Kennedy has malignant brain tumor

Who will care about the poor after he's gone? He has held to his principles as our govt favored the rich more and more. And by the way, Don, decent people don't say derogatory comments about someone who was just given a death sentence. You're entitled to your thoughts, but have some decency and wait. You should be ashamed of yourself.

Without question one of the top three or four senators in the history of the country, able to reach across the aisle to Republicans and to lead Democrats, a flawed human being, like everyone else I know.

The best public speaker I ever heard, I hope he serves another three terms and lives another 30 years.

I feel very sad about this happening to him so suddenly. I do not agree with his politics and I have a really tough time dealing with the whole kopechne murder - I still have not forgiven him for this as he has never asked for forgiveness or open remorse. He has lived a great life, a privelidged life and she was a young girl and died so soon. He swam home, and didn't report it until the next day. This seems so inhuman - its hard to believe he did that. However, with all this said, he is a human being and a legend to Massachusetts where I am born and raised and he deserves compassion, prayers and may god have mercy on his soul.

i am confident that the majority of the nasty messages posted here are from people who are either not massachusetts' natives or who are recent transplants to beautiful massachusetts. their ugliness is not welcome here.

First I would like to say to all that have posted who have had to battle Cancer or who have lost someone to Cancer - my thoughts and admiration is with you. Its scary how many people are effected by Cancer each and everyday. Cancer shows no prejudice, no amount of money can keep it away.
As for Kennedy - I feel the same. I admire his apparent strength thus far, and the strength of his family. No one should have to suffer from this awful disease.
With the love and support from his family and friends everything will be just fine.

On a side note: just remember regardless if you like his politics or not. He is a person. He's a husband, a father, an uncle, a friend. How would you like to read or hear negative remarks about your loved one during this time? I'm all for freedom of speech, but show a little respect.

Having grown up in Brookline and spent half of my life a citizen of The Commonwealth, I cannot express how sad I felt to learn of the news of Ted Kennedy's illness. Over the years, our political views have become divergent but I can't go further without saying that the news brought more than a tear to my eye. I am very saddened to learn that someone so beloved has been stricken with such this diagnosis.

Perhaps his most important statement, in the recent past, is having told Sen. Spector (another cancer victim) to forget about The Patriots and move on with more important issues that affect EVERY American in daily life. How ironic.

J.C.K.
Long Beach, California

Teddy is an emotional fighter without any tactics.

Senator, thank you. Thank you for the work that goes on, the cause that endures, the hope that still lives, and thank you for keeping the dream alive.

from a die hard liberal to the 'Lion of Liberalism'
best wishes
Donald Everett

Don in post #1 ... let me get this straight. You wish him well but are glad that he's sick you can get a new senator.

You might want to look up "hypocrisy" in the dictionary.

And also, saying, "sorry but that's how I feel" does not excuse anything.

I am deeply saddened by the news of Senator Kennedy's illness. I wish him and his family love, strength, and comfort during this time. My mom died of brain cancer. It is not pretty.

Don, I suggest that you think twice before saying anything like you said before. Believe me, NO ONE deserves this illness.

This is sad news indeed and it marks the beginning of the end of an era.
I only hope for his sake, that he lives long enough and is still cognizant enough to see Obama get into the White House.
This would undoubtedly please him to no end.
Considering his brothers' roles in the Civil Rights movement in the 60's, it would just be so fitting for him to be able to witness and help to elect, the first black president.
Wow! What a life!

I wish him well.

My mother was a life-long daughter of The Commonwealth. If she hadn't passed away two years ago, she would have turned 91 on this very day. She would have been extremely dismayed to hear of Senator Kennedy's diagnosis. The Kennedy family will always be in the hearts and thoughts of the citizens of Brookline.

God bless the Senator and his family, and forgive those who would criticize and judge him at this difficult time.

HE'S NOT DEAD YET !

I wish the media would stop talking about him in the past tense. All I keep hearing is "Ted was", "Ted did", then they turn around and say that he is in good spirits and show him laughing with his family in the hospital.

He has Cancer, billions of people have it and it sucks for everyone involved, but don't put him 6 feet under just yet. Ted is a fighter, and with today's technology he could live for several more years.

I wish Sen. Kennedy and his family the best of health, courage, strength. He's been such a fixture in my life for so long, both as a senator and as someone my grandmother and mother supported and loved (no matter what!). Almost like the uncle who you always love, but don't always agree with everything he's ever done.

He may have the curse of a slow death, but after the painful and violent losses in his family, perhaps he will see this as a small gift - to know, to have to opportunity to make peace and say his farewells and make one last push on the senate floor and campaign trail to insure his legacies.

Senator Kennedy is a true American hero. No one has cared more or done more for the hardworking people, and most importantly - for the poor, than this dedicated public servant.

Conservatives and others should take note of what real compassion looks like - you can see it in the eyes and in the words and in the actions of Senator Kennedy. There's never been a need to bridge "compassionate" with "liberal" because as Kennedy knows - and as he's shown us - to be a liberal requires compassion.

His work isn't done. He will return to the Senate. My thoughts and greatest wishes are for a speedy recovery.

America still needs your voice, Senator.

