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Why the Lion of the Left Was Right
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The Daily Beast’s Meghan McCain on what senators of both parties—and tomorrow’s politicians—can learn from the life and career of Ted Kennedy.
Like many Americans, I watched as Senator Ted Kennedy was laid to rest over the weekend after his year-long battle with brain cancer. The day marked not only the end of the Camelot era, but seemed to signal the final passing of many things politically. I certainly didn't agree with Senator Kennedy's politics on many issues, but as I listened to his friends, family, and Senate colleagues—including my father—tell stories of the man they knew, what was so evident was that Ted Kennedy always believed you could find compromise on the really important matters.
My father regarded Senator Kennedy as an old-school politician who brought a sense of camaraderie to the Senate floor. Alas, this era of collegiality and respect, the era of Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan, is over.
I remember meeting the senator around age 14, going into his office with my father and thinking what a larger-than-life figure he was. Broad, booming voice, wearing a bright blue suit—he looked exactly the way you picture a Kennedy in your mind. His personality took up the entire room.
Growing up, I remember my father often speaking highly of Senator Kennedy during town-hall meetings and his stump speeches, always mentioning their relationship as an example of a Republican and Democrat working together constructively to bring about change. One memory that my father recently spoke about was when he and Senator Russ Feingold were given the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award, but the weekend of the ceremony happened to coincide with my little brother Jimmy's birthday. So my father called Senator Kennedy to explain that he wouldn't be able to attend because of my brother’s birthday. Senator Kennedy told my father to bring Jimmy along and promised him they would celebrate his birthday in a memorable way. My brother and father still talk about that birthday because the Kennedy family went over the top with multiple cakes, lots of presents, and several renditions of “Happy Birthday.” It was obvious that Senator Kennedy understood the importance of family and balancing those duties with the complications of political life.
Above all, I know my father regarded Senator Kennedy as an old-school politician who brought a sense of camaraderie to the Senate floor. Alas, this era of collegiality and respect, the era of Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan, is over. The recent reaction in the blogosphere to Ted Kennedy’s death proves that. After reading some of the discourse online, I was both surprised and disgusted at what was being written. I was shocked that even in death, people were having partisan quarrels about his legacy which led me to writing a tweet saying, "I just don't know what kind of life of anger you lead if you can't put politics aside for a moment to respect a man’s passing..." Immediately, this post was used yet again by some as an example of my "secret liberalism." Because what—apparently I can only respect a politician who had served nearly five decades in the Senate if he was a Republican? I don't know how or why we got to this place in politics. Why death is used as yet another excuse for mudslinging and party rhetoric. It is depressing to think that we have come to an age where you can only mourn a man's service to his country if he abides by every single political tenet you believe in.
Whenever people ask me if I want to run for office, my answer is always no. Among the many reasons is that I don't want to go into an industry where there seems to be a complete inability to meet in the middle on issues. Why would anyone want to work in an us-versus-them environment? This is why I have always had tremendous respect for politicians who are willing to fight for what they believe in, but understand how to compromise to get something done. When I talked to my father on the phone this weekend after Senator Kennedy's funeral, he said to me, "Those that don't believe there are second acts in politics didn't know Senator Kennedy".
If nothing else, I hope that the death of Ted Kennedy inspires high-school students in civics classes and political-science majors in colleges all across the country. If they listened this weekend to all Senator Kennedy was able to accomplish in his remarkable life, they too will realize why public service—in any capacity and for either political party—is and should continue to be a worthy calling.
Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com.
For inquiries, please contact The Daily Beast at editorial@thedailybeast.com.
How Rich People Smoke Pot
Paul Schrodt is a writer living in New York City. He has contributed to New York magazine, Radar, and Esquire.com.
Justice Clinton?
As vice chairman of Public Strategies and president of Maverick Media, Mark McKinnon has helped meet strategic challenges for candidates, corporations and causes, including George W. Bush, John McCain, Governor Ann Richards, Charlie Wilson, Lance Armstrong, and Bono. McKinnon is co-chair of Arts & Labs, a collaboration between technology and creative communities that have embraced today's rich Internet environment to deliver innovative and creative digital products to consumers.
