Senator Kennedy What a Courageous Man

[judylm]

I am so sorry for your loss - compassion and good thoughts are here - sometimes, when people are faced with life altering situations they may tend to wake up or think a bit differently.

Going to go veg now - glad I was able to start such an interesting debate - and to all - i respect how each of you feel - you all bring out good points - and truths - for his family, they are hurting - regardless of the rights and wrongs he did through out his life time.

have a good night!

[dreamliner]

Originally Posted by RanchHQ

Think about it; The Democratic party and the Communist Nation of Russia teamed to defeat a Republican Presidential Candidate.

Legacy: Considering the Kennedy-Andropov gambit
posted at 2:22 pm on August 31, 2009
by Ed Morrissey
Now that Ted Kennedy has been eulogized and buried, no one can complain about the examination of his life in the public sphere as inappropriate. From the beginning, Kennedy’s critics have discussed his failures and cowardice at Chappaquiddick, and that certainly belongs in any discussion of Kennedy’s life. However, another episode relates much more directly to Kennedy’s public career and should get a great deal more examination now — his effort to enlist Yuri Andropov as an ally of the Democratic Party against Ronald Reagan in 1983. Peter Robinson reviews the incident for Forbes:NK: Hot Air Blog Archive Legacy: Considering the Kennedy-Andropov gambit

Here is the English translation of the KGB memo to Andropov after the Kennedy'Tunney missive, and the KGB take on it. Kennedy was offering to be a mole in the U.S. congress and rat on the Reagan
administration - a traitor and the press made him a hero this week!
TEXT OF KGB LETTER ON SENATOR TED KENNEDY
_________________________________________

Special Importance
Committee on State Security of the USSR
14.05. 1983 No. 1029 Ch/OV
Moscow

Regarding Senator Kennedy's request to the General Secretary of the
Communist Party Comrade Y.V. Andropov

Comrade Y.V. Andropov

On 9-10 May of this year, Senator Edward Kennedy's close friend and trusted
confidant J. Tunney was in Moscow. The senator charged Tunney to convey the
following message, through confidential contacts, to the General Secretary
of the Center Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Y.
Andropov.

Senator Kennedy, like other rational people, is very troubled by the current
state of Soviet-American relations. Events are developing such that this
relationship coupled with the general state of global affairs will make the
situation even more dangerous. The main reason for this is Reagan's
belligerence, and his firm commitment to deploy new American middle range
nuclear weapons within Western Europe.

According to Kennedy, the current threat is due to the President's refusal
to engage any modification on his politics. He feels that his domestic
standing has been strengthened because of the well publicized improvement of
the economy: inflation has been greatly reduced, production levels are
increasing as is overall business activity. For these reasons, interest
rates will continue to decline. The White House has portrayed this in the
media as the "success of Reaganomics."

Naturally, not everything in the province of economics has gone according to
Reagan's plan. A few well known economists and members of financial circles,
particularly from the north-eastern states, foresee certain hidden
tendencies that many bring about a new economic crisis in the USA. This
could bring about the fall of the presidential campaign of 1984, which would
benefit the Democratic party. Nevertheless, there are no secure assurances
this will indeed develop.

The only real threats to Reagan are problems of war and peace and
Soviet-American relations. These issues, according to the senator, will
without a doubt become the most important of the election campaign. The
movement advocating a freeze on nuclear arsenals of both countries continues
to gain strength in the United States. The movement is also willing to
accept preparations, particularly from Kennedy, for its continued growth. In
political and influential circles of the country, including within Congress,
the resistence to growing military expenditures is gaining strength.

However, according to Kennedy, the opposition to Reagan is still very weak.
Reagan's adversaries are divided and the presentations they make are not
fully effective. Meanwhile, Reagan has the capabilities to effectively
counter any propaganda. In order to neutralize criticism that the talks
between the USA and the USSR are non-constructive, Reagan will grandiose,
but subjectively propagandistic. At the same time, Soviet officials who
speak about disarmament will be quoted out of context, silenced or
groundlessly and whimsically discounted. Although arguments and statements
by officials of the USSR do appear in the press, it is important to note the
majority of Americans do not read serious newspapers or periodicals.

Kennedy believes that, given the current state of affairs, and in the
interest of peace, it would be prudent and timely to undertake the following
steps to counter the militaristic politics of Reagan and his campaign to
psychologically burden the American people. In this regard, he offers the
following proposals to the General Secretary of the Central Committee of the
Communist Party of the Soviet Union Y.V. Andropov:

1. Kennedy asks Y.V. Andropov to consider inviting the senator to Moscow for
a personal meeting in July of this year. The main purpose of the meeting,
according to the senator, would be to arm Soviet officials with explanations
regarding problems of nuclear disarmament so they may be better prepared and
more convincing during appearances in the USA. He would also like to inform
you that he has planned a trip through Western Europe, where he anticipates
meeting England's Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and French President
Mitterand in which he will exchange similar ideas regarding the same issues.