I interned with the Senator recently and was amazed at how many heartfelt letters he got from people all over the country thanking him for his hard work. One woman from a particularly red state wrote that "I hope you don't mind, but even though I am not from Massachusetts, I have always considered you my Senator..." I really thought that summed him up nicely--America's Senator.

I hope and pray he's able to continue doing his job, and live a long healthy life. I agree that we should not count him out yet. The Kennedy family is resilient, and he will no doubt have the best and brightest minds working to heal him.

Regardless, his name and his work is synonomous with Massachusetts, and we're lucky to have had him as long as we have.

Joe in Cleveland is on target. My son was diagnosed with a brain tumor on his brain stem last year, had it removed and is cancer free. Maintaining a positive outlook is critical. Send happy thoughts and prayer(if thats what works for you) to the Senator...

also...please do the same for AL(#32). My heart goes out to you!

God Bless you Senator ... and Thank You for watching out for us.

If DON child gets sick and he needs to take time off it will be thanks to Ted Kennedy that his employer will be required by law to give him his job back. Or if DON is unfortunate enough to suffer a debilitating injury and he finds that he can get his wheelchair into a drug store to buy stuff it will be thanks to Ted Kennedy. Ted has a track record of looking out for the less fortunate. We should be proud of that. He is irreplaceable.

We love you Ted, get better!

Dear Senator, Please know that you are loved by so many of us and all of our energies are focused on you and your family for your well-being.

As for all your political pundits: Now is not the time and place for all the bullshit. As if how fleeting life is hasn't been brought home by these events - how very small-minded to bring up politics here and now.

With gratitude and appreciation for everything you and your family have done for the greater good and sacrificed for us all, may you realize payment in kind.

Sincerely,
LLWing
Culver City, CA

Being Kennedy will play a major part in Teddy's battle. They are a privilaged bunch and rest assured, they will receive better care than any one of us everyday people. He already has - NO ONE gets Med flighted for a seizure, if it were a "regular" person they may still be waiting in the ER.
I hope he retires and enjoys the rest of his life with his family, they need each other now and need to spend time OUT of the limelight. Try to be normal.
That said....I do wish him well - no one deserves this illness but everyone deserves the same care and the right to live a healthy and happy life. God will give them strength, I wish him and his family well.
My thoughts and prayers are with them

In August of 2001 - almost one month to the day before 9/11 - I lost my father to the same form of brain cancer that has hold of our Dear Senator Ted. He has been a champion of all - regardless of race, creed, faith, gender, sexual oorientation and yes - even political orientation. He has faught for decades for the people of this country and the people of the world - all while dealing with his own tremendous and earth shattering personal tragedies and losses - and never once complained. God bless him, God bless his incredible legacy, and God bless his family. They are the first family of America - selfless, dedicated, and loving.

As a cancer researcher and survivor myself, I have always held Senator Kennedy with the highest regard. He has been a champion to researchers and patients alike, and without his help in Congress, much of the progress that has been made in conquering these diseases would not have happened. Just two weeks ago, Senator Kennedy reignited the debate on the war on cancer. I look forward to the work he will accomplish in that endeavor in the next few months.

If we ever get another senator who had done half for this country and our state that Senator Kennedy has done throughout his life, we will be very fortunate indeed. I wish him a full and speedy recovery, and hope he can continue his invaluable work on behalf of the poor and the working class, and on behalf of all Americans.

Thank you Senator Kennedy for all you have done and are doing for us the American People. You and your family are in my thoughts....Crystal from PA

I say go sail Figawi Senator! Life is to be lived today because that is all any of us are given.

You are the BEST !

Here's wishing successful treatment for Sen. Kennedy! He is a tireless worker for the Bay State.
Good Luck Senator, and be well.

Ted, you and your family have been a source of inspiration to me. Fight on!

My family and I are praying for Senator Kennedy's recovery and many more years of having him as our leader in the Senate. He has done much for not only Massachusetts constituents, but for all Americans.
However, I take exception to someone's post that if you need assistance call Kennedy and not Kerry. Senator Kennedy has declined on more than one occasion to assist Massachusetts families in getting their registered Romanian adoptions finalized, as promised by the Romanian government more than once. He most recently declined to sign a letter that was sent to the Romanian government and signed by 34 esteemed Senator's, including every Senator who was running for President and the chair and co-chair of the Senate Foreign Relations committee. Senator Kerry and his staffers have assisted these families each time they were asked to do so.

Senator Kennedy has been nothing but hard working and diligent in his duties as Senator. He deserves our prayers and thoughts as he fights through this tough time. He has championed causes for the poor, middle class, the down and out and everyone else under the sun. May he have a few more good years on this planet. God Bless him and his family..

Dear Senator Kennedy,

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done to help make this world a better place.

Your courage, optimism, dedication and heart have always inspired me, and always will.

My prayers are with you and your family. I am so very grateful for you. Thanks for showing me that good things are possible.

Your the Greatest Ted God Bless U and your family.

To the incredibly tasteless human vultures talking about how MA can "finally get" a new Senator: save your crass comments until there is an open seat to fill, no need to kick someone while they are down. And by the way, Massachusetts could have had a new Senator whenever the voters wanted one, and that is still the case. The many voters who agree with the majority of his stances on the issues are joined in keeping Sen. Kennedy in office by a great many voters who see him as a positive force in the Senate in spite of ideological differences. That is true leadership, whatever the talk-radio clones try to parrot endlessly to denigrate it.