Politicians Need Privacy, Too
Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com.
Yes, I'm a Pure Republican
Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com.
America's Boob Police
Meghan McCain is a columnist for The Daily Beast. Originally from Phoenix, she graduated from Columbia University in 2007. She is a New York Times bestselling children's author, previously wrote for Newsweek magazine, and created the Web site mccainblogette.com.
princeminski
Thought it before and I'll say it now: if Ms. McCain represents a significant number of folks in her generation (and at least some of my north Texas college students appear to be of like mind), then maybe this "death of collegiality and compromise" in Congress that has been much discussed with Sen. Kennedy's passing is just a transitory episode. I certainly hope so. Intransigant partisanship has grown increasingly ugly in both parties. Kudos, as always, to Ms. McCain. I'm an "old liberal," but I see a bright promise in Meghan and her generation.
Cleanerman
Yes, I am an "old liberal" also, feel the same as you do.
DeeAmbro
While I agree with Meghan about the loss of civility and compromise in our current political system, I must place the blame squarely at the feet of the right-wing media. Rush and Sean and Glenn and Ann, and the 1000 right-wing talk radio facists have alot invested in keeping us at each other's throats. Fake News spews out totally false and misleading information day after day. If I listen to Lou Dobbs for a few minutes, I feel personally assaulted. It doesn't have to be this way. I've noticed in the healthcare debate, that the extremists who are showing up at some of these forums don't even seem to be mainstream republicans. Yet, republican politicians are embracing them. The national discourse is vicious and disheartening. So what to do? I think we all can agree that there is a good idea or two on the other side, can't we? Turn off the Fake News, clear your head, and gather your information independently. Sadly, I have several neighbors who won't talk to me since the election because they know I supported Obama. We need to insist that all media be truly "fair and balanced".
sophia5
"Rush and Sean and Glenn and Ann, and the 1000 right-wing talk radio facists have alot invested in keeping us at each other's throats."
GET REAL.
. . . and Chris and ED and Keith and Rachel and Lawrence (O'Donnell)
and David (Schuster), mature, "objective and civil" left wing television
"journalists," have a lot in keeping us at each other's throats.
And by the way. How do you far left kooks
think Lou Dobb's Mexican American wife feels
about being married to, as you like to say, a "racist ? "
How does Lou Dobbs' Latino children feel about their
"racist" father ? Or his in-laws from Mexico who live with
Dobbs and his wife ?
margent7
There are 'extremists' on both sides of the debate and to just single out conservative voices is naive and one of the reasons we are in the mess were in. You, as a lib only 'want' to see one side. Be 'fair and balanced' yourself before you cast stones.
DeeAmbro
IMO, they are not equivalent. The right-wing rhetoric is vitriolic, while the left-wing rhetoric is more satirical and humorous. Who on the left has suggested poisoning supreme court justices as Ann Coulter has or Nancy Pelosi as Glenn Beck has? Rush Limbaugh compared Obama to an oreo, Glenn Beck said Obama's a racist who hates white people. I have watched with sadness as some of my friends and relatives have turned from fair-minded republicans to extremists thanks to Fake News and right-wing talk radio. I guess you wouldn't recognize it in yourself. Give me some names on the left of media personalities who engage in the same type of vitriolic rhetoric. Ed and Rachel and Lawrence and David might have a left-wing slant but it's just not done with the same level of hateful intensity.
deegeezee
DeeAmbro, you're right, they're not equivalent -- at the moment. libs were vitriolic when they weren't in power, and the neocons are now. that's just how the pendulum swings.
and it's why i think all primaries should be open to independent voters.
