Kennedy, born on February 22, 1932, was the last of four sons and five daughters born to millionaire businessman Joseph Kennedy, who would later be ambassador to Britain, and his wife Rose.The Boston Irish family combined the competitive spirit of nouveau riche immigrants with acquired polish and natural charm. The sons were expected to mature into presidential timber and were groomed for that starting with the oldest, Joseph Jr., a bomber pilot who died in World War Two.
"I think about my brothers every day," Kennedy told Reuters. "They set high standards. Sometimes you measure up, sometimes you don't."
Like his brothers, Kennedy was known for his oratory, delivered in a booming voice at rallies, congressional hearings and in the Senate.
"One person can make a difference and every one should try."
A 2009 survey by The Hill, a Capitol Hill publication, found that Senate Republicans believed Kennedy was the chamber's easiest Democrat to work with and most bipartisan.
Republican
In January 2008, Kennedy endorsed Obama, who was serving his first term as a senator, for the Democratic presidential nomination. Many saw the endorsement -- Obama went on to win the nomination and the White House -- as the passing of the political torch to a new generation.
In May 2008, Edward Kennedy collapsed at his Cape Cod home and was flown to hospital in Boston, where he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumour. Brain cancer kills half its victims within a year. Read his comments on Health Care reform from Newsweek. JFK was a major force behind Medicare, but didn't live to see it established as the norm for so many Americans today.
Kennedy's illness kept him from attending the funeral of his sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a leading advocate of the mentally disabled, who died on August 11 at the age of 88.
Senator Kennedy's Chowder from his senate website.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 lbs. fresh haddock
- 1 bay leaf, crumbled
- 2 oz. salt pork, diced
- 4 cups milk
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoon butter or margarine
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 large potatoes, diced
- Freshly ground pepper to taste
PREPARATION
Simmer haddock in 2 cups of water for 15 minutes. Drain off and reserve broth. Remove the skin and bones from the fish. Saute the salt pork in a large pot until crisp. Remove the salt pork and saute the onions in the pork fat until light golden brown. Add fish, celery, potatoes and bay leaf. Measure reserved fish broth plus enough boiling water to make 3 cups liquid. Add to pot and simmer 40 minutes. Add milk and butter and simmer for an additional 5 minutes or until well heated. Season with salt and pepper. Serves 5 to 8.
Comments