When I was a little girl, my beloved Irish grandma had so many framed pictures of the Kennedys, I thought we were related. Now I know we are all part of the American family and we are sending love and praying for Senator Kennedy.

The following message is specifically for Senator Kennedy:

So, listen to your doctors, but maintain a positive outlook. Averages are just that ... averages. My sister was diagnosed with a stage IV glioblastoma multiforme 15 years ago. (Yes, I did say "15 years ago.") She is alive and very well today.

I remember her saying, "Listen, after I have written my book about surviving this thing, and I have been on Oprah, you can all say you knew me when." She maintained that outlook throughout radiation, brain surgery and chemotherapy.

Her sense of humor has helped her as well. She showed up on the last day of radiation at the Lahey Clinic wearing a "conehead" and complaining of a headache. The staff is probably still laughing.

Miracles do happen.

My prayers and best wishes go to Senator Kennedy and his family.

To the eyes of the world he has been a personification of the better angels of American endevour for four decades.

Go neiri go deo le obair Ted Kennedy agus muintir Boston.Gach dea ghui libh go leir o Eireannach.

Deepest hopes and wishes to Ted Kennedy and the people of Boston.

Don, Take heart that a lot of people in this Commonwealth share the same feelings as you, myself included. I feel extremely sad for Sen. Kennedy and his family. My thoughts and prayers are with them. That does not mean I can't disagree with his politics and hope for a more conservative candidate to replace him.

Arlen Spector had this also????? That explains a lot!!!!

Sons and daughters of Massachusetts: We are blessed to have Sen. Kennedy representing our interests with diligence, integrity and fairness. You might concern yourself with the Kennedy chatter, but let's consider his impact on the lives of all citizens of the Commonwealth and beyond. Politics works only when we care for all of our citizens. He's a fighter and a resilient guy. We look forward to welcoming him home on his recovery.

The Kennedy clan is as close to royalty as it gets in the great U.S. of A. But even though he was born into wealth, what people are saying about Ted Kennedy is how he is (not was) a champion of common blue-collar folk who have made this country strong and vibrant. His life has been colourful and fodder for much gossip and speculation, and that has only added to the intrigue. Through it all, he has focused on what's been most important to him. His greatest tribute is his unyielding sense of family and loyalty through times good and bad. Lest it not be forgotton, when JFK and later Bobby Kennedy were killed, it was Ted Kennedy who took hold of the extended family and made it work. As a Canadian from the East Coast, I've always admired Kennedy for his sense of style and commitment.

Cancer is a scary word to say but living with it can only be worse. You are a fighter, you always have been. Keep that positive attitude and it will take you far.

Best wishes for a full recovery to Senator Kennedy - a dedicated, talented and unwavering public servant - and strength to his family as they help him face this challenge.
EKG

Karma works in interesting ways.

The man is not dead yet, please stop writing and posting stories as if he is. Let's get off the eulogy stick and allow Mr. Kennedy to get on with life. The world is a wonderful place and miracles do happen. Bottom line is that he needs time and space and we need to keep the good thoughts going.

Historians will write about the Statesman from Massachusetts who never forgot about the little guy. Where would the needy be without Senator Kennedy? I think yesterday’s tributes from the floor of the Senate are indicative of the respect and esteem Mr. Kennedy is held in by his colleagues in the senate.

REPUBLICANS and DEMOCRATS stood in unison to speak eloquently of a man who is tireless in his legislative abilities and can garner bi-partisan support for his initiatives.

Some of the comments by individuals in these postings are ridiculous. Patients are routinely air-lifted to REGIONAL trauma centers for seizures and loss of consciousness.

It is time for change when the person has not changed with the times. Change is Senator Kennedy’s middle name. He adapted in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s 90’s and the 00’s. Massachusetts will certainly miss their Senior Senator should this illness be debilitating or worse, fatal.

if and when Kennedy leaves office, it will be years before you see any of YOUR tax dollars coming into the state. The replacement person will have an office in the basement next to the boiler room... Think of the upside, the people in Arizona and Iowa will thank you for their new roads and bridges...

I wish him well with his battle with cancer. Very sad news indeed.

That said, I long for the day that he retires from office. He has caused incalculable harm to this nation and the sooner he leaves politics the sooner we can try to repair the damage he has done. Sadly, it may be too late.

Not so fast Senator! There is still too much work for you to do, still too many wrongs tro be righted, too many battles to be fought. Your Brothers were taken from us too soon, and our country is truly the worse for it. You continued their fight to be a champion for all Americans, regardless of race or status. So your time has not come, it can not have come, there is still work to be done.

"Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world which yields most painfully to change"
-Robert F. Kennedy, 1966 speech

The fact that Ted has always stood proudly by his beliefs and for Massachusetts has always been one of the things that has made me proud to be a citizen of the Commonwealth. When you mention that you're from "Boston" to an outsider. They will invariably comment on 1 of 3 things. The Red Sox, The Patriots or Ted Kennedy. Not always positive. But always mentioned.
Senator Kennedy- it's not over until you say it's over- and there is still work to do.

The lion may be in winter, but he has not lost his roar.