Downriver
FOX................The ONLY news outlet run by a political operative. Guess which party.
sritchey
The AM radio band is almost exclusively right wing talk.
crngndmhm
Being civil and compromising does not consist of attacks and highlighting what's different. It means finding that common ground and building off that foundation. It's just sad that the common ground highlighted in this thread is the fact that both the left and the right are populated by bloated bags of hot air looking out for their own intrests(ratings)
motrbotr
Left vs right MSM vs Fox. Its clear the the number of media outlets lean left and thats a fact. Fox alone as a major network leans right. There are some fair people on both sides. You name one person on Fox, i can come right back with one on MSNBC or ABC or CBS or PBS, etc. Its just the nature of television now. But to say that the loss of civility and compromise is due to Fox and the right wing media just goes to show how delusional you are. Go ahead and believe that if you want. Nothing i can say will change your mind that the blame probably lies somewhere in the middle, Both Fox and the other news channels. You are as pig headed as those you blame. But thats your problem i guess.
Getting to Megans article, I agree with what most of what she says but she never address's the main sticking point with so many and no one seems to and thats the death of Mary Joe Kopechne. Yea a lot of republicans disagreed with some of his legistation and beliefs but to say that 40 years of service to his country in the senate somehow makes up for the fact that he killed some one is hard to over look. Yes i feel sorry for his family at his passing. Loosing a loved one is hard of course. He did have an extra 40 years that Mary Joe never had tho.
MajorRevisions
How about if everyone stops listening to these talking heads? All they are doing is reinforcing the point of view of their audience on the left or right. They are not reporting the "news", they are giving opinions. If you want the news, stop watching the boob tube and start reading actual news and don't limit yourself to one source. If you want opinion, watch the The Daily Show, at least they poke fun at both sides.
formerGOPer
All of the people sophia listed have never aired a fantasy poison pelosi skit, or said that the only way to talk to a conservative is with a baseball bat, or accused any republican of trying to murder tens of millions of Americans, and have never compared any republican to Hitler with anywhere near the ferocity that right wing media hacks have. Its so typical for the hypocritical to cry- THE OTHER SIDE DOES IT TOO- well they do but to an almost infinitely less extent and you know it. We have US senators now calling Obama illegal president, communist, fascist, murderer of old people and children, racist, will let terrorists in to overthrow America- unprecendented sedition and its coming from the right, so leggo my eggo and open your eyes and shut your trap long enough for your brain to work.
ConstitutionalRights
As a devote Libertarian at heart, I am always mystified at how we can get so handcuffed by one sidedness. Isn't it sad that the Ms. McCains blog can create such comments, and the side that has been throwing such vitriol against Bush and the Republicans finds it so hard to take what they dish out.
The radio piece is interesting too, as anyone who heard Air America can attest, it was filled with closed minded one sidedness. The fact that right wing radio has an audience and left wing radio does not, sort of speaks for itself, doesn't it? Perhaps the self righteous left isn't so righteous after all, or are they just "more enlightened".
Lets stop this nonsense and get back to the issues. We may disagree, probably will, but if we work together to discuss things, we can sand off the rough edges to get the a square peg to fit a round hole and maybe then America can come back to the things that made us great, the melting pot of all backgrounds as "AMERICANS" not hyphenated americans.
speechrock
I remember Ted Koppel being asked what he thought of the rise of the right wing radio commentators. His response was that democracy is a work in process and, like a pendulum, constantly changes. As long as the pendulum is moving, if I may paraphrase him, I feel confident.
Further, I would like to point out what an amazing display of optimism I felt as a result of watching the Kennedy family. Ms. McCain, embrace that spirit that you applaud and perhaps you will join the family business. Even a Democrat admires the likes of your father, Orin Hatch, the late William F. Buckley and others who somehow keep the pendulum moving.
This comment has been removed by The Daily Beast's editors.
This comment has been removed by The Daily Beast's editors.
Chiwuwu
Man, I will it would swing back to something more palatable soon.
moreobamanodrama
I could agree more.
nickatdabeach
Wonder why Mr. Simcox has that perpetual smile lately? It's because Ms. Megaton McLame is the gift that keeps on giving. This heifer should move to Vermont with her newest galpal Rachel Madcow-- they could live happily everafter. Need cab fare?