If his proposals would be accepted in principle, Kennedy would send his
representative to Moscow to resolve questions regarding organizing such a
visit.

Kennedy thinks the benefits of a meeting with Y.V.Andropov will be enhanced
if he could also invite one of the well known Republican senators, for
example, Mark Hatfield. Such a meeting will have a strong impact on American
and political circles in the USA (In March of 1982, Hatfield and Kennedy
proposed a project to freeze the nuclear arsenals of the USA and USSR and
pblished a book on the theme as well.)

2. Kennedy believes that in order to influence Americans it would be
important to organize in August-September of this year, televised interviews
with Y.V. Andropov in the USA. A direct appeal by the General Secretary to
the American people will, without a doubt, attact a great deal of attention
and interest in the country. The senator is convinced this would receive the
maximum resonance in so far as television is the most effective method of
mass media and information.

If the proposal is recognized as worthy, then Kennedy and his friends will
bring about suitable steps to have representatives of the largest television
companies in the USA contact Y.V. Andropov for an invitation to Moscow for
the interview. Specifically, the president of the board of directors of ABC,
Elton Raul and television columnists Walter Cronkite or Barbara Walters
could visit Moscow. The senator underlined the importance that this
initiative should be seen as coming from the American side.

Furthermore, with the same purpose in mind, a series of televised interviews
in the USA with lower level Soviet officials, particularly from the military
would be organized. They would also have an opportunity to appeal directly
to the American people about the peaceful intentions of the USSR, with their
own arguments about maintaining a true balance of power between the USSR and
the USA in military term. This issue is quickly being distorted by Reagan's
administration.

Kennedy asked to convey that this appeal to the General Secretary of the
Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union is his effort
to contribute a strong proposal that would root out the threat of nuclear
war, and to improve Soviet-American relations, so that they define the
safety of the world. Kennedy is very impressed with the activities of Y.V.
Andropov and other Soviet leaders, who expressed their commitment to heal
international affairs, and improve mutal understandings between peoples.

The senator underscored that he eagerly awaits a reply to his appeal, the
answer to which may be delivered through Tunney.

Having conveyed Kennedy's appeal to the General Secretary of the Central
Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Tunney also explained
that Senator Kennedy has in the last few years actively made appearances to
reduce the threat of war. Because he formally refused to partake in the
election campaign of 1984, his speeches would be taken without prejudice as
they are not tied to any campaign promises. Tunney remarked that the senator
wants to run for president in 1988. At that time, he will be 56 and his
personal problems, which could hinder his standing, will be resolved
(Kennedy has just completed a divorce and plans to remarry in the near
future). Taken together, Kennedy does not discount that during the 1984
campaign, the Democratic Party may officially turn to him to lead the fight
against the Republicans and elect their candidate president. This would
explain why he is convinced that none of the candidates today have a real
chance at defeating Reagan.

We await instructions.

President of the committee
V. Chebrikov

[Maximus]

Unbelievable Soviet letter Dreamliner. I didn't know about this. I hope my liberal friends read it slowly and closely. Ted Kennedy tried to ally with our then cold war enemy, for purposes of political expediency in the United States. I couldn’t have imagined that even he would do such a thing. Does anyone still think he is courageous?

[Luke]

Please, Please, Please, Don't let this insufferable blowhard replace Kennedy.