I was named after his daughter Kara, my mother loved the name and the Kennedy family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ted and his family at this time. Please remain strong and your fighting spirit will pull you through.

Ted Kennedy is good man and trying to give a lot jobs to people. I do not understand why he lets other people(other countries) who broke rules and have to be right to live in USA Today we have big problem in health care and other services because he allows people who broke rules and take jobs from people who seeks job. Health care have a lot problem with budgets and acted broke because of thiese people. I feel that Ted have not create companies for mass and help mass to get jobs. if you do.. give me the companies that ted created for Mass. I am telling you that he do nothing for Mass.

I feel that he need to be retire from Senator and congress. He need to let others to take his place and be create something good for Mass.

I pray for him to be good health and enjoy life now. go sail and fishing with your family.

Why are people treating him as though he were already dead? Sure his future is uncertain, but let the man live and work until his last breath already.

To the people that think that this is the place to voice their negative views and comments- it's not. But since you obviously have no class or humanity you feel that you can say whatever you want, whenever you want. Please go comment somewhere else where the people are as unhappy and confused about time and place for everything issues as you seem to be.

To the Senator, his wife and family - our family is thinking of you and praying for you. We have always thought of you as our senator too, even though we live in New Hampshire. You have done so much good and we still need you so much in our country. Thank you for all the years you have spent looking out for us "little guys". And we're not "backing up the hearse" either - cancer can be beaten and if strength and character can pull someone through (along with the good thoughts and prayers of millions of people) you will get well and be back fighting for us as you have done for so long.

I’d like to say thank you to Nicole – we do need to pray for Senator Kennedy. We also clearly need to pray for Don, LWhitt58, Otis, Jared, Larry and BF too. What a shame such nastiness needs to enter into a discussion about a human being’s health.

Ted Kennedy was born into a family of good fortune. He did not have to work, but he chose to give 40 years to serving the public. Don, LWhitt58, Otis, Jared, Larry and BF – have any of you ever served in public office? It’s no picnic – it’s long, hard days filled with more criticism than praise. Ted Kennedy did not have to give his life to help those less fortunate. I’m guessing if any of you won the lottery you’d be off on your yachts – not serving the public.

Did Ted Kennedy make some poor choices in his younger years? Absolutly. I did too. And so did most people including Don, LWhitt58, Otis, Jared, Larry and BF whether they choose to admit it or not. I doubt these folks lead perfectly clean, moral lives – clearly they feel they do, so much so that they feel that they need to criticize a man who has dedicated his life to serving all people – the kind and unkind; the fortunate and the unfortunate; the healthy and the infirm – Ted Kennedy did not cherry pick the people he helped – he made the choice to help EVERYONE. He’d never say anything bad about the folks criticizing him on this board – he’s too good a person.

And thank you Cujo for pointing out what this wonderful man has done – let’s hope Don, LWhitt58, Otis, Jared, Larry and BF never have a debilitating illness or need to maneuver a wheelchair into a store. Which you have no idea how awful it is until you actually are faced with this type of situation.

I saw there was a chat on etiquette happening on Boston.com today – perhaps these rude and thoughtless folks should partake in that – they could use some lessons.

Senator Kennedy, thank you for being the man you are – I wish you health and happiness, and will pay that your treatment and recovery bring you no pain.

To all those who have judged Don:

I'm not a bad person. I'm not a politician. I'm not a Republican. And, believe it or not, I work with cancer pts for a living. On a personal level, as I said before, may God bless him and heal him. I mean that b/c cancer is an enormous challenge physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually.

But for me, Senator Kennedy represents everything that is wrong with politics in Boston and Mass. I was trying to kick someone when they are down. I just dislike the cloud of darkness that hangs over our state -- a cloud that in many ways flows from all the insider politics that is the status quo here. It so obviously exists in the city of Boston and in the state that it is a point that doesn't really need defending. But I am also amazed every six years that Ted Kennedy get re-elected, and I don't blame him for this, but for a public in love with a name. So to all the yah-whoos in this blog that could so easily demonize me for saying something that I'm willing to bet a lot of people privately feel, I stand by my original comment.

Thank God that there has to be some change in personnel; even though it is just as likely that another insider will take his place which will only continue to in-grow our state toenail.

You have been a tireless crusader for the powerless in our world, Ted Kennedy. May the angels come down from Heaven and stay close to you as you endure this latest test of faith and hope. Please know that thousands of us from Massachusetts are with you spirit and pray that you will defeat this illness. Please take the time you need to heal - time to smell the roses!

KMC

All of our hearts go out to Sen. kennedy and to all whom cancer touches. Sen Kennedy has been a great man and a proponent of so much good. I may be only 28 but i have read dozens of books on him and his family and he truly has been a lion who has dealt with more loss then anyone could bear, but he still fights and does it with determination

Don,

You have a right to your opinion but you are CLEARLY in the minority. You and all the voters in Massachusetts have had ample opportunity to rid the State of everything that is wrong by not sending Senator Kennedy back to Washington.

You are obviously a political novice because you do not understand the value of a Senior Senator with service as lengthy and distinguished as Mr. Kennedy’s. Names don’t get candidates elected or re-elected. Money doesn’t get candidates elected or re-elected. The ability and actions of an individual do. This years Democratic Presidential Race is a first hand example of it. A little know Senator with a vision and desire for change is making the establishment sit up and take notice.

