 1969, leaving the youngest son, Teddy, as head of the family when he was 37. Teddy survived a 1964 plane crash that killed an aide, suffering a broken back that was to plague him for the rest of his life.
Robert Kennedy's son David died of a drug overdose in a Florida hotel in 1984; another of Robert's sons, Michael, was killed in a skiing accident in Colorado in 1997; and John's son John Jr, his wife Carolyn and sister-in-law Lauren Bessette died in a 1999 plane crash off Martha's Vineyard.
Teddy Kennedy is survived by his second wife, Victoria, who he married in 1992; his first wife, Joan; and five children — Patrick, Kara and Edward Jr. from his first marriage, and Curran and Caroline Raclin from his second.
Family legacy
Maria Shriver, 53
The second child and only daughter of politician Sargent Shriver and Eunice Kennedy Shriver. Journalist and author, married to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Caroline Bouvier Kennedy, 51
The only surviving child of President John F Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy. Her brother John died in a plane crash in July 1999. Lawyer and author. Endorsed Barack Obama for President. Touted as a possible appointment to Hillary Clinton's New York Senate seat but declined the nomination.
Jean Ann Kennedy Smith, 81
The sister of President Kennedy and the only surviving child of the nine born to Joseph P Kennedy Snr and Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy. Appointed US ambassador to Ireland in 1993, she now runs a charity which promotes the artistic talents of mentally and physically challenged children.
Reader views (20)
Some surprising ranting here, but perhaps the most inexplicable statement is, "...he caused and created more troubles for the fiscal United States and the political machine grinding along that is the Democrat Party." He didn't cause any fiscal problems for the US -- no wars, no promotion of endless "tax relief" for the rich, no massive government programs like the Dept. Homeland Security. I think that we can figure out a lot about the two leading parties by the economic results of their administrations. We had Ronald Reagan, with significant deficit spending, then George H.W.Bush, leaving the US with massive (unprecedented) debt. This was followed by Clinton, who dramatically reduced our debt, and greatly improved the economy. Next came George W. Bush, and now we're so far in the hole that we might never get out. Today, the US is more despised world-wide than ever before, and with some good reason. We are far less safe today, and in FAR worse shape economically. Once a leader in health and longevity, US life expectancy(especially of the poor) has been on a downhill slide since 1980. We lost hundreds of thousands of jobs. Out of all modern nations, we have the worst economic disparities (historically, a strong indication that an empire is coming to an end). The deterioration of the quality of life since 1980 simply leaves one feeling numb. So, how did Kennedy cause fiscal problems?
- Dhfabian, Fort Atkinson USA
I really really hate to say this, but, its a welcome distraction for Brown. He can now write a 'fitting tribute' to a fantastic guy and deflect the release of a convicted terrorist.
- David Cuff, Manchester
Everyone writing in seems to be familiar with his support of the IRA, and the leaving of Jo Kopechne to drown, but another noteworthy feat of this "Lion of the Senate" is that he was expelled from Harvard University for cheating. He paid a friend to take a Spanish exam for him, and they were both found out. Strangely, or no so strangely as the Kennedy's "owned" Massachusetts, he was reinstated after a stint in the army. Quite a guy!
- John, Bickley
I was almost afraid to read comments about Ted Kennedy, but heartened to see he didn't fool many the rest of the World over. As "Lion of the Senate" he caused and created more troubles for the fiscal United States and the political machine grinding along that is the Democrat Party.
- Jeannie, Caledonia, Minnesota
He was a deluded IRA supporter.
He was also part of an anti-british dynasty of privileged inward looking Americans.
He is not mourned by me.
- Andrew Nicholls, Ely ,England
RIP Ted. Hopefully one day soon we will see your dream of a united Ireland bear fruit.
- Paul, London
From the comments above and elsewhere, the issue of forgiveness comes to light. In the UK, if you commit a fairly heinous crime, the public will never forgive you, while in the US, whether a business (Chapter 11) or individual (re-birth), second chances are (within limits) acceptable. Consider what GW Bush got up to during his youth.
Secondly, I think some who err in their earlier lives may try to recompense through a commitment to public service, charity etc. Again, GW Bush comes to mind.
The rights or wrongs of this are of course debatable.
- Oflife, Oxford
To all of you regarding the IRA and Kennedy. All of us who were not seduced by our Kennedy Adoring media knew of his IRA Fund Raising. We deplored it long before 9/11.
- Rayr, gurnee, USA
As an American, I am rather surprised at your comments. Our Papers would not eay the things your readers say. They are ALL TRUE. He not only was responsible for the death of Mary Joe, but should also be remembered for hiring someone to take a test for him in college.
Unfortunately he is typical of his fellow Democrats.
- Rayr, gurnee, USA
Australian holidaymakers Stephen Melrose & Nick Spanos were murdered by IRA criminals, potentially with bullets paid for by a Kennedy fundraiser, and we don't forget.
- Rick, Melbourne Australia
Senator Kennedy may have given support to organisations who were fighting to restore N. Ireland to its rightful place ,Th Irish Republic just as the UK/US axis did everything to reunite East and West Germany.Unfortunately, his efforts were in vain due to no support from the US. R I P Senator.
T H Leeds
- Thomas Hayes, Leeds UK
A great friend to the IRA's murderers until Americans discovered the real cost of terrorism at home on 9/11. I expect the toady UK politicians and the BBC will big him up anyway.
- Stephen, London, England
Presumably, he took his cue for disliking this country from a former Ambassador to the Court of St. James, namely, his father, who at least once pronounced that in World War II we were finished.
No friend of ours, that's for sure. I don't wish ill towards the sick or dying but his passing will not be mourned by me.
- Captain Black Of The Mysterons, London, England
Kennedy proclaimed to have strong 'faith'.
QED:
If he gets to heaven he can apologise to all the victims of his terrorist fundraising;
If he goes to hell, he can be thanked by the numerous terrorists who he funded.
I suspect British citizens know where he will end up...
- Tangomike, Kensington, London
He will be remembered for all the wrong reasons - his support for the IRA terrorists who murdered hundreds of innocent soldiers and civilians, and his cowardly desertion of a young woman whom he left to drown in his car. I for one will not mourn his passing - nor, I am sure, will the relatives of the victims.
- R.F., Yorks, UK
No mention of his support for the IRA terrorists?
Like the BBC, American fundraising off the back of such high profile support for Irish Republicanism which led to the death of British citizens isn't mentioned here.
How convenient!
And had any one else involved been in that car accident with the lady they'd be in a chain gang for many years.
Just like over here, one rule for the rich...
I'm sure he did some good throughout his life but this dark side to his life needs reminding!
- Neil Stewart, Chesterfield, Derbyshire
The Kennedy clan were very dangerous and not people you could trust. Having said that they do seem to have been fated with one disaster after another.
- Sue, Orpington, Kent
He was an enemy of Britain and a staunch IRA supporter. And what about the Chappaquidick Bridge affair which he got off scott free. A poor girl was drowned because of his cowardice.
- Trevn, Abu Dhabi
Teddy Kennedy may be seen as a great politician and family father-figure in the US, but in the UK he will be remnembered mostly for two things:
1. Mary Jo Kopechne and Chappaquiddick,
2. His support for the IRA.
That´s about it.
- Graham Rodhouse, Helmond, Netherlands
Leaving the young woman to drown in the river and raising funds for the IRA are not the actions of a great statesman.
- Thomas, London
