Ted Kennedy, 1932-2009

We have lost a great American.

Perhaps more later, but for now, here was a man born into wealth who devoted his life to public service. A man whose family suffered great losses, but persevered in the struggle for justice. When liberalism was attacked as weak, unpatriotic, even treasonous, he continued to be a strong, indomitable voice for liberalism.

In recent weeks it has often been remarked that the Obama administration and Senate Democrats are adrift in the health care debate because Kennedy was not there to guide the effort and the legislative strategy. What better tribute than to actually adopt true health care reform this year?

The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.