It’s easy to take pot shots at someone at the top, least as Robert Kennedy stated in 1966, "Few men are willing to brave the disapproval of their fellows, the censure of their colleagues, the wrath of their society. Moral courage is a rarer commodity than bravery in battle or great intelligence. Yet it is the one essential, vital quality for those who seek to change a world which yields most painfully to change"

EMK is still a person, and he has a family..I wish him the best.

When republican or conservative people bash him for immigration...you may want to take a look at the fact that Sen. Mccain helped write the immigration reform bill from last summer, and that President Bush backed it...EMK did not work alone on that one bill, the republican candidate for potus worked on it too.

I grew up in Massachusetts and feel that the Kennedy family is our family.
I was so sad to hear about the Senator's condition. I wish him and his family the best and that they are in my prayers. I remember being part of the close up program that took students to Washington to meet their reps and how I was so impressed with him. The Kennedy Family makes you proud to be from Massachusetts and an American! If anyone can fight this and win is Sen Kennedy.

You and your wonderful family will help you to fight this!

All the best! SLC

12/10/2004 WAS THE DAY MY BILLY LEFT THIS WORLD WITH THE ANGELS THAT SO MANY NIGHTS SORROUNDED HIS BED. I CHERRISH EACH PRESCIOUS MOMENT WE HAD TOGETHER WITH OUR DAUGHTER(WHO AT THE TIME WAS 24) . OUR WALKS AFTER DINNER OUR TRIPS TO RADIATION AND ALL OUR DR APPTS WE CHERRISHED EACH SECOND AND WE DID THEM ALL TOGETHER HE DIDNT WANT ANYONE ELSE TO DO THINGS FOR HIM, BECAUSE WE DIDNT KNOW HOW LONG WE HAD TO SHARE OUR LIFE WITH EACH OTHER IN THIS WORLD. ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS TAKE EACH SECOND NO MATTER HOW SMALL NO MATTER WHERE YOU ARE TO SHARE IT WITH EACH OTHER. TELL EACH OTHER YOU LOVE EACH OTHER AS OFTEN AS YOU FEEL LAUGH ABOUT THE SILLY LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE AND JUST ENJOY EACH OTHERS COMPANY TO THE FULLIEST THEY WILL ALWAYS BE
REMEMBERED. I WILL THINK OF YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BUT ESPECIALLY OF YOU VICKY AND YOUR HUSBAND TED BEACUSE I DO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE GOING THREW AND THESE FEELINGS ARE FROM MY HEART

Whatever your political views may be this is about a man who has a very serious illness. I was absolutely disgusted with the relentless media coverage yesterday. They were eulogizing him and he's still very much alive. I actually chuckled out loud at the gym when Channel 7 announced their on going coverage of "The Cancer Crisis". Sensationalism at its best! If I were Senator Kennedy it may have provided me a little comic relief.

Don probably works at FOX News..

As a Boston transplant in Colorado, the news saddens me greatly. Explaining the Kennedy mystique to those here, as some would say, you either Love them or hate them. This news should not be a political commentary, as Cancer has no political affiliation. He has been and continues to be a son, brother, uncle, cousin, husband, father and to many, many people a true friend.

How can you not admire a man who has always supported his extended family through very difficult times and has spent his entire life serving ALL people, ALL the time .
So, it should not matter if you are to the left, to the right or in the middle, Senator Kennedy and his family deserves all our prayers, and good thoughts.

Chris...I noticed the same thing about channel 7...it's why I stopped watching their news...must everything have a catchy title? So much for providing a dignified newscast...

As for the Senator...best wishes and prayers to him and his family to stay strong and fight hard...

Ted I saw President Kennedy in the Commack arena when I was 8 years old .He told us in 1960 we were goig to put a man on the moon and his brother was going to be in the senate for 46 years. Your family has defined public service and for that I am greatful.It's time for the world to give to you.God bless you and keep you in his arms.

Post 190: How old is your sister? Ted Kennedy is 76. Not good.

Edward Kennedy has been in the Senate since before I was born. And he has done some amazing work. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) has issued a list of major legislation he has worked on with Kennedy. Every 6 years, I look at Kennedy's voting record and who he has worked with on what and although I vehemently disagree with him about 25% of the time, I vehemently agree more than 50% of the time. I have yet to see a candidate that can match his level of bridge building.
I pray he will make it to 2012.
Don, you should have stopped after the first paragraph. It was presumptuous and arrogant of you to call me a uniformed fool who blindly and unthinkingly votes for the man. In fact, I think we in Massachusetts are very lucky. Not only do we have the good fortune to have a Senator others want to work with, he has been around long enough for us to estimate how he will vote on ALL the issues and we know where all his warts are (which is better than no knowing.)
My favorite Kennedy story was told to me by an elderly gentleman who worked on JFK's campaign for the Senate. Teddy, then a teenager, was sent by his father to work on the campaign. He was handed a broom. He blustered: do you know who I am?! and was told Yes, and the floor still needs sweeping. Teddy swept the floor.

