The American Spectator

The Spectacle Blog

I am from Massachusetts. I am a conservative. So I understand the reaction to Ted Kennedy's death from brain cancer at age 77 on both levels. I hope to have more to say about this later, but for now I'll say this: Ted Kennedy is beloved and earned the love of those who admire him. Ted Kennedy was hated and while I can't say anyone deserves hatred, he certainly earned that too. He stood for many things with which I disagree and his irresponsible behavior led to a young woman's death, without him ever paying the price. Yet he was also generous to those in need both with public funds and his personal commitment to children who lost too many fathers. Both stories ought to be told.