True Compass

Yesterday I finished reading Senator Edward M. Kennedy's memoir True Compass. The 527 page tome took me about 6 days to read. I didn't want to put it down. The book was a beautiful, comprehensive, fascinating account of Ted Kennedy's life, family, and incredible contributions to this country.

The book is presented in four parts: Family, Brotherhood, On My Own, and Renewal. The content is presented chronologically (for the most part) in an honest, heartfelt, well-written way. Kennedy remembers his youth as the youngest of nine children, all raised to the exacting standards of a devout and moral Irish Catholic family. His grandfather, John F. Fitzgerald (known fondly in Massachusetts as Honey Fitz), served our state in many capacities including mayor (1906-1908, 1910-1914). Honey Fitz helped establish Franklin Park Zoo and threw out the opening pitch at the inaugural game in Fenway Park (1912). Ted Kennedy attended a string of schools through his primary education in London, New York, Massachusetts, and Florida. He held his brothers Jack and Bobby in the highest regard and strived to accomplish legislation and social justice that would have made his brothers proud. He owns up to his personal failings and notes how his faith and optimism have helped him through difficult times. Most touching are his loving references to his children and his wife Vicki.

Despite the unfavorable view of some about the Kennedy family's wealth and Senator Kennedy's personal failings, he was an amazing legislator for this country (not just the state of Massachusetts) whose 47 years in the Senate made a positive impact for all Americans. He championed desegregation, education financing, early campaign finance reform, minimum wage, fair housing, voting rights (which changed the national voting age to 18 from 21), low income heating energy assistance, Meals on Wheels, WIC, Title IX (girls sports opportunities),  American Disabilities Act, Federal Medical Leave Act, health care, education, and foreign policy (see http://kennedy.senate.gov/senator/timeline.cfm for a comprehensive list of legislation). For all his wealth, he was a Senator of the People, and fought for us tirelessly on Capitol Hill.

The book had a strong impact on me. It served as an education about this great legislator. It also is a great inspiration to what politicians can be and how we can all be better people. I can't say enough positive things about his book. May he rest in peace. He is truly missed by many.