Wimoweh

Ted Kennedy was a consummate politician . Having emerged from the shadow of his notable brethren, he was a popular senator (46 years in the senate) and a lightning rod for trouble and controversy.

My father was a staunch Democrat and Kennedy supporter, and he was proud to display the Christmas card we got from newly minted Senator Teddy back in the 60's. It stayed on the mantel long into the summer. Even then, I knew that holiday greeting had cost my father a few bucks in campaign contributions.

As I grew older, I grew away from party loyalty. I became disillusioned by the influence of special interests, and tired of schoolyard partisan bickering. I proudly declared myself an independent. But, in truth I had become cynical and about politicians and apathetic about politics. I felt then and still believe that most politicians are in it for the glory and gold, and regardless of their affiliation, they are not to be trusted. Any casual search of the news at any given time will affirm that my distrust is well placed.

I have not been happy with the representation of my state in the senate for many years. Rich guys like Kennedy and Kerry are old school politicians with no new ideas. Furthermore, they cannot identify with the lives of their constituents. Few of us can identify with guys who spend their weekends partying with the rich and famous, sailing on huge boats and who can do pretty much anything they want. Then, feeling guilty about their privilege, they cast their votes for the most socialistic measures (if they bother to go back to DC to vote.)

Despite this, I must relate that I have a special warm feeling for Ted Kennedy. In 1990, I was working for a company that had been acquired by a firm from California. The new management came into town and "cleaned house." I and a few dozen other managers came to work one morning to find ourselves laid off, with gray envelopes containing a severance agreement.

I had been working there for less than a year but the standard severance for lay-off was 1 month's pay. But the new management were surprised by the recent Kennedy sponsored "Plant Closing Law" which demanded that the employees get 30 days notice before a lay-off. Since we had already been terminated, the new company had to kick-in another month's pay. For that extra month, I had Ted Kennedy to thank.

The rest of them I would not trust to change the oil on my van. Someone should check to see where Hillary Clinton was last night. She was none too happy when Ted endorsed BO during the primary fights.