BOSTON – Curt Schilling, the former major league pitcher who won the allegiance of Bostonians by leading the Red Sox to the 2004 World Series, said Wednesday that he has "some interest" in running for the seat held for nearly 50 years by Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.
Schilling, a registered independent and longtime Republican supporter, wrote on his blog that while his family and video game company, 38 Studios, are high priorities, "I do have some interest in the possibility."
"That being said, to get to there, from where I am today, many, many things would have to align themselves for that to truly happen," he added.
Any other comment "would be speculation on top of speculation," Schilling said, adding, "My hope is that whatever happens, and whomever it happens to, this state makes the decision and chooses the best person — regardless of sex, race, religion or political affiliation — to help get this state back to the place it deserves to be."
Schilling told New England Cable News that he has been contacted "by people whose opinion I give credence to," but he did not elaborate. He declined to comment when The Associated Press called his office.
The 42-year-old lives in suburban Medfield and campaigned for President George W. Bush in 2004 and Sen. John McCain in 2008.
As a player, he won three World Series, in 2001 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and in 2004 and 2007 with the Red Sox. He became a Sox legend when he won Game 6 of the 2004 American League Championship Series while blood from an injured ankle seeped through his sock. He retired in March.
He and his wife, Shonda, have four children ages 7 to 14.
Reaction among the Red Sox was decidedly jovial Wednesday.
"If he runs, good luck," said first baseman Kevin Youkilis. "I don't know if I'd want to do that job."
Team manager Terry Francona said Schilling should do whatever makes him happy but noted, "I don't think he'd want me as his campaign manager."
So far, no major Republicans have taken out nomination papers to be a candidate in the Jan. 19 special election. Former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey and state Sen. Scott Brown are among those considering campaigns.
Democrats said to be considering a campaign include U.S. Reps. Stephen Lynch of Boston, Michael Capuano of Somerville and John Tierney of Salem, as well as Kennedy's nephew, former U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II.
So far, only state Attorney General Martha Coakley has taken out papers for a Democratic campaign, though she has refused to make any follow-up comment.
Kennedy died last week at age 77 from a brain tumor. A special election to replace him is scheduled for Jan. 19, although the Massachusetts Legislature is considering a bill that would allow Gov. Deval Patrick to appoint someone to the seat on an interim basis during the campaign.
That bill is the subject of a hearing next week.

Schilling expresses some interest in Kennedy seat - Yahoo! News

[RanchHQ]

I don't know, Luke.

Looks like you would have a 3-time World Series Winner, Upstanding Citizen/Businessman lined up against a batch of Professional Politicians.

Not knowing anything about Schilling puts me at a bit of a disadvantage but it would be interesting of the voters of MA are "hoping" for a "change" from years of Kennedy/Kerry representation.

[dreamliner]

Originally Posted by Luke

Please, Please, Please, Don't let this insufferable blowhard replace Kennedy.

BOSTON – Curt Schilling, the former major league pitcher who won the allegiance of Bostonians by leading the Red Sox to the 2004 World Series, said Wednesday that he has "some interest" in running for the seat held for nearly 50 years by Democratic Sen. Edward M. Kennedy.

The 42-year-old lives in suburban Medfield and campaigned for President George W. Bush in 2004 and Sen. John McCain in 2008.
to do that job."

So far, no major Republicans have taken out nomination papers to be a candidate in the Jan. 19 special election. Former Lt. Gov. Kerry Healey and state Sen. Scott Brown are among those considering campaigns.
Democrats said to be considering a campaign include U.S. Reps. Stephen Lynch of Boston, Michael Capuano of Somerville and John Tierney of Salem, as well as Kennedy's nephew, former U.S. Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy II.
So far, only state Attorney General Martha Coakley has taken out papers for a Democratic campaign, though she has refused to make any follow-up comment.

Maybe Senator Frank would fill that bill to walk in the shoes. Nice ring to that.

[RanchHQ]

Originally Posted by RanchHQ

Legacy: Considering the Kennedy-Andropov gambit

posted at 2:22 pm on August 31, 2009

by Ed Morrissey


Now that Ted Kennedy has been eulogized and buried, no one can complain about the examination of his life in the public sphere as inappropriate. From the beginning, Kennedy’s critics have discussed his failures and cowardice at Chappaquiddick, and that certainly belongs in any discussion of Kennedy’s life. However, another episode relates much more directly to Kennedy’s public career and should get a great deal more examination now — his effort to enlist Yuri Andropov as an ally of the Democratic Party against Ronald Reagan in 1983. Peter Robinson reviews the incident for Forbes:

Wakeupcall, feisty, other Kennedy supporters:

What say you? No shame in not being aware of Senator Kennedy's attempt to join forces with The Soviet Union in an attempt to influence a US Election.

My Dad had to teach me about what he knew.

My Dad is a Pat Brown Democrat.

[Luke]

Originally Posted by RanchHQ

I don't know, Luke.

Looks like you would have a 3-time World Series Winner, Upstanding Citizen/Businessman lined up against a batch of Professional Politicians.

Not knowing anything about Schilling puts me at a bit of a disadvantage but it would be interesting of the voters of MA are "hoping" for a "change" from years of Kennedy/Kerry representation.

I promise you that I read this after I posted my comment here about Schilling being a blowhard.

Sure, Curt Schilling has all the trappings of a politician: he's a smug, self-righteous blowhard with a penchant for fondling other people's wives. But is he shameless or delusional enough to gun for Teddy K's vacant Senate seat?

Maybe so. Schilling announced on his blog earlier today that he does have some "interest in the possibility."

Of course, Curt is a Republican, has no political experience and would be running in a Democratic state in the footsteps of a deceased hero —but hey, I'm not one to second guess Curt Schilling.

