'Dad, the unfinished business is done' (Patrick leaves note on Ted's grave)

[underpants]

Source: MSN

Son of health reform champion Ted Kennedy leaves note on father's grave

WASHINGTON - The political odyssey of health care reform in many ways is the story of Ted Kennedy, and as President Obama signed the historic bill into law Tuesday, Kennedy's gravesite was a place of quiet celebration and poignant reflection.

The late senator's widow, Vicki Reggie Kennedy, spent hours on Sunday at the simple white cross at Arlington National Cemetery marking where her husband was laid to rest only seven months ago. Ted Kennedy's youngest son, Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.), visited on Monday morning and left a hand-written note that read: "Dad, the unfinished business is done."

And on a dreary Tuesday morning, dozens of school children and health care advocates paused at Kennedy's tombstone to commemorate the man who for decades made overhauling the nation's health-care system his life's mission.

When Obama sat to sign the bill, Patrick and Vicki Kennedy stood behind him. Finally, Ted Kennedy's dream became the law of the land.





Read more: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36005852/ns/politics-washington_post/

[YOY]

1. Although I am no fan of this bill (doesn't go far enough) this is a touching story.

n.t.

[TygrBright]

2. It's not "done," boyo... But at least we have finally stuck the shovel in the ground.

And that rumbling you hear in the background is the heavy equipment getting ready to get to work on this.

It's the job that's never started that takes longest to finish. At least we've finally started this one.

wearily,
Bright

[AlphaCentauri]

11. exactly n/t

[wisteria]

3. How wonderful. n/t

[Socal31]

4. Really?

That bill is what Ted wanted?

Not even close.

[NYC Liberal]

5. Well I think his wife and son just might know better than you do. nt

[ThisThreadIsSatire]

7. But Ted would have voted for it...

better to have something to improve upon than have nothing at all.

Same happened with Social Security and Medicare...

[No Elephants]

12. Yes. He always regretted fighting Nixon's bill (which was more liberal than this one).

It later became known as the Nixon Kennedy bill, but it was too late.

The reason for the fight? Kennedy did not want a Republican to get credit for health care.

[JNelson6563]

6. To Teddy!

:toast:

[Spazito]

8. Here's a photo...

(Thanks to DUer tonekat for this!)

[Jefferson23]

9. Wow, very emotional for his son. RIP dear Senator. n/t

[Dogmudgeon]

10. ... and New Business awaits

We have a Law.

Now we will be able to build upon that with a robust Public Option, as well as the "tweaks" that the bill badly needs.

I can understand the frustration of my more impatient co-partisans, but there are advantages to be wrung from incrementalism, too, like the opportunity to allow the Republicans soil themselves in public while we deliberately, intelligently craft a public health infrastructure that will expose the lie that "government is the problem".

As Patrick knows, Teddy was never "done" -- not until the day he left us. We should give some thought to that kind of political attitude.

And, Patrick, if you're reading this: thanks for your support, and your vote, too.

--d!

[No Elephants]

14. Lovely sentiments.

[No Elephants]

13. Whatever gives Patrick comfort is fine with me, but I don't get the reason for a note.

If you don't believe in an afterlife, the note is pointless.

If you do believe in an afterlife, the note is unnecessary; and his Dad is not really in a grave anyway.

But, if it makes him feel better, whatever. Cool with me.