Friday Quote: Teddy Kennedy

Much of the mainstream media noise followed the same path: Sen. Edward Kennedy was a tragic historic figure because his political success was overwhelmed by loss. There’s a truth to that, of course (and many of our generation were comically introduced to him through Mayor Joe Quimby.) However, his list of legislative accomplishments was staggering and Kennedy was indeed a champion of environmental policies. He fought for reducing emissions, conservation, mass transit and a better fuel-economy. He took on corporate greed and made an effort to dissolve government subsidies for oil companies. Most importantly, he rallied for environmental justice in low-income neighborhoods who were challenged by air, water and soil pollution. Read his list of environmental feats here .

Kennedy gave many eloquent speeches, most famously RFK’s eulogy , where he said “Beneath it all, he has tried to engender a social conscience. There were wrongs which needed attention. There were people who were poor and who needed help. And we have a responsibility to them and to this country.” Today, the same could be said of Teddy’s efforts.

Another notable moment came when he criticized Ronald Reagan for his absurd preservation views , calling him “no friend of the environment.” In the same speech, he spoke to his family’s legacy and others who dedicate their life to public service inspired by the Kennedys: “For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die.”

Kennedy will be buried next to his brothers tomorrow, and President Obama will deliver a eulogy.

He will truly be missed.