Curt Schilling Not Done Promoting Curt Schilling - Curt Schilling - Deadspin

[RanchHQ]

I don't know anything about him.

First article said he was a registered Independent.

Sounds like he would fit right inta Teddy's Senate Seat.

[RanchHQ]

FROM: Sweetness & Light





Obama OKs Kennedy Succession Scam

September 20th, 2009 From an unfazed Politico:

Patrick, Obama talk succession plan

By MICHAEL FALCONE | 9/19/09

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick said on Friday that he and President Barack Obama discussed a proposal that would pave the way for him to appoint an interim successor for the late Sen. Ted Kennedy and that White House aides have been in frequent contact with the governor about the matter.


In his first public comments about the push to change the state’s succession law in nearly three weeks, Patrick, a Democrat, said that the conversation with Obama took place at Kennedy’s funeral in Boston last month.


The governor told reporters that Obama aides have been in touch with him since then and that they are supportive of a bill that would give Patrick the authority to temporarily fill the vacant United States Senate seat, providing the administration with a crucial 60th Democratic vote in the chamber as lawmakers debate health care reform.


“He and his whole team have been very clear about that,” Patrick told reporters after holding a meeting with his cabinet in Richmond, Mass. where he is recuperating from hip replacement surgery.


Patrick confirmed on Friday that he was considering a list of potential contenders for the temporary seat should that option become available but said he has not decided who he would appoint.


Speculation among political insiders in Massachusetts about who Patrick might choose has focused on the state’s former governor and 1988 Democratic presidential nominee Michael Dukakis. Also mentioned are and a handful of Democratic Party elders, including Paul Kirk Jr., the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee, who now chairs the board of the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation, former Lt. Gov. Evelyn Murphy and former state Senate President Robert Travaglini.


The bill that would give the governor the power to appoint an interim senator cleared a major legislative hurdle on Thursday night, winning approval in the Massachusetts House of Representatives, only to encounter resistance in the state Senate on Friday.

After more than eight hours of contentious debate, the House passed the succession bill by a 95-58 vote, but Republican state senators used parliamentary delaying tactics to put off consideration of the proposal until next week. Senate Democratic aides said that it was unlikely the bill would come up for a vote until Tuesday or Wednesday.

Senate President Therese Murray, a Democrat, has declined to take a public position on the bill, and Beacon Hill sources predicted that the Senate vote could be close.

“I’m looking forward to the outcome in the senate and hoping that it’s a favorable and a prompt outcome,” Patrick said on Friday.

White House senior strategist David Axelrod has been lobbying lawmakers to support the bill, and the Massachusetts director of Organizing for America, Obama’s grass-roots political organizing arm, recently sent an e-mail to supporters calling on them to urge their state legislators to vote in favor of changing the state’s succession law.

Patrick said that if the bill makes it to his desk, he would sign it and name the temporary appointee “as quickly as possible.” But the governor offered few clues about the selection process.

“As I consider who that appointee might be, I’m looking at criteria that includes a sure stewardship of our interests,” he told reporters.

Patrick has also said he would seek personal assurances from whomever he appoints not to run in the January special election to fill Kennedy’s seat.

Lest we forget, Mr. Axelrod is Deval Patrick’s puppet master, too.

But notice that the Politico doesn’t even deign to mention that the law being overturned here was written by Ted Kennedy for his own convenience a few short years ago.

As noted by the op-ed writers Wall Street Journal back in August, when Mr. Kennedy first suggested the change:

What Mr. Kennedy doesn’t volunteer is that he orchestrated the 2004 succession law revision that now requires a special election, and for similarly partisan reasons. John Kerry, the other Senator from the state, was running for President in 2004, and Mr. Kennedy wanted the law changed so the Republican Governor at the time, Mitt Romney, could not name Mr. Kerry’s replacement. “Prodded by a personal appeal from Senator Edward M. Kennedy,” reported the Boston Globe in 2004, “Democratic legislative leaders have agreed to take up a stalled bill creating a special election process to replace U.S. Senator John F. Kerry if he wins the presidency.” Now that the state has a Democratic Governor, Mr. Kennedy wants to revert to gubernatorial appointments.

Indeed, even the New York Times came out against the crass political maneuver less than a month ago:

Senator Edward M. Kennedy has asked the Massachusetts Legislature to change state law to let the governor, currently a fellow Democrat, fill vacant Senate seats. Abandoning the current system, in which voters choose, would be undemocratic, even at the request of such a respected lawmaker.

But that’s all forgotten now.

Now neither the Politico nor any of media masters see anything wrong in having the President of the United States and his astroturf army getting involved in such a anti-democratic, political ploy.

We really have become a third world country.