Readers on Kennedy: Chappaquiddick, passion

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy has died at his home in Hyannis Port, Mass., at the age of 77. Here are some of your thoughts on his life and legacy:

I saw Senator Kennedy in 1976 at a forum in Boston while I was on vacation. The topic-Senior Citizens and health. Even then he was the champion of health care reform and senior citizen care. He should be remembered for his concern about the human condition. Yes, he and his brothers came from wealth. Yes, they had their personality "defects". But, when history takes a good look at these 4 American heroes, it will see where their hearts truly were, with the nation and the American people. It seems that the "dynasty" may end here. Who can say... --Norman Siegel, Des Plaines, IL (submitted on Aug. 27, 2009)

In about 1966 as a teenager I picketed Senator Kennedy at a park in the San Fernando Valley. But after his rally, I approached him and asked if he would shake my hand. He did so with a big smile although he knew I had picketed him. I will never forget his graciousness. --Rev. Charles Bunnell, Chatsworth, CA (submitted on Aug. 27, 2009)

I think about the fact that he never served any jail time for the death of a young woman in Chappaquiddick. He and his family attempted to cover up the incident, and the American public gave him a pass. Not me! --John Turner, Lusby, MD (submitted on Aug. 26, 2009)

If you must judge the man, then judge him on the whole of his works and not just one day. I'm conservative, not a believer in career politics or suspended sentences, and a veteran. Forgive him his sins, excuse his faults, recognize the good he did, and cherish the memory of a polite, considerate and dedicated man who spent his life serving his county. He was a good citizen, a good American. Thank You, Sir and may you be at peace. --James Kerr, Page, AZ (submitted on Aug. 27, 2009)

Though I've never met any of the Kennedys, their personnas have always resonnated with me. My heart hurts and goes out to every member of that family. We cried with his brothers were killed senselessly and we grieved with them. I've never know a family that has had so many tragedies and survived them. Ted Kennedy may have been the baby brother but I think he made the greatest impact on the country. I admired him greatly, espceally when he endorced Barack Obama for president. May he rest in eternal peace. E. Hamm, Waycross, GS --Elizabeth Hamm, Waycross, GA (submitted on Aug. 27, 2009)

I grew up in a STAUNCHLY Republican household, where any time the name Kennedy was used it was in a derogatory context. With that said, I EVOLVED from that and embraced what Senator Kennedy's fight for healthcare and civil rights. For him to vote AGAINST the INVASION of Iraq took courage at a time when others merely followed inspired me to continue to stand up and speak out against the war. Who among us has not erred? Who among us would tarnish his amazing contribution to the betterment of this great country? Republican or Democrat it matters not... Kennedy will be remembered as one to embrace the fight, protect those who cannot protect themselves and uphold the vision of a better America. --Jenn Coolidge, Floral Park, NY (submitted on Aug. 27, 2009)

In 1977 I graduated from high school. Our class had raised enough money to take a "senior trip" to Washington D.C. and New York City. While in Washington on the steps of the Capital, we saw Senator Kennedy and what appeared to be several staff members walking down the steps. Our guide approached one of his staffers and asked if the Senator had time to talk to us. Senator Kennedy came over and spent at least thirty minutes talking to us. The fact that a Senator from Mass. would take time to meet with a bunch of kids from south Ga. impressed me greatly. From that time in 1977 to now, I have always taken the time to listen to what he had to say when I saw him on TV. I may not always have agreed with him, but he did have my ear. --Robert Tucker, Alapaha, GA (submitted on Aug. 27, 2009)

Senator Kennedy took the time to attend the wake and funeral of my brother after he was killed in action in Iraq. His presence was calm and his sincere concern for us was a small kindness during a difficult event. --Jen Orr, Epsom, NW (submitted on Aug. 26, 2009)

A poem dedicated to Edward M Kennedy: The Last of The Boys Of Camelot                                     The last of the boys of Camelot has passed on Sailed beyond the sunset leaving a nation to carry on In the marble walls of the Senate his spirit wanders there And as we listen closely we may here him answer here! The last of the mighty lions peacefully slipped into history Following those before him in his family The youngest of Rose's boy's is back home United again and forever with his brothers Bobby and John --Louise Riveiro - Mitchell, Pleasantville, NY (submitted on Aug. 27, 2009)

I am the former Counsellor to the late Secretary of Commerce, Ronald H. Brown and on the morning of April 3, 1996 I learned that the a plane carrying Ron and 34 others was missing near Dubrovnik. After meeting with staff and security at the Department, I decided to go to Ron's house in NW Washington to be with family and friends as we awaited word on the fate of those on the plane. When I walked into Ron's house the first people I saw were Senator Kennedy and his wife Vicki, and Ethel Kennedy. Ron had been a close adviser to the Senator and a campaign manager during his 1980 Presidential bid. The two were very close and talked often. Ron considered the Senator to be his poltical mentor and close friend. I can not overstate how much the calming presence of the Senator, Vicki and Ethel helped all of us get through the most difficult day of our lives. This was a family accustomed to tragedy and its impact reaching out to and comforting those of us who had never experienced an event so devastating. I can vividly remember sitting on a couch in Ron's living room for several hours that day with the Senator talking about the fragile nature of life and the responsibility of all of us to make the most of the time we are here. After all that he and his family had been through, the Senator's only concern that day was helping the Brown family and close friends cope with a tremendous loss. In the days following, the Senator and Mrs. Kennedy were a constant presence at memorial services, Ron's funeral at the National Cathedral and his burial at Arlington Cemetery. At the end out at Arlington, I walked over to the Senator and Mrs. Kennedy and thanked them for all that they had done. His response was "No, thank you for allowing us to be a part of this". I will never forget their kindness. The world has lost a great leader but an even a greater human being. --Anonymous , Washington, DC (submitted on Aug. 27, 2009)

I feel very sad at the passing of Mr. Kennedy, I was 13 years old when President Kennedy was killed, and I felt some of the same sadness yesterday when I heard the news. My husband is a retired history teacher and for many years would bring his class to Washington DC. He would phone the Kennedy office (and Joe Moakely as well) to tell them that a group from Massachusetts would be there and Mr. Kennedy alway made a point to meet with these students on the steps of the Capital. On one of these trips we brought our then 8 month old son (now 37) and I have a lovely picture of Mr. Kennedy holding our son. Ted Kennedy despite some personal mistakes, was the one single person who did so very much for the State of Mass. I worry that there is no one else out there who would care as much as he did about all of the citizens of Massachusetts and do so much for us. --Anonymous , norwood, MA (submitted on Aug. 27, 2009)

My most vivid recollections of Ted were when he eulogized his two brothers, John and Bobby, and fought to control the quavering of his voice. I felt so sorry for him and the whole Kennedy clan. As for Chappaquiddik, I firmly believe he was set up in that case. Whoever did it was, unfortunately, successful, because it spoiled any chances for him to be President. He would have been an outstanding President. G. Skarka South Thomaston, ME --Gary Skarka, South Thomaston, ME (submitted on Aug. 26, 2009)

Sorry, Kennedy family. It was never the same for me after Chappaquidick. I was twelve years old, and the gravity of the incident and the minimal consequences has stuck with me ever since. --Kathy Smith, Weymouth, MA (submitted on Aug. 26, 2009)

We can thank Sen. Kennedy for the immigration mess we have today. Over 25 years ago he sponsored the bill granting amnesty to all illegal immigrants, and promised we'd never have to worry about it again. How has that worked out! Get those votes and voters any way you can. --Mike Healy, Melrose Park, IL (submitted on Aug. 26, 2009)

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