As we get back into the swing of things here at JTV one of our first posts has to be devoted to the life and legacy of the Lion of the Senate, Ted Kennedy.  A peerless political leader, Kennedy’s legislative accomplishments are too many and varied to list here.  It can suffice to say that his dedication to public service over a period of four decades in the senate stood out as an example for many of his peers and constituents.

Beyond Kennedy’s storied political career was a background as an athlete.  At Harvard he played varsity football, starting as an end in his senior athletic campaign.  Among his exploits on the field was scoring the only touchdown in the Crimson’s loss to arch rival Yale in 1955.  His many legislative accomplishments are also left a significant impact on the world of athletics — Title IX has led to vast increases in collegiate athletic opportunities for women. More on the Senator’s lasting legacy and passion for athletics can be found here and here.

The Senate, and American politics, lost one of its great luminaries in the loss of Senator Kennedy.  His absence will certainly be felt as ongoing health care debates rage on and the people of Mass. face a difficult task in replacing their senior Senator and standard bearer of one of America’s political dynasties.  R.I.P Teddy — the game goes on but will never be the same without one of the great political leaders influenced by athletic experiences.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 17th, 2009 @ 2:37 am on the category Democrats, Harvard, Ivy League, Senate, football, leadership, politicians. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.