Kennedy leaves 'sad legacy' on traditional values
Jim Brown - OneNewsNow - 8/26/2009 10:20:00 AM
A Massachusetts pro-family leader says Senator Ted Kennedy was a "remarkable individual," but has left a "sad legacy" of opposition to traditional values. (View news video)
Edward "Ted" Kennedy, 77, passed away Tuesday night at his home on Cape Cod after a year-long struggle with brain cancer. He served nearly 50 years in the U.S. Senate, serving alongside 10 presidents and nearly as many governors in his tenure of public service. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, two sons (Patrick is a congressman from Rhode Island), and two stepchildren. (More details from Associated Press)
Kris Mineau of the Massachusetts Family Institute says the death of the long-time Democratic lawmaker marks the end of an era and provides a time of reflection about what America's political leaders should be standing for regarding family, human sexuality, and parents' rights.
"Senator Kennedy was certainly opposed to many of our traditional value issues," the family advocate notes. "Nonetheless, we have to give credit that he was a man of integrity and well-esteemed by his [fellow] senators -- both those conservative as well as liberals."
Mineau says sadly, Kennedy "epitomized what is wrong with our leaders and their value of life." He notes the liberal lawmaker originally ran for office as a pro-lifer, but once he took office was lured to the pro-abortion side for "power and finances."
"He was a champion for abortion, later on a champion for same-sex 'marriage' and the pushing of the homosexual agenda in our public schools," he points out. "That's a very sad legacy."
According to Mineau, Kennedy's passing is an opportunity for Massachusetts to elect a future leader who "would be more open to the great need for the restoration of values in our culture.
Echoing Mineau, CatholicVote.org President Brian Burch acknowledges the pros and cons of Kennnedy's career, what he calls a "mixed legacy." He notes Kennedy's efforts to improve education and help the uninsured and the poor, but he says the late senator neglected to acknowlege his Catholic roots by protecting the rights of unborn children.
"Senator Kennedy's legacy evokes deep sadness. During his early days in the Senate, Kennedy fittingly included the rights of unborn children in his dedication to protecting the most vulnerable," Burch remembers. "Since that time, millions of Catholics have been both saddened and disappointed by his decision to abandon the defense of unborn children and their mothers, a position contrary to the common good."
Burch says he will join today with fellow Catholics to pray for the repose of Ted Kennedy's soul and the comfort of his family and loved ones.
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