I agree, Channel 7 has been despicable! I could not believe the coverage yesterday and every 5 minutes! "CANCER CRISIS" - they are a shameless station. I thought this a while back when it was Sept. 11th and every news station had Sept. 11 coverage as their FIRST story - not Channel 7! they seem to have NO respect for human life and tradgedies. I will now watch Channel 5 -

The disparaging remarks made here about John Kerry are truly without merit, especially when one considers that it was Teddy's 2 older brothers, as well as Teddy himself- who made the biggest impression on the young John Kerry as to what kind of public servant he wanted to be. Massachusetts is truly blessed to have two such exceptional Senators who, despite immense personal wealth, give, and have given, so much to the public whom they truly serve, and have tirelessly worked to represent the meek and powerless. It is the Kennedy's legacy John Kerry wanted to inherit and continue, and I dare say there will be a John Kerry legacy others will want to continue, when he himself is gone. But this inspiration all began with the Kennedys, and it is this that we here recognize. And John Kerry is truly a fitting figure to assume mantle of Massachusetts senior Senator, if that day should come. Shame to those who do not recognize this fact- I'm afraid it is the proverbial 'pearls before swine'.

Ted Kennedy will go down in history as one of the greatest of all US senators. He has been a tireless worker for the poor and working people of this country. His imprint is on literally hundreds of laws. Low-income students who get federal grants to go to college can thank Ted Kennedy. Girls who have equal access to school sports can thank Ted Kennedy. I could go on and on but why bother. Prayers and thoughts to Ted and his family. We'll eventually get another senator, but we won't get another Ted.

Our prayers and thoughts are with the Kennedy family.
Ted is an exceptional strong person and if anyone can beat this, it
would be him.

"George Killen, former State Police Detective-Lieutenant, and chief of a never-revealed investigation, lamented that the failure to bring the case to a satisfactory conclusion was "the biggest mistake" of a long and distinguished police career. Senator Kennedy, he said, "killed that girl the same as if he put a gun to her head and pulled the trigger.""

Don, you are not a humanist just because you work with cancer patients. What you are is a phony, and you sound extremely uneducated in politics and in life. You said an awful, awful thing. Your rebuttal made it worse.

Ted Kennedy is a man who is a father, brother, husband, uncle and grandfather and friend.

How would you like it if someone wrote something that came off sounding like, "Don, it's too bad your mother/father/brother/child has potentially terminal cancer, but it's time for a change in your family anyway."

You need to think of how you sound to the people that care about Ted Kennedy, which is his family, and his extended family of voters and supporters in Massachusetts - because that's why people are judging you - because you ignorantly insulted someone we care about. One writer in this blog wrote that she told her mother she felt like a family member had been diagnosed with cancer - well, that's how I feel too. So shame on you. I suspect you know better.

Obviously you feel you are smarter and more intelligent that the majority of voters in Massachusttes. Good for you. My advice to you is move to a red state - you'll do better there.

It would be good if I could find out where you work, in case G-d forbid, I or anyone I know is diagnosed with cancer, so we can avoid you. Your kind of anti-compassion we can all do without.

Bless you and your family Senator Kennedy - it is you that we can not do without!!!

If this illness struck President Bush, what would the liberals in Massachusetts be saying? 2 guesses, the first doesn't count.

Interesting, I wonder if this were to happen to someone in the general public, we would get this much attention. Jeez. Why does the Media have to track his move 24/7. He's out of the hospital, he's getting in car, he's driving home, he's on his front lawn, he's petting his dogs, he's going to the dock, he's getting on boat, he's sailing, oh my God he's sailing. So are we gonna track him til he passes away now? Is that the plan? Just let the man get on with his life. Don't you think that the Media following him around is reminding him of what is going on? Jeez. I hope he feels better, but the press sucks.

Don and those who feel the need to criticize Senator Kennedy:

Maybe you can educate the rest of us on all the awful things Senator Kennedy has done and how he has hurt all of us idiots who support him - I feel extremely unaware since I am one of those that believe he has cared for the people in this country who needed help for decades...

If you are trying to make a point, make it. Don't tell me he did something terrible in 1969 and you are holding it against him almost 40 years later, and that is outweighing all the good he has accomplished.

Senator Kennedy and family: So many are holding you in our prayers, and there is immeasurable power, goodness, and the best of all intention in prayer for health and recovery.
Senator Kennedy has been a beacon of light in his dedication and tireless advocacy in public service for years, we have all watched as he became the patriarch of the Kennedy Family and has shown his genuine love of family and ability to become and anchor in family tragedies that would bring most of us to our knees.
We now send light your way.

To hb2
Rather than encourage some others, I have reread all of the postings and can sum up what Massachusetts voters should take into account
1. His stance on immigration (Sorry folks, I didn't particularly like that compromise bill but I basically support his position)
2. His stance on the Cape wind farm (Sorry folks, I'm all for wind power but I'm not entirely convinced that it's the right place for it so I can't say if his postion is good or bad yet)
3.A tragic incident in 1969 about which the only thing we know for sure about is that Mary Jo Kopechne lost her life
4. He gives away taxpayer dollars (Not sure what that means
5. He's been around a long time and his name is Kennedy (not sure why that's a bad thing. On the contrary, frequently experience is a good thing )

So does these 5 unsubstantiated and questionable flaws outweigh the enormous bulk of public work (Headstart, Americans with Disabilities Act, Medicare, the Ryan White AIDS Act; the Orphan Drug Act etc) and all the personal stories how simple one on one acts has touched and enhanced life for individuals?

