Senator Edward Kennedy, Giant Among Giants, Rest In Peace

Senator Edward M Kennedy, affectionately known as Teddy, passed on last night to a legislative body that knows no partisanship. A legislative body that does not fight over health care because everyone is free of disease and bad blood. It is a peaceful chambers where mortals hope to have entrance upon their final days on earth . It is customary when such a giant dies that everyone put away the swords and say nice things for the moment. Many have paid tribute to Teddy as a fighter of everyday people; citizens who are the least of those who fight everyday just to be heard and seen. I have a unique tribute of my own that I would like to pay to Senator Kennedy which speaks volumes of his spirit and humanity.

During the 1984 Democratic Convention in San Francisco, while serving as an advanceman for the Mondale/Ferraro Presidential Campaign, I was responsible for a number of surrogates, mostly elected officials, who were in support of Vice President Walter Mondale's campaign. On this particular day, I had to drive Mayor Richard Arrington of Birmingham, Alabama to a breakfast on San Francisco's Nob Hill at a Kennedy family private residence where he was to have breakfast with Senator Kennedy and three other prominent Americans. Upon arrival, the Mayor departed the car and took the elevator up to a private dining area while I was seated in the parlor. When Senator Kennedy learned that I, the driver of surrogates, was in the parlor, he had Secret Service direct me to the elevator to join him and his guest. If I were to say the surroundings were opulent, I would be giving a disservice to the description; fine porcelain china, sterling silver flatware and more valets than attendees to serve at our beck and call. Me, a 23 year old Howard University graduate from West Oakland, California was indeed in heaven. I felt quite privileged to be there listening to Senator Kennedy and guest talk about local, state, nation and international affairs. The conversation was serious and measured and Senator Kennedy was describing his concerns for those less fortunate and his desire that they get a fair break. From that moment on, Teddy was my hero.

For those who know me and wonder why sometimes its so hard to get my head through the doors, it is because ever since the day I met Senator Kennedy and he treated me, a poor West Oakland kid, like royalty and with respect and humility, the swelling of my head will not abate. Don't blame me, take your grip up with Teddy!