Colemine1210
Mr. Nick: "Megaton McLame"!! Clever, clever, clever. I'm pleased to see the kind of bright mind an 8th-grade education can produce.
crngndmhm
You must get a great view of your large intestine with your head planted firmly up your ass.
kimberlyhaney
Gee Meghan. Let me tell you what I have learned about Ted Kennedy over the years (being that I'm old enough to be your mother). Ted Kennedy left a woman to suffocate/drown - depending on the story - but had enough of his wits about him to swim off and go home to sleep off his drunken stupor. He also had enough of his wits about him to gather his lawyers. He didn't report the "accident" until the following day, but only AFTER his family had pulled enough rank to sweep it under the rug. The Kennedy's paid off the Mary Jo Kopechne's family. Paid them off. That's a guy you look up to? He killed someone and never apologized or even admitted that he was responsible. I haven't badmouthed the man at all, living or dead. It is not my place to judge him. May he rest in peace and may God deal with him accordingly. Why don't you just give up, sweetheart and call yourself a liberal. You wouldn't pass for a republican here in the south.
CarltonVanNostrand
I don't think Meghan needs to be patronized by the likes of you.
crngndmhm
People make mistakes, yes even horrible mistakes that end up with people dead. It's how we live with these mistakes that make us who we are. It would seem that Mr Kennedy gave a large portion of his life fighting for other people. While you seem to be a bit of a bitch wrapped in a nice warm cloak of self importance and self rightouesness. I don't believe in heaven or hell but if they do exist i hope the devil has a special place for you.
nickatdabeach
people make mistakes? hahahahahah.. rumors abound that Rose Kennedy often told close associates she made a mistake when she hatched ted kennedy-- a womanizer, a cheat, a blowhard, a divider. history won't be kind to this most pathetic of kennedy brothers.. the weakest of the trio... a real shame he was the one who lived longest.
bobfitz
I find it humorous that this poster seems to think that Senator Kennedy is somehow an aberration in the ranks of politics because he has a horrible stain on his soul as a result of some unthinkably awful actions he took over the course of his life. Please wake up. First Lady Laura Bush ran down someone with a car and never served a day in jail. Ms. McCain's own father deserted his first wife, a horribly disfigured and broken women, so he could enjoy the fruits of the good life with the daughter of a criminally connected beer baron in AZ.
I am sure that as the misguided poster has wished the Senator is resting in peace. I am confident that God, in his infinite wisdom has dealt with the Senator's transgressions in accordance to His principles of unconditional love and forgiveness.
Now it is up to that same God to bring some sense to people like the poster. May it please be His will. Because I have to say, it is getting kind of annoying to us adults, who understand how the world works, to listen to the annoying cries of these emotionally immature people other wise known by the misnomer of "conservatives".
ADEBARGE
Look you incompent oaf, Senator Kennedy appologized numerous times for this tragedy, and attended Mary Jo Kopechne's funeral. If as you say her family was paid off and never said a demeaning word about Senator Kennedy than why are you? You Christian dogs, that Christ would be and is ashamed of contribute to all the misery in this world. You are a old disrespectful FOOL. Why don't you give up and call yourself a purveyor of lies, because you are certainly not an intelligent Republican you moronic southern scum.
zircus
I don't like the tone of KimberlyHaney's comment, but she makes several valid points. Senator Kennedy had an extraordinary career, but most of it is due to his birth into one of the most prominent political families of the 20th century. I doubt that he would have had such a career if he had been born into any other family. We celebrate his life today largely because of the historic legacy of his relatives.
As for the sins of his past - yes, he did express remorse about Chappaquiddick, but let's face it: he got away cleanly with actions that would see the rest of us land in prison for a very long time. I shudder to think what the police and federal legal system would have done to me if I had done the same thing he had done. And stop for a minute and think about what would have happened if he had been a black man. But he didn't have to face any of those consequences. I think KimberlyHaney is right to suggest that the family of the deceased was paid off generously - even today, no one has really heard anything negative from them, which means they probably signed a non-disclosure agreement in return for a generous financial settlement. I don't blame them for this, since no amount of public screaming and chest-beating to the press would ever bring back their beloved daughter. But it illustrates again how special and privileged the Senator's life was. He could do anything, and never have to face the consequences. Nice life, that.
