BOSTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, a towering figure in the Democratic Party who took the helm of one of America's most fabled political families after two older brothers were assassinated, has died, his family said. He was 77.
"Edward M. Kennedy, the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so deeply, died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port (Massachusetts)," the Kennedy family said in a statement.
One of the most influential and longest-serving senators in U.S. history -- a liberal standard-bearer who was also known as a consummate congressional dealmaker -- Kennedy had been battling brain cancer, which was diagnosed in May 2008.
"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," the family statement said.
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Neil wrote: Kennedy advocated caring for the poor & needy with other folks' money...
Yes! In the name of "helping the poor", people like Kennedy actually INCREASE the social and economic division between rich and poor by interposing themselves between the two and, eventually, usurping all the credit for any beneficial outcomes, real or perceived.
Because of people like Kennedy, poor people lose track of where the money which helps them really comes from while rich people have a harder time tracking where that money (originally THEIR money) goes.
If you want to see just how huge the present divide between "rich" and "poor" has become (largely because of people like Kennedy), just listen to the people (Left and Right) who call into talk radio.
Frank Dombrosky wrote: Ted Kennedy seemed to be opposite what the Bible teaches on most moral issues. Although I've never admired him I do hope he finally saw the error of his ways and trusted the Lord.
Mr. Dombrosky,
I have experienced the deaths of many family members and friends, some saved and some lost, and I can attest to this one thing: people die the way they live. Yes, I always thought people would have that death bed experience of glorious redemption, but, it didn't happen. Two days ago, I was in the room of one who had lived without the Lord all her life. When she exhaled her last breath, there was no assurance that she had at last been redeemed. The Lord will not always strive with man. There comes a point where one cannot turn to Lord. There is a hardening of the heart. Remember Judas Iscariot. Remember Esau.
We either serve God, now, while we have life, or we serve ourselves. Whom do we serve?
God Himself is characterized by powerful, praiseworthy assistance to the poor:
"HE RAISETH UP THE POOR out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill; That he may set him with princes, even with the princes of his people." - Psalm 113:7-8
Ted Kennedy seemed to be opposite what the Bible teaches on most moral issues. Although I've never admired him I do hope he finally saw the error of his ways and trusted the Lord.
The example this Kennedy and other Kennedys have displayed in their individual behaviors have been anything but stellar. the controversy over the Mary Jo Kopecky affair being just one of them.
Hebrews 10 30 For we know him that said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Matthew 16 26 For what shall a man be profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and forfeit his life? or what shall a man give in exchange for his life? Job 27 8 For what is the hope of the godless, though he get him gain, When God taketh away his soul?
webwatch wrote: "I favor the responsibility and response of individuals over civil government in these matters but the cause is right for both to consider."
Problem: It is NOT right to violate the constitution in order to do "right" things.
A bankrupt social security system and a bankrupt medicare system proves that government sponsored "social justice" and welfare policies are unsustainable economically.
But even if these programs were financially sound, it would still not make it right.
To force the productive to pay taxes in order to support the unproductive... is a crime. It is theft by governement, and just because the governement does it for a "good" reason, does not change the fact that it is still theft.
Kennedy advocated caring for the poor & needy with other folks' money, in the manner of Imperial Rome with its grain dole. This is what is deceptively called "social justice" (as opposed to Biblical justice), which is often encountered in Roman Catholic teaching, particularly of the Jesuits; perhaps Kennedy learned it from his priests or teachers. But as the prior posts suggest, belief in redistributive "social justice" is by no means restricted to RCC circles. Mainline Protestants swallowed this line about a century ago.
OTOH, Biblical charity is voluntary & a matter of personal discretion.
webwatch wrote: "Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy." - Proverbs 31:9 One thing admirable about Senator Edward Kennedy was his general support for social justice and the cause of the poor and needy. I favor the responsibility and response of individuals over civil government in these matters but the cause is right for both to consider. "Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them." - Proverbs 22:22-23
Very refreshing post webwatch
In my pilgrimage thus far I have met some wonderful Christlike characters who had regard to the poor and needy, even myself, and it is both humbling and heart-warming to receive succour from dear Christian friends who take the Bible to heart, and God's ways as their ways. Whenever the Lord prospers me in my doings, I find it a great privilege to assist my brethren and sisters in need, in whatever way I can. This is the true essence of the Christian faith, and what following Christ is all about. I only write as an encouragement to the brethren, that they might heed the word of God concerning the poor, of which there is much in the Bible.
"Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy." - Proverbs 31:9
One thing admirable about Senator Edward Kennedy was his general support for social justice and the cause of the poor and needy. I favor the responsibility and response of individuals over civil government in these matters but the cause is right for both to consider.
"Rob not the poor, because he is poor: neither oppress the afflicted in the gate: For the LORD will plead their cause, and spoil the soul of those that spoiled them." - Proverbs 22:22-23
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Craig Musselman | 7/6/2009
COMMENTS | 
the controversy over the Mary Jo Kopecky affair being just one of them.
