Ted Kennedy, the politician

I replied to Barbara at her blog, If I Didn't Have a Sense of Humor, but she moderates her comments and I guess I didn't make the cut, or possibly she simply didn't receive it, the internet is not without it's own foibles.

In her post, she excuses Ted Kennedy's womanizing and his behavior at Chappaquiddick in light of Sen. Kennedy's contribution to the United States as a politician, and I wanted the chance to reply.

Without delving further into his personal morals and behavior, my comments concerned his voting record and stand on the issues. I probably rounded in some of the stands of the Democratic Party, but that seems reasonable in light of their support for Sen. Kennedy.

I disagree with the Senator on abortion, immigration, health care reform, gun control, Katrina response, global warming, the War on Terror. His views and mine are very different, and to the extent that he has been successful with his agendas, I think he has been bad for America.

I would also disagree with Barbara's premise as well. I don't think that his public service excuses his private behavior. This is, of course, my personal opinion. As it warns you at the top of the page, I'm writing this for me.

Integrity is the lifeblood of democracy.
Deceit is a poison in its veins.
--Senator Edward M. Kennedy