Edward “Ted” Kennedy: Overcoming Failure To Greatness
The number of people who I consider great can be counted on one hand. Many have done good works, perhaps even great works, but to place someone on a level of greatness, well, it’s a whole other level. Anyone considered great in my book, must be able to overcome extraordinary obstacles, and leap beyond that to do extraordinary things. Overcoming tragedy, or a tragic mistake, is one thing; but to go beyond the personal tragedy and accomplish feats that benefit others, is another – it simply speaks of greatness.
Edward “Ted” Kennedy did just that. Many have long forgotten the tragedy in 1969 when Kennedy, driving under the influence of alcohol after a party, drove off the Chappaquiddick bridge with his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne. The campaign staffer drowned, but worse, Kennedy survived and failed to report the accident to authorities until several hours later.
It was the scandal that shook the nation. People were outraged – not only because of the tragedy, but also because after being found guilty, Kennedy received only a two month suspended sentence for a misdemeanor charge. It was just too obvious that some strings were pulled and that Kennedy was let off easy. Kennedy’s political career looked almost certain to be over. He was damaged goods and back then, there was little if any tolerance for someone exhibiting poor judgment and character.
But if ever there was a good example of someone who had not squandered the public’s faith and generosity after given a second chance, it was Ted Kennedy. Since then he worked tirelessly pushing civil rights, education and health care legislation to move the country and the world forward. His accomplishments were many, and certainly regained the public’s trust.
What I found so intriguing about Kennedy was his unending effort that went well beyond what was expected of him after Chappaquidick became a thing of the past. Perhaps his religious upbringing, or his cultural and family influence, drove him beyond mere self-preservation into near obsessive selfless service. But even those influences fall short of what could be a deeper motivation – by causing the end of someone’s life, he had a mission to give as much as he could of his own life. Life does not always go in a straight line, and Ted Kennedy rose above his failings to improve the lives of all. That was no minor feat – it was greatness.
Another brilliant Op-Ed piece Reiko! You capture the essence of triumph over failure to rise above and become greater than we might otherwise have. Thank you for showing the complete picture of his life. Too many have focused only on the good or the bad moments but you rightly saw that as a human being he could have both.
Kudos Reiko
Lee
This is a great piece about a great man. He made one error, and he had two choices, bend and fall, or take it. He took it, and in spite of all the yellow journalistic craziness, left a legacy that could easily rival Lincoln, George Washington, and other greats, working tirelessly for civil rights, woman’s rights, the environment, and countless other issues. Thank you for capturing it in this light of the man as a human being who made errors, then not only learned from them, but went on to be one of the greatest politicians of our time. Very well written too. Thanks for sharing this, Reiko. Sincerely, Rick London
The day President Kennedy died was a defining moment in American life, and we remained enthralled by the Kennedys in part because they were a family of extremes: obvious glamor, immeasurable greatness, unfathomable tragedy, and catastrophic scandal. We love to worship our idols, and hate it when they fall off the pedestals we want them to deserve. The Kennedy dynasty is also a family story like all of our family stories, only with broad strokes and in bold colors, the most garish being the “Chappaquidick incident” (as the current press calls it).
Your celebration of Ted Kennedy’s achievements is credible and deeply moving because you honestly confronted what were arguably the darkest hours of his career and life.
Brilliant job.
I am very glad to have met youl.
Jamie
Reiko, this article brought all the emotions I held inside about his life and his death, out in the open. He was loved and respected by many, and deserves every recognition and praise as a fine example of a man who lived a meaningful life after a tragic detour. Your words express exactly how I felt about him when he was alive, and how I’m going to miss his presence now that he has passed away. Thank you, Yuko
Aloha Reiko, I never spent time getting to know who Senator Kennedy was and what he stood for, and while listening to the Celebration of Life speakers, I felt embarrassed that I didn’t spend the time. His accomplishments touched so many! I feel very fortunate that you and others have given me a chance to fill my ignorance gap that I unconsciously created. Mahalo, Alan Okinaka
Kudos to you Reiko! You’ve captured the source of his strength.
It was in the same place that everyone hides their strength along with their weaknesses. In the mirror. As we all look at ourselves, with our mistakes and flaws we can crumble and cry or ask ourselves what can we do to make this world a better place? And then suck it up and do something positive while we’re here.
Wikipedia says:
Kennedy played a major role in passing many laws, including laws addressing immigration, cancer research, health insurance, apartheid, disability discrimination, AIDS care, civil rights, mental health benefits, children’s health insurance, education and volunteering. Over the course of decades, Kennedy’s “cause of my life” was the enactment of universal health care.
So sad to see this lion laid to rest. Bless his soul for the good he accomplished while he roared.
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