It's also worth noting that in addition to his distinguished reputation for diplomacy within Congress, he also had an equally notorious reputation for hard partying and rampant womanizing. I always got the impression that he would have accomplished a hell of a lot more if he'd actually put his public service ahead of his personal fun.
On the eve of his passing, I think that his greatest contribution to America was his support of the Obama presidential campaign. I truly believe that he and his niece Caroline were responsible for rallying the entire Kennedy family behind the Obamas. He also helped work behind the scenes to bring the DNC on board. In doing so, he helped change the course of American history and redefine the nature of racial politics in the United States. In spite of everything, that's not a bad legacy to leave behind.
spielster
Thank you. What was amazing about Senator Kennedy was his ability to understand that a political challenge sometimes needed assistance from across the table. Kennedy reminds us that politicians were put there to fight for US. Not TV time, nor book deals. Kennedy died doing what he loved to do, fighting for Americans. You might not have always agreed with his fight, but you admired the courage it took to do so.
nickatdabeach
Judge Bork might have a different memory of the Massachusetts blowhard, Clarence Thomas too. Doesn't matter, history will not be kind to ted kennedy, the most pathetic of the kennedy trio. A shame he lived the longest. Here's hoping he burns in hell as I type this tribute.
SnakeHead
History has already been kind to Ted Kennedy, but I suspect reading books isn't really your strong suit.
I'd trade in every member of the Bush family to get Ted back for a month.
So, maybe he was involved with a woman's death some 40 years ago (I urge you to apply the burden of proof to this story that you likely apply to Obama's birth certificate). I think I'd take that in a political figure over falling asleep on the watch, letting our country get attacked, then retaliating against the wrong country. The hell reserved for him must be paradise compared to the hell that awaits Bush and Cheney.
soitgoesjen
Exactly, SnakeHead. Bush and his cronies killed thousands in the Middle East. But of course, since the majority of them aren't white, conservatives don't give a damn.
jodeemax
Well done, well said Meghan. Great article as always.
larryblair
hmm...you do understand that your dad's remark was a sly backhand at sen kennedy and the accident that occured early in his career right?
edjwaltham
Megan, extremely well said! You are speaking for alot of people across the political spectrum.
Andreams
This hateful behavior is not tolerated in the workplace of regular Americans or in schoolrooms. It should not be tolerated in our government.
Jerome
You are so right! OMG; it's such a relief to know that I'm not the only one who feels this way!
If I were out in public cheating on my wife, drunk as a fat, slobbering skunk, I guarantee my employer would want nothing to do with me. My career would be over.
This is to say nothing of taking a mistress to a party among my colleagues, leave in a drunken state, drive into a pond and leave the poor girl there to die while I call the lawyers and my brothers to see how I can get out of it! Good Lord, they would lock me up and throw away the key. People would come with pitchforks and torches, chase me down, and probably lynch me!
No, this hateful behavior would certainly not be tolerated in my workplace, and it's a damn good thing, too!
PS Meghan, I keep waiting for you to get better at this. You still write like a junior high girl. What exactly did you do at Columbia? Oh, wait...I know.
irishmaggie
I'm not sure what exactly you are trying to imply Meghan did at Columbia but I think your comment is off topic and unecessary
kimtim
Yes. Kennedy is a perfect role model for college student of what not to be, if you have a soul or integrity not just a name and time. Do not murder, do not cheat in college, do not commit adultery, do not walk in on you nephew while raping someone, then help to cover it up (PROVEN) do not an·ni·hi·late! innocent patriotic Americans like Judge Bork for party over country. so long ted - Mary Jo can now rest in peace while every one else continues to drink the kool-aid.
http://newsbusters.org/blogs/rich-noyes/2009/07/18/40-years-chappaquiddi ck-ted-kennedy-would-have-brought-comfort-mary-jo-k
nickatdabeach
The silence from the Vatican tells more than any blogger can possibly say. Burn in hell senator. At last you're getting Borked.
