Nation's Best Senator Dies

I'm sure everyone's heard the news about Ted Kennedy's death by now. I've been watching and listening to some of the commentaries about him and his life. One thing that stuck me is thinking about his career in the Senate is just how prepared he was, all the time. Ted Kennedy was a man of principle, a man who knew every issue inside and out, and a man who knew the politics of the Senate very well. He knew the meaning of sticking to your guns, and the meaning of compromise - the sort of compromise that brings your opposition on board while not sacrificing your principles.

Ted Kennedy's death is a tragedy, and America won't be the same without him. I do hope, however, that his death may have at least a silver lining. If some of the Democrats in the Senate meditate on Ted Kennedy's life and his career, then I hope that a few of them will be moved to follow his example. I'd like for the Senate Democrats to know their material better, be better prepared for their jobs, understand the political environment better, and do a better job of standing up for ordinary Americans.

Health care was Kennedy's issue for 40 years. In lieu of flowers, let's pass health care reform.