Ted Kennedy's health care reform legacy
As friends, colleagues and even political adversaries offer praise and remembrances for Sen. Edward Kennedy, who died last night after a battle with brain cancer, everyone underscores his huge influence on efforts to overhaul the nation's health care system.
He called health reform the "cause of my life" during last year's Democratic National Convention, said it was a "defining issue for our society" years earlier, and throughout his recent illness continued to champion universal coverage while pushing Congress to act now on legislation.
"He pursued that cause vigorously, even as his health declined; when members of Obama’s administration questioned the president’s decision to spend so much political capital on the seemingly intractable issue, Obama reportedly replied, “I promised Teddy.’’ noted The Boston Globe adding that Kennedy's long committment to health care issues began in 1969.
Yet, he died with "one of his lifelong goals, universal health care, tantalizingly within reach yet struggling on Capitol Hill."
Beyond reform, Kennedy was instrumental in other legislative issues concerning health including helping create state health coverage for poor children known as S-CHIP, building federal support for community health centers and pushing successfully for increases in cancer reasearch funding.
The Wall Street Journal notes that his death has already become a rallying cry for passing reform legislation this year while others ponder, who will fill the shoes of the man called the lion of the Senate?
photo: AFP/Getty imags
Comments
The first step toward Universal Health Care must be an Amendment to the Constitution. Providing universal health care is not one of the enumerated powers of the Federal Government.
For The General Welfare:
1. International and interstate commerce (trade)
2. Naturalization
3. Bankruptcy
4. Coin Money, establish its value
5. Weights and Measures
6. Punish counterfeiting
7. Postal Service
8. Issue patents and copyrights
9. Establish Federal Courts
10. Govern District of Columbia
11. Purchase real estate for necessary buildings
See Illegal Health Reform by David B. Rivkin Jr. and Lee A Casey: Illegal Health Reform: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/08/21/AR2009082103033.html
Bring John Shadegg's 'Enumerated Powers Act' to a Vote
It's time for Congress to, "Cite it, chapter and verse." Where do they derive their authority? When they pass new laws or spend taxpayer money, they should be required to point to specific language in the Constitution. The Enumerated Powers Act would require them to do precisely that. Help us bring this bill to a vote.
Posted by: BenDoubleCrossed | August 26, 2009 5:01 PM
Senator Ted Kennedy – The Epitome of Inspiration and Leadership
Senator Ted Kennedy – Respectfully
Senator Ted Kennedy truly represented phenomenal accomplishments that were amazingly achieved for the greater good of The American Nation; God Bless
HealthCare Reforms – Respectfully
Amongst the very greatest of achievements ever has been his dedication to the HealthCare Reforms for which he truly merits the title of; The Epitome of HealthCare Reforms; with admiration, affection and pride; God Bless
Pride – Respectfully
Senator Ted Kennedy represented The American Nation proudly; The history of The American Nation; God Bless
History – Respectfully
The history of The American Nation will always salute him for his noteworthy contribution to development and welfare of The American People; God Bless
Touched – Respectfully
Senator Ted Kennedy has reached across and touched – inspired – influenced millions of lives; His legacy will continue to be carried forth proudly always; God Bless
Salute – Respectfully
The American nation salutes the spirit of Ted Kennedy; God Bless
Dreams – Respectfully
Senator Ted Kennedy is no longer amidst us but his dreams will always continue to guide and inspire The American Nation to amazingly accomplish phenomenal strides relating to achievements associated with values based principles proudly; God Bless
Miss You – Respectfully
Senator Ted Kennedy, we will miss You; Thank you for your all your remarkable efforts and initiatives; We all pray for You; May Your Soul Rest in Peace; God Bless
Condolences – Respectfully
At this moment of grief, we express our sincere heartfelt condolences to Ted Kennedy’s Family and Relatives; God Bless
God Bless You Senator Ted Kennedy – Respectfully
Dear Senator Ted Kennedy, May God Bless You today and always; God Bless
Love & Light;
God Bless,
Vashi
©2009 Vashi Ram Chandi
Posted by: Vashi Ram Chandi | August 27, 2009 12:47 AM