As has already been noted here by some of our fine writers, Ted Kennedy has at long last gone on to join his equally famous siblings in history. While he was the youngest of nine, most of the early attention was focused on Joe, who died in the war, John the iconic president, Bobby – who came close but was cut off before following his brother – and Ted himself. Ted, I think, represents the last of the real power generation of Kennedys. That family, at least for a time, was about as close as we came to having royalty here in America, with all of the wealth, power, prestige, privilege and, yes, scandal which such status entails. I leave it to the reader to make their own judgment as to whether or not there is a place for monarchs and royal blood in the United States.

Ted represented many things to many people. Some of the stands he took were near and dear to my heart and the man earned my admiration for those things. They included his vigorous fights for equality in terms of racial discrimination, women’s issues and gay rights. By the same token, he was also the embodiment of that Massachusetts, tax and spend liberalism which was the opposite of my ideal way to manage the people’s house. In other words, as with most any of us, Ted Kennedy was a book with many chapters. Some you like, some you can pass on.

But in the end, he devoted his life to serving his state and his country and has certainly earned his place among the nation’s political icons. Safe journey into night and a calm harbor on the far green shore, Senator. Give my best to your brothers.