In fact as I read through various boards, I am developing a deeper appreciation for all he has done and has yet to do.

Best wishes to Senator Kennedy. You are the ultimate public servant. I hope you can serve this commonwealth for another ten years. And to all the people on this board with negative comments about Senator Kennedy I wish you all malignant tumors of your very own!

I am shocked by all of the negative comments here. There is no more effective or compassionate politician in our country that Senator Kennedy. At this terrible time in our countries history, we will all lose if he cannot continue in public service as he has done for so long... If you have ever needed education, health care, equal rights, a clean environment, or many other things, then Senator Kennedy has been on your side. I am deeply saddened to know he is ill and am hoping he will recover.

Dear Pam,

Thanks for the summary - this is what I came up with too. As I read through these boards, I too am developing an even deeper respect for this good man.

Last night on WBZ radio, a woman called in and said after her brother had died in a plane crash, Senator Kennedy made a personal phone call to their family. I had tears in my eyes as I listened to the thought and care the Senator offered to this grieving family. Thank you to those who share your wonderful stories about a wonderful man.

I'll gladly continue to give my tax dollars to support what he has accomplished and the time he spends reaching out the people.

#230 If President Bush got ill in this horrible manor or even VP Cheney who I dislike more than Bush, I would still wish them well and send prayers.

Political debate aside. I do not wish a disease like this on ANYONE, be they left right or in outer space. I no more want Cheney to die from his heart issues than I want Kennedy to suffer from such a grievous disease.

They are all people who have family who care for them, even if I dislike their political stances and actions, I am an adult. I am able to separate political convictions from personal tragedy. Sen Kennedy is suffering from a personal tragedy not a political afflication. Anyone left or right who wishes ill on another in such a case is simply worthy of contempt and little else.

Sam (#230)
As a human being from Massachusetts with distinctly liberal leanings on many but not all subjects. If, God forbid, George Bush (who I most certainly disagree with on many issues) were give a similar diagnosis, I would say : My heart goes out to him and his family and would say a prayer for them.
If you are referring to how I would phrase that in politcal terms, I would say: I hope he stays in good health unitl the end of his term when he can turn his full efforts to recovery and then go on to enjoy the remainder of his life enjoying his children and future grandchildren.
Although I recognize that there is a human tendency toward schadenfrued, I also believe that the vast majority of Americans, including both liberals, conservatives and those that can't make up their minds, would answer similarly.

Senator Kennedy is in my thoughts and prayers, and clearly, in many of yours. A colleague asked me why, although the Senator's condition is certainly sad, people are so distraught by this news. There are too many reasons to list. But it is clear that Senator Kennedy is the last link to a different kind of politics and a different kind of world view. Partisan, but able to cross party lines to enact legislation; wealthy but a champion of the rights of the poorest citizens; possessing an ability to speak with words that inspire those to care about their country and take action, rather than uttering mere soundbites at the sight of television cameras; Senator Kennedy is simply very special. Just as there will never be another JFK or RFK, there will never be another EMK. Similar to his brothers, his legacy will carry on:

"The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

I have always liked Ted Kennedy and his politics. I think he has done great work for the State of MA as well as this country. My family and I wish the Senator all the best, and hopefully he will bounce back and spend another 10 years as our Senator. We will keep him in our thoughts and prayers.

After reading these entries, I am no longer amazed that Kennedy is reelected every time he runs.
The influence of his perverted family runs to the core of the liberal Massachusetts elecorate. Such a pity.

While I believe Ted Kennedy is a deeply misguided individual who gravely misunderstands the proper role of government, I believe him to be a fundamentally good man and am greatly saddened to hear this news.

I will be the first to candidly acknowledge that I would often cringe in embarrassment and disgust at the public decalarations Kennedy would make ostensibly on behalf of the citizens of Massachusetts but my conviction of his error never diminished my abiding respect for Kennedy as a man. Though one of the longest serving senators in history, one never got the sense that Kennedy felt that his Senate seat was his birthright (as so many of his colleagues do) and always seemed to fundamentally respect and care about the people he was elected to serve.

In addition, no matter how wrong-headed his views, I cannot help but grudgingly respect Kennedy's genuine and fierce committment to the causes he espouses; the nation would do well to have more public servants motivated by a devotion to a conception of the public good rather than to their own personal aggrandizement.

It is my sincere hope that Ted Kennedy will prevail over this illness and enjoy many more years of a full life.

Ted,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. You are an inspiration to millions across this nation and a beacon of hope for people.

Fellow Irish-American clan,

Worcester

Anyone that would ever take this news as an opportunity to mark a political 'play' is disgraceful. I hope those that did so will take stock. If you are ever presented with this reality, would you feel you were rightfully judged if your 'constituents' at work or in life would take the opportunity to think this was a good way to further their own cause? I am disgraced by that spirit in my own humankind. Everyone's chair is up for grabs at work. Have at it. Life is a different story.

Maybe it was not appropriate for me to say at this time that I was hopeful that MA could now have a new senator. So for those whose feelings I hurt, I apologize for the poor timing.

