The fact that so many are noting the loss of Teddy's voice - a great voice - in the fight for healthcare reform is proof that one voice CAN make a difference. Each of us has a job to do, each of us can speak clear and strong about what's needed, what's right. We're all equal, but each person makes a difference, sometimes an enormous one.

It was easy, with Teddy Kennedy leading the way, to know how important this issue is. Now it's our job. The stronger we speak about good, fair, affordable care for all, the more others will find their voices too.

I can think of no more fitting answer to the question:

"After Kennedy's death, healthcare passes."

would have made a difference - that's Hatch's implication. He's right, one person CAN make a difference, if they speak clearly and forcefully, without fear and without giving up the fight before you even enter the ring. If they respect their opponents, but don't run from them. If they stand by what they know to be right, for as long as it takes. Like Teddy Kennedy.

Each of has a voice that can make a difference. What can you do to honor Teddy Kennedy's long fight for healthcare? Speak out, loud and clear, to Congress, the White House, your neighbors. Make sure it passes with a healthy Public Option. Make sure we get what we've been fighting for.

I hope we ALL remember our deep desire for social justice when thinking about the extraordinary devotion of Teddy Kennedy. Remember why we voted for a man who pushed the envelope of the presidency farther than ever - who Kennedy backed wholeheartedly.

Kennedy knew what an epochal event electing Obama would be. It still is. We can get what we want, what we desperately need - in healthcare, global warming, a healthy green economy. But we can't just be spectators - we have to fight for it, every one of us.

One man - Ted Kennedy - made a world of difference. One person is all it takes.

Very moving and heartfelt, and very touching. Thanks Mr. Biden, you couldn't have said it any better.

to pass legislation in Kennedy's name as well as our own. Do it for him, do it for us - do it.

An amazing (partial) list of Ted Kennedy's achievements. Awe-inspiring. Thanks Mr. Conason - Kennedy was one of the greatest legislators we'll know. Congressman Jim Webb wrote that the Scots-Irish were at least partly responsible for bringing the idea of "fairness" with them to America. If so, Kennedy embodied it for decades.

It's up to us. I've been calling and emailing my Senators and Reps again this week. Time for another call to the White House (you have to sit on hold for a while, but well worth it), Sebelius, Pelosi, Reid. Sign Howard Dean's petition is you haven't. There's a lot of momentum to get what we're after, don't give up.

Thanks Mr. Reich for not giving up either.

Looks like Joan left us high and dry this weekend. Oh well, the best laid plans.........

Superb post. You hit the nail on the head. A license to carry a gun does not lead to license to threaten the President. Big Period.

Yes indeedy. And martinis in the SF evening air sounds like the antidote to just about everything.

Starship Troopers. I have seen it way too many times (even though the anti-bug propaganda could be ripped from Fox's mouth) for it's own good. And Mission to Mars - the Big and Tall Alien / DNA scene just chokes me up every time. Something about those damned buffalo. I weep. They are us.

What is this Treasure Valley about? I am intrigued. Evening temperature just starting to go down in L.A. Nice.

I'm just really glad J. Garland did not take that lead role. It's one thing to camp with S. Hayward, but quite another.........

Maybe Joan won't mind the off-topic if SF is so empty. The interesting thing about guilty pleasures is you can always steer them back towards GOP comments in a nano-sec (if an adult comes in).

I did not realize how far right Voight has gotten lately. Just haven't kept up with him. Also, if you can believe, Orson Bean, who apparently found God and now lives as a right wing fornicator on the Venice Canals with his teenage bride.

Timothy - it's a good thing you have the intertubes to keep you company. I'm originally from Louisiana, and whenever we went on road trips, having to pass through the entire Bible south was a serious ordeal for our car radio, and little me, who just wanted to hear the Mersey Beat.

Also, you're one of the reasons that I never thought we had solid-red states (or solid-blues ones for that matter). You just know there are intelligent, compassionate people in the most media-unlikely places. Why wouldn't there be? This country is a beautiful landscape of people of all stripes. We co-exist so well, when we get past the force-fed memes about political ping-pong. Case in point: when healthcare passes, it'll only take it a while to become commonly excepted - like Medicare - and (relatively) above politics. Or at least that's the idea, this very wishful-thinking evening.

I do not know that one - googled to see she was in the Val Kilmer "Island of Dr, Moreau", which was guilty, although not much of a pleasure.

Speaking of carbon-dating - I remember him from "What's My Line", late 50's, early 60's and on.

He was extremely leftist for most of his life, then got religion. I think it was the way he could rationalize getting younger and younger wives.

Gotta be a space movie - Armaggedon? Said by Billy Bob Thornton character? (He'd go there).

Seriously.

Teacher's back. Joan, we're definitely trying to tie these comments into an analysis of Readerreader finer points. Any moment now...........