Free The Wit and Wisdom of Ted Kennedy by Bill Adler

that invite the involvement of other outside powers?
    â€”Speech, March 23, 1976

ECONOMIC JUSTICE AND THE
AMERICAN WORKER

    T ED K ENNEDY WAS BORN INTO A RICH FAMILY; HE NEVER wanted for any material thing at any time in