Ted’s Dead

Two comments from Neoneocon’s graceful post on the death of Ted Kennedy:

Oblio Says:
Did Edward Kennedy mean anything in himself, or was he mainly a vessel for projections, dreams, sorrow, and regrets?

Much like Michael Jackson, this event is meaningful because it confronts people with the fact that they did not “change the world” and their youth and optimism will never be regained.

Foxfier Says:
I’ve some family that I’m less than proud of. I know how much it would hurt to see their (sometimes serious) flaws paraded before the body’s even cold, and I likewise know how little I’d trust talks of how great they were when I know it wasn’t so. So I’ll just say I wouldn’t wish such a death on anyone, that he was here for a decent span, and that I pray for his soul and his family. Losing family isn’t ever easy, and two in a short time would be a double gut-punch.

A man with such a hideous legacy as Ted Kennedy sacrifices the normal respect for the dead. Those who loved Kennedy may still deserve a brief respite from the unflattering aspects of his life. Ted’s dead. He cannot hurt us anymore. Allow those grieving space for their sorrow.

At the moment any of the living give voice to continuing his policies in his honor, battle must resume. If the family deserves respect, let this be about the man passed, not about unfulfilled visions of the future.