People always describe Ted Kennedy as a "lion". I think it's due to his awesome hair.

[Cant trust em]

Quite mane-like. Really, it looks great.

But seriously, Ted has been one of our greatest voices for a long time. I can't think of too many people out there that I have more respect for.

Come on Ted! We're all pulling for you.

[graywarrior]

1. Read The Last Brother by Joe McGinniss

You won't believe what Ted went through as a kid and young adult. He's an amazing person.

[havocmom]

2. It's the fearsome ROAR in defense of those who could not defend themselves

It is the sheer power of his roaring words in defense of what makes this country great and in plea for what will make it greater.

He lends his voice when so many have none.

Lions live in prides. Senator Kennedy lives to protect what is worthy of pride.

[Midlodemocrat]

3. Yup.

:thumbsup:

And, we need for him to roar for many more years.

[Aloha Spirit]

4. Here's Teddy's 1980 concession speech...the lion is on display.

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/tedkennedy1980dnc.htm

I'm asking you -- I am asking you to renew the commitment of the Democratic Party to economic justice.

I am asking you to renew our commitment to a fair and lasting prosperity that can put America back to work.

This is the cause that brought me into the campaign and that sustained me for nine months across a 100,000 miles in 40 different states. We had our losses, but the pain of our defeats is far, far less than the pain of the people that I have met.

We have learned that it is important to take issues seriously, but never to take ourselves too seriously.

The serious issue before us tonight is the cause for which the Democratic Party has stood in its finest hours, the cause that keeps our Party young and makes it, in the second century of its age, the largest political Party in this republic and the longest lasting political Party on this planet.

Our cause has been, since the days of Thomas Jefferson, the cause of the common man and the common woman.

Our commitment has been, since the days of Andrew Jackson, to all those he called "the humble members of society -- the farmers, mechanics, and laborers." On this foundation we have defined our values, refined our policies, and refreshed our faith.

.....

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

7. That Democratic National Convention Address in 1980 is one of the great speeches

it has ever been my privilege to hear. And it was delivered with tremendous power and passion.


"...Let us pledge that we will never misuse unemployment, high interest rates, and human misery as false weapons against inflation.

Let us pledge that employment will be the first priority of our economic policy.

Let us pledge that there will be security for all those who are now at work, and let us pledge that there will be jobs for all who are out of work; and we will not compromise on the issues of jobs.

These are not simplistic pledges. Simply put, they are the heart of our tradition, and they have been the soul of our Party across the generations. It is the glory and the greatness of our tradition to speak for those who have no voice, to remember those who are forgotten, to respond to the frustrations and fulfill the aspirations of all Americans seeking a better life in a better land.

We dare not forsake that tradition. ..."

[Aloha Spirit]

8. And it's incredibly relevant seven primaries later... it's shockingly relevant. Did you see it live?

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

9. I saw it on television

Ted Kennedy in his most dynamic voice.

[asjr]

5. Ted Kennedy is the glue that held

the entire family together after the deaths of JFK and Robert K.

[earthboundmisfit]

6. And he has the heart of a lion -

may it keep beating for many years to come!
We love you, Ted - recover soon!

[DinahMoeHum]

10. I've always turned on the TV to hear Ted Kennedy speak

at all the conventions since 1980,
and every time he made his speech, my sentiment afterwards has been the same:
The old lion still roars

My best wishes to him for a speedy recovery.

:toast::kick::toast: