Ted Kennedy at Valley Forge

God I was hoping the seizure was just alcohol withdrawal.

I am not a fan of much of Ted Kennedy's politics. But today at Mass I said a prayer for him.

I am also not a fan of his punk brother, Robert, who got his brother John killed by betraying the people who put him in the White House.

But one of the most moving moments in Ted Kennedy's career, and in the history of the Republic, was the eulogy he delivered at Robert Kennedy's funeral. No one has ever explained better what the noble side of America is all about:



I met Ted Kennedy once.

It was three years ago, and I was visiting Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Kennedy and some of his family arrived in a van. There was no pomp, fanfare or reporters--nothing political about it. It was off season, few other visitors, and the National Park Service rangers did not even seem to be expecting them. They signed the guest book and took the tour.

I felt stupid going up to him--but, like a giddy schoolgirl, I just had to shake the hand of such an important historical personage.

But, he also meant so much more to me that day, despite my disagreement with a lot of his politics.

Only patriots do a family vacation at Valley Forge.