Ted Kennedy- An American Icon

It came as a shock and stroke to the solar plexus when I saw the headline this afternoon that Ted Kennedy has a malignant brain tumor. He has been a central part of the American scene and the Democratic Party for 46 years since his first election in 1962.

1962? That was the year of the Cuban missile Crisis; before the Beatles were known; the first Wal-Mart store opened; the first James Bond film opened; Marilyn Monroe died; Nelson Mandela was arrested; and John Glenn orbited the earth. (Yes, Greg, I remember all those things.)

That's how long Ted Kennedy has been in the Senate. He certainly has had some bad years and aborted efforts to run for president. But he has become one of the great historic senators working both sides of the aisle quite well while remaining a standard bearer for the liberal traditions.

An icon is one who stands out in his profession and becomes almost a paradigmatic emblem of what he does. Ted Kennedy has become one of those outstanding persons. Many have disagreed with him, but he has been a steady presence.