A few days ago, America lost a man of high importance: Ted Kennedy. The Democrat Senator from Massachusetts was a Senator for 47 long years. The reason I am writing about him to pay my respects and discuss some of the things he has done for our great country.
In the 16th United States Senate (1969-1971), Mr. Kennedy held the Majority Whip position. In both the House and Senate both the majority and minority parties get to select their go to man, or woman, which is the Whip. In 1980, Mr. Kennedy attempted to run for President but lost the Democrat nomination to incumbent Jimmy Carter, who in turn lost the Presidency to Ronald Reagan. However, he decided to continue to run for his Senate position and became known as the “Lion of the Senate.” Close to 300 bills that he and his people worked on were enacted (passed), and we will now move to some of his more important legislation.
One of the first things Kennedy worked on was the Economic Opportunity Act (1964). This acted was signed into law on August 20, 1964 and it basically made programs to directly help poor communities with maximum participation. The next year, Ted worked on his first major bill which was the Immigration Act of 1965. This was a huge turning point in immigration policy and civil rights policies because it ended discriminatory immigration quotas. In 1978, Senator Kennedy put his effort towards airline reform. He wanted airline companies to create competitive rates so consumers could afford the trip. In 1986, he sponsored the Employment Opportunities for Disabled Americans Act (he also did more for those with disabilities previously and until he passed away).
Getting into the time period of which I was born in, Senator Kennedy spent a lot of time focusing on Civil Rights; mainly that of women. In 1994, the Family Medical Leave Act and the School-to-Work Opportunities Act provided local communities with money for schools and businesses alike. Also, the Reauthorization Act of 1994 was part of the Head Start Program and helped pregnant women get ready for motherhood and helps the families with lower incomes. In 2001, Kennedy worked with President Bush on the infamous No Child Left Behind Act.
Throughout his 47 years of service, it is obvious the Ted Kennedy was a true “Lion of the Senate.” He did so much for many of the Civil Rights we have today. Along with his efforts for Civil Rights, he was a strong advocate for Education for all and did a lot for the disabled Americans. Though I do not agree with a lot of what Mr. Kennedy stood for, I do respect him as a true American Hero. Devoting one’s life to the better the country is something that I truly respect. With Ted’s passing, there are only a few more Kennedy’s left. America will miss the service of Ted and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.
Nicely done my friend, you do have a soul after all. I know you defintely didn't agree with him but its nice to hear this. Also for the last 9 years every year in the Senate at the same time each year he would introduce a bill to raise the minimum wage as well.
ReplyDelete