Ted Kennedy

After hearing the news of the death of Ted Kennedy today, I watched as usual, a decent broadcast of quality journalism from Democracy Now and I have only just come to realize just how great Ted Kennedy was, especially for health care. I share this piece with you as I think it is worth watching:


Also, I received an email from Barak Obama on vacation. This guy has been working tirelessly to not only win an election campaign but to take on a dire situation and add a fresh boost to rebuild trust lost by the previous administration. I can tell you, in historical context, we will be shocked for years to come by what happened between 2001-2008. I am not going to write about this today but in time, there will be things we read from the Bush era that will seem fictitious by comparison to the world I think we will be living in.

OK, here is the email that I hope Obama does not mind intuitive blogger sharing...

Roger -- Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy. For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just, including me. In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as President from his encouragement and wisdom. His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in American history touched so many lives. For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family. Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory, which inspires us still. Sincerely, President Barack Obama

Just watch this

If you missed the radio interview Thursday, it is worth listening and here it is

Alternative health insurance is a British passport:

I have no time to blog this week, but want to share this interesting comment I received on my health care blog (from Monday, July 20, 2009):

I believe Barak Obama is doing and amazing job as he is swimming against a huge tide of fearful people who don't understand what it means to have health care for all. He is taking the first critical step making sure that one serious illness does not bankrupt a whole family. He is working hard to allow people to be treated for pre-existing conditions if they have to change insurance (for what ever reason, relocating to a new State or changing a job). There is so much to be done that even with the will of the people today, it will take years to go in the right direction.

This health debate is critical and if it does not go through, this will be a country divided. In my opinion the health care situation here will resemble the third-world country as far as the individualistic health care system is concerned and we will not only see 45 million people sick and unable to receive healthcare, but millions of aging middle class people sick with huge bills to pay running into bankruptcy and unable to contribute to cure a weak economy.

This issue is critical, please send your comments here, people are reading this blog!

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"Healthcare"

1 Comment - Show Original Post

Anonymous said...

Americans, I feel so sorry for your health care system. I live in the US as a resident but hold a British passport. In Great Britian, everyone gets free health care. Although I am currently well insured and paying for insurance, I still have to co-pay following a visits to the hospital, if for example I have an Xray.

All I can say is my biggest insurance (if I need expensive treatment) is to get treated for free by the National Health service in England. It feels good to know you will be treated without any insurance if you are English. I only wish it could be the same in the USA. Just imagine how much it could save the economy to have healthier people.

August 16, 2009 12:21 AM