I did think that since this was a discussion forum, that my political comment was somewhat appropriate rather than the eulogizing that has taken place here. He is a political figure, and political comments seem appropriate in that regard. My comment was not intended to be infuriating. I meant nothing personal about the man and am sorry that he has a hard road of treatment ahead of him. I was not wishing cancer on him or anyone else. Not running in Democrat circles, I had no idea how much of a hero Ted Kennedy is to so many people. But the demonizing that has taken place from the many comments in this forum is equally disturbing to me. The name-calling? Invoking cancerous tumors on me? Considering me anti-compassionate? It it this kind of irrationality and blind devotion which is in part what makes our state uncivil and only demonstrates why we need fundamental change. Many of the comments jumped the gun and read their own political fury into my one sentence comment. Since I'm not "blue" enough, I need to go to a red state? I didn't know Massachusetts was now only reserved for true blue.

And to the person who doesn't want to receive my care (229): you can advise all your friends with cancer to ask their doctors about their political opinions before receiving their oncology care... most doctors, including myself, will tell the patient that it is irrelevant to offering competent and compassionate care. If Ted Kennedy was my patient, I would offer him the best and kindest care possible, not because I agree with him, but because he is a human being made in God's image. I do not have any trouble differentiating and keeping the politician and person separate. My original comment referred only to the political.

I so love you, Ted Kennedy. I so love you. You could have hidden away when times were tough, but you did not. You kept working, plodding along one step at a time to work for the changes needed for the most vulnerable among us. And, God bless your Irish soul, even as much as you might disagree with others in the Senate you have always been affable and friendly. I am Irish, with many Republicans in the family and do know you can disagree and still respect, even love, each other. Love is first, last and always. You are greatly loved by me, by many, by presidents, leaders, colleagues, by people who love what you have done, by people who don't agree with you at all. You are loved and we need you always. I know you will fight and I am just glad for this opportunity for the world to show you, at last, how deeply you are loved. You are a truly good man. May the road rise to meet you. Godspeed.

Don
I did not demonize you. I did respond to you directly, and indirectly to a few others here. I thought your first comment suffered from poor phrasing. Your desire for a change in leadership probably comes around every November. Which is a good time to think about it. I did respond to your second posting. Your first paragraph was articulate and relevant. However, in your second paragraph you veered away from the dignified and called essentially called me ignorant and that the sole reason I voted for Sen. Kennedy was name recognition and thus I am at least partially responsible for an evil black cloud permeating the Commonwealth. You further had the hubris to hypothesize that a number of people posting to this with relative anonimity and no true fear of concrete reprisal are actually lying about respecting the work Senator Kennedy has done. I find that absurd.
I've often thought it is not as easy to vote for Kennedy as you might think. It is not the name; it is the man and just how many people have been personally touched over the years, whether it was a sympathy call or hospital visit or assistance on a visa issue etc. or legitemately thinking he would be the best for the job. It is often easier to vote against any candidate than for a candidate. If the mere name causes people to choose a side, I believe it is more likely that people vote against him only because he is Ted Kennedy than vote for his opponent. That is, in this case name recognition is a hindrance for the Senator.
Again in your third posting Don, you referred to blind devotion to Kennedy. Once again calling me ignorant.
In direct response. Don, the cancer worker, I suggest you educate yourself. Please begin with the National Cancer Act of 1971, which was passed thanks to Senator Kennedy, the benefits of which allow you to have a job working with cancer patients today. If it were not for Senator Kennedy's zealous advocacy of medical research, most cancer patients today would not survive long enough to for you to work with them in hospitals, hospices or homes.

Don, you owe your livelihood in part to Senator Kennedy, but you still don't have to love him or even vote for him.

We love you Senator Kennedy. No one EVER can fill your shoes. Shame on you Don! Senator Kennedy is not just a name. He is a true public servant; one who cares for the American people. We are all (Dems, Reps, etc) beneficiaries of his tireless work for justice, fairness, and equality.

Thank you for helping me in the past.Wont forget it.
May GOD Bless you and be with you and your Family.
Doug Pratt (American in UK)

I am apparently the minority here. I firmly believe Teddy was not the stellar individual portrayed and has hidden behind his namesake. Have you all forgotten about the Chappaquiddick incident? Looks like there is Karma after all. Good riddens!

DEAR SENATOR TED KENNEDY & FAMILY.
TODAY IS, JUNE 10,2008, YOU SIR HAVE A LONG LIFE."GOD IS NOT GOING TO LET YOU SUFFER LIKE "HE" DID FOR YOU AND I, "HE"KNOWS HOW MUCH WE CAN HANDLE AND WILL BE THERE FOR YOU ALWAYS. JUST REMEMBER SIR, THAT "GOD" IS THE "HEALER AND WILL ANSWER ALL YOUR PRAYERS', ONLY BELIEVE THAT YOU CAN BE "HEALED" AND WITH "GOD'S" HELP , YOU WILL BE."GOD" BLESS YOUR DEDICATED, DEVOTED WIFE AND FAMILY.. HANG IN THERE SENATOR TED KENNEDY " SEMPER FIDELIS AND KEEP THE FAITH"
SINCERELY, PENNY &NASER ALZAWAHREH
150 STONEFIELD DRIVE UNIT #8
WATERBURY, CONNECTICUT 06705

www.newmedicine.ca worth looking at re alternative medicine for tumours and cancer in general.