I love you Ted Kennedy. I have for a very long time. Please let me count the ways.
I have forever thought Senator Edward Moore Kennedy was the more effective, endearing, enduring, committed, and constant Kennedy. Perhaps it is my age, or the lackluster logic of hindsight. Possibly, I was too new to politics when I was very young. After all, my interest was only ignited at the age of five. Maybe, I might relate more to someone whose birth rank is more similar to my own, or to a person who, like me, throughout his life was thought to be more Liberal than the two older siblings he is often associated with. I know not with certainty why I feel as strongly as I do. Nonetheless, my impression of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and Robert Francis Kennedy cannot be compared with my sense of Ted, Edward Moore Kennedy. Oh, how I admired, appreciated, and adored Teddy Kennedy, and will for all of my days. The reasons . . .
It is my honor to introduce Forgiven. I believe his thoughtful, reflective treatise speaks volumes. As I read it, so much of the information resonated within me. I hope you too will appreciate the missive and the message.
There is a common myth that runs through America, propagated by the wealthy for mass consumption. This myth has been one of the most dangerous and divisive instruments used against the American working class of all races. This myth has been a part of Americana from the beginning and continues today unabated for the most part and constantly being reinforced by the media, corporate America, and the talking heads. The myth is simply this: that if an individual will work hard, follow the rules, and be patient that they can be successful. The biggest determinate to a person's rise in this society is hard work and personal responsibility.
I, as a white person mourn on this day, for every man and woman Black, white, brown, red, or yellow are my brethren. I feel the pain of all those that have gone before me. My heart aches most for those whose flesh is darkest. It seems, try as they might Afro-Americans can never escape the bondage, the bigotry that enslaves them. The color of their skin shades their every encounter. I recognize that only days ago, in this duplicitous land founded on the principles of freedom and justice for all, segregation was again endorsed by the highest Court in the country. The Supreme Court ruled "Schools can't use race to assign students." History demonstrates, left to their own devices whites will not desegregate.
It is official Brown versus Board of Education has been reversed. Providing equal education opportunities to all children, regardless of race, color, or creed is no longer a priority. The 1954 Court decision that invalidated the principle of 'separate but equal' was overturned on June 28, 2007. This day will live in infamy. In another of the many recent 5 to 4 split decisions, the neoconservative Supreme Court canceled the promise made to students of color.
Subscribe to Site [RSS]
