A Message to Patrick Kennedy
First of all:
Ted Kennedy’s Health Care Legacy
The Cause of Ted Kennedy’s Life
Patrick, my condolences on your father’s passing. When your dad’s brothers died, he had to get himself together and stop being an irresponsible, drunken frat boy. He had to become a leader who espoused what they did: social justice, pacifism, equal rights, etc. You have a head start: You made mental health parity happen, and you’ve been engaged in fighting the good fight since the beginning. You’re my hero.
But I also know you’re flawed and troubled, like your dad was, like we all are. The politicians who pretend to be saints tend to fail us, so you just go on being imperfect. And if you need support in your time of grief, just think of us out here, rooting for you to do well. We support you because you’re our voice now. And because we know what it’s like to live with loss. We believe in you. Carry on.
liz | 3:19 PM | bipolar disorder, celebrities, depression
Great eulogy about Ted. Thanks for the links of Patrick Kennedy speaches. He’s great inspiration for us that cope and sometimes – struggle – with mental illness, and the stigma that around it.
Thank you Liz your thoughts were well stated.
Warmly,
Herb
VNSdepression.com
Ted Kennedy was a great advocate for health care reform and thank you for posting the video of Patrick Kennedy speaking courageously, from personal experience, about the need for parity for those with mental illness. You don’t hear speeches like that every day! I’m glad to know he is out there working on behalf of so many people.
you can’t say enough good things about Senator Kennedy. Despite his wealth, hardship and adversity he continued working in public service, helping common people.
Liz – very well said
Unless the Democrats truly rally behind TK’s passing and support a “public option” any health care bill will be a huge gift to the insurance industry.It will make Bush’s Medicare drug program (which thrilled the drug companies) look like a bargain.
With all the praise being given to Kennedy’s public work, let’s not forget his contribution to the world of fashion. I was embarrased about my love of boxers until Ted made it ok.
I agree that Ted had flaws, but people are complicated so I’m unable to put him entirely in the “good” or “bad” categories. Still, he was a huge part of the Mental Health Parity law and a tireless ambassador for universal health coverage as a right and not a commodity., which I greatly appreciate.
I feel for Patrick and wish him the best with his demons. I know I’ve been there.
Speaking of demons, I wonder if Ted’s first wife – Joan Kennedy, who has faced some major demons herself – was in attendance at his funeral.
My bet is no.
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