...And The Dream Shall Never Die

…And the Dream Shall Never Die

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) rolls out tomorrow October 1, 2013 for coverage beginning January 1, 2014. And like one of the law’s longtime advocates, it’s far from perfect. But like with most transformative things overdue involving untested vision, and considerable sacrifice, the results rarely reach the zip code of perfection overnight. As evidence, I give you the founding of this country, the end of slavery, and a 1969 walk on the moon.

And best intentions and vision alone don’t mean a thing without sustained commitment, passion, collaboration, and action.

Some of my colleagues aren’t big fans of ACA or one of my heroes. But I’ll be smiling all day Tuesday…and thinking some about the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy (and from wherever Kennedy’s soul has landed, I know he’ll be smiling too.)

I wrote this piece more than four years ago, the day after Senator Kennedy’s funeral.)

I’m sitting here listening to some Sinatra and thinking about the Kennedys. And isn’t it funny the way I seem to identify more and more with my parents?

Sinatra was there for Mom and Dad and I guess if you took a deep breath, rolled the dice, and still pursued the American Dream during the Depression you were apt to be emotionally attached to FDR.

Some of my more conservative friends will never get this but losing Senator Ted Kennedy to cancer a few days ago hit me like a loss in the family. I think I understand but I’m not so sure I can really explain.

When I do my “The Secret” thing every morning and think aloud about the whole list of stuff that merits my lasting gratitude, I start with my family and follow with my childhood.

Things were pretty innocent back in The Day. A kid could have heroes. I had many. No one could touch Mom and Dad and brother Jay but what if you were twelve years old the morning you saw JFK being sworn in on a bitter cold Inauguration Day?

Don’t know about you but I’ve always been a card carrying sucker for inspiration. And maybe it was my impressionable youth but I still haven’t heard anyone more inspiring than President Kennedy. JFK made greatness seem more than possible; he made it seem natural. All you needed was the will and determination…but that all seemed to change after a November motorcade in Dallas.

When I was 21, I actually shook Robert Kennedy’s hand a few blocks from home the day before he won the California Presidential Primary. I still remember the victory speech. The disbelief that followed moments later still remains.

Within several months, Ted Kennedy and I had both suddenly lost a hero and brother. I know when I got my news that Sunday morning, a bit of my confidence and trust disappeared and never quite returned, replaced by some cynicism that unfortunately still remains.

Ted Kennedy survived some major flaws and errors in judgment, even though not all those around him were quite so fortunate. He endured family tragedies, public humiliation, and lost his only chance to return a Kennedy Presidency.

I selfishly hoped against hope that Teddy could somehow fill the void and the lost promise of greatness left by the deaths of his brothers. Instead, what I was moved to appreciate was Kennedy’s ironclad will to make a difference, take a stand, and never give up.

Senator Ted Kennedy authored some 300 bills that became law. If you or a loved one has ever been confined to a wheelchair or worked for minimum wage or had a child who needed health insurance (there are approximately 6,000,000) or needed a better standard of education you can thank Ted Kennedy; he was your loyal advocate...he was the guy who cared, and he was the guy who could get things done.

Ted Kennedy never backed down and consistently sought collaboration. He was always a stand for the little guy, the right thing, and the opportunity to make the most of a life comprised of some major advantages AND some major faults, all too human.

In 1980, August 2008, and again yesterday at his services, Kennedy’s words, “…the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die” remain inspiring.

Senator Edward M. Kennedy wasn’t close to perfect and he couldn’t be JFK or RFK but he’s still my hero.

RIP Teddy.

And congrats on the Affordable Care Act…the dream never died.