Am-I-Dreaming
"Above all, I know my father regarded Senator Kennedy as an old school politician who brought a sense of camaraderie to the Senate floor. Alas, this era of collegiality and respect, the era of Tip O'Neill and Ronald Reagan, is over. The recent reaction in the blogosphere to Ted Kennedy's death proves that."
I was happy to read this, Meghan. The utter lack of civility, respect, and intelligent discourse in what passes for politics (and the rest of life) these days is disheartening to put it mildly. It's as though anger is the new black, and the more unbridled your rage, the cooler you are.
Pull out some old movies and get a taste of how people used to (or were supposed to) handle differences of opinion. Look at Mr. Deeds Goes to Town or Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. The passion was there but so was the civility -- at least on the part of the good guys.
I doubt the anger will go away among the "elders" of society (funny how that term used to imply wisdom gained over the course of a life) but I do hold out hope for younger generations, who can see how destructive and, ultimately, pointless and futile such anger is. Limbaugh, Coulter, Hannity, and O'Reilly and their clones will, with any luck, rapidly become laughingstocks, going the way of girdles and sock suspenders.
ThinkAgain
The vile hate, anger and flat out dishonesty on the leftwing websites and Air America and msnbc doesn't bother you? Shouldn't you be wishing that they have to go away too? I'm smelling some hypocricy here.
jamesindentontx
There is a difference between the slant you might find in any media source and the outright misinformation played 'round the clock on Fox and right wing talk radio. There is a Christian staion right next to my precious NPR that I sometimes accidentally tune to that is also merely spouting Republican misinformation. Talk - opinion shows and pundit shows are inexpensive and easy to produce. Journalism, is hard and expensive, and I'm sure that few find your news sources to be journalism. What are you doing here anyway? Don't you fing the Beast to be more fair than, say Fox?
donquijoterocket
You'd think that of a phenomenon so pervasive and prevalent as the "hatred" from the left the wingnuts find in every utterance they could actually cite one or two or three maybe even with video. I know it wouldn't take all that long to come up with actual evidence of say mAnn coulter wishing to poison Justice Steven's creme brulee.Surely one of our esteemed wingnuts can find at least one instance of comparable "hatred" from the constant stream of it that flows from the left.I think folk like thinkagain are bent over so far they've lost sight of what they're actually smelling.
This comment has been removed by The Daily Beast's editors.
nickatdabeach
Keith Overbite & Rachel Mancow ... hahahahahahah ... countdown to no ratings. wonder if chrissie matthrews' leg is still tingling?
Lolo00
The concept of civility is not just tied to news sources and high profile figures. It should be pervasive throughout all political parties from top to bottom. All you need to do is read the comments on Meghan's columns to see the hatred bursting forth from BOTH sides. People need to grow up and act like intelligent adults capable of civil conversation. ESPECIALLY the younger demographic. You don't know the true meaning of "uncivil" until you've been in college in DC during an election year.
MajorRevisions
So the vile hate, anger and flat out dishonesty on the rightwing website and Fox "News" doesn't bother you? It bothers me that both side think they are right and it is the other side's fault for what ever the problem may be.
irishmaggie
Actually some of the rhetoric on the liberal side does bug me as a liberal. In fact it bugs me just as much as some of the things on FOX news. I try to get my news by reading it rather then watching because I think tv news tends to oversimplify issues.
DeeAmbro
Recently, in a discussion with a father (age 50) and his son (age 25) who I had just met, they alluded to their family's "hate" of this and that. They were so proud of their hate! I laughed, thinking it must be some kind of joke. No! I was told, with a straight face "some people deserve to be killed, Dee". I've never heard anything like that before. I do know that the father is an "Ayn Rand" guy but I don't know about the son. Later, my husband told me he thought that was a joke, but usually jokes involve some smiles and laughter, so I was really disturbed by it. Anyway, I was saddened by their talk of "hate". What happened to "loving one another?", especially among the religious right, who so love to preach to the rest of us about Jesus? Some people need a refresher course at bible school!
margent7
Do you always profile people after meeting with an extremist? I am part of the 'religious right' and I can safely say they as a group are the most lloving people I have ever had the pleasure to be associated with..
