Black Box Report

Ted Kennedy is far from a perfect man. His personal failings are well documented, and for some conservatives he became the perfect foil. But love him or hate him, there isn't a lawmaker who doesn't respect him. But more than mere respect, I admire the man. Unlike the legion of hypocrites in higher office who moralize to others while living badly, he lived his own life without judgment. Unless, of course, he believed you were shortchanging the poor. Kennedy embodied the belief of "comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable." But in a chamber known for a lot of talk and little action, he walked the walk. The Massachusetts senator got things done, working across the aisle if need be. I catch myself speaking in the past tense and I hope I'm mistaken. We need him more than ever, and if a family has had more than its fair share of heartache, it’s his. It has been a life full of privilege, but also of pain that you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy. And for an enduring icon who has put the people before his own privilege, he deserves the unqualified wishes from a country of friends.