DeeAmbro
Yes, I know some nice, good hearted republicans...until they find out I'm a democrat! You are being taught to hate and fed lies day in and day out. Turn the channel and you might learn the truth.
amanda07070
margent7 - DeeAmbro was doing exactly the opposite of what you accuse her of! She couldn't believe she was faced with such hostility and hate, and you call that "profiling"? As for your saying your group are the most loving people you ever associated with, there are countless examples of THEIR hate (gay people, abortion doctors) displayed on a daily basis. I assume you've read the Sermon on the Mount? FORGIVE ALL! Do you believe in the death penalty? If so, you're a VERY bad Christian.
penscott
"The utter lack of civility, respect, and intelligent discourse in what passes for politics ..."
I assume you're referring to Senator Kennedy's vicious attack on Robert Bork.
farser
Couldn't agree more. I despair at the state of political debate in America these days.
Ayotte11
Meghan you constantly impress me. I would really love to debate with you sometime, because while our views are very different, 99.9 times out of 100 I have great respect for you and the way you say things.
An article on the passing of Senator Kennedy is not the place to go into it, but the problem with politics is not the differences of opinion, it's the way they're expressed. Senator Kennedy inspired mutual respect in almost everyone he worked with I'm sure, and gave it back I'm sure as well. Thank you for writing this, and telling yet another sweet story of his generosity and respect for family, which I think we all know is so important to the Kennedy's having lost so much, so tragically.
I can ramble, I'm sorry. Simply thank you again. I'll keep checking back.
AliceFrye
Beautifully written, Meghan. Thank you.
amanda07070
Meghan says "Because what-apparently I can only respect a politician who had served nearly five decades in the Senate if he was a Republican?"
What was THAT sentence (grammatically speaking)? There is such a thing as "poetic license", but it only refers to artistic writing and has no place in "real" journalism.
estcruzer
Yes, it does. Of course if you take it out of context (typical) and modify the syntax (necessary to destroy the meaning) you could cast some doubt. But then one must look to the agenda of the poster to see why they would do something like that. Grammar policeperson? Right Wingnut? Really turned off Oldster? Or are you truly trying to improve Meghan's rhetoric skills?
peppermint
I wonder if Megan's dad ever sits her down and gives her a history lesson on how Reagan was treated during his term. Also, I recall some vile things hurled at John McCain during the campaign ----- such insults toward him as a senior citizen and how they are senile and losing their bearings. But of course, that didn't faze you huh? At least Kennedy had good reason. We need someone bright, cheery, cool, intellectual, smart, handsome, thin, articulate, clean, etc. should I continue? How's all those attributes going for the One?
hithere3
McCain joked about his own age. A lot.
It was fair game.
aguywhotalkstoomuch
I mourn Kennedy's passing. Yes I'm a bleeding heart liberal. I'm unapologetic about it. And I'm glad that Megan is not Anne Coulter, Malkin, Hannity, Beck or Rush. They have become the face of conservatism and it turns my stomach. Megan's article proves once again that she is a class act.
I am also glad that she is not giving in to those voices. They are destroying civil dialogue.
We ,on the left, actively berated psychos who wanted to speak for us-- Churchill Ward. etc.
Some on the right have decided to embrace their loons as their spokespeople.
If civil discourse is to have a future in this country, it is up to the likes of Megan. I know that many think the future of the Republican party is up to her. I think that it goes beyond that. The vitriol spouted by the radical right far surpasses anything the left says or does.
No one on the left took rifles to peace protests during the Iraq war... YET at least TWO people have taken high powered rifles to the town-halls.
That is not the mark of civil discourse. That is the mark of a serious lack of respect for the office of the President and of Congress.
Hopefully, Megan's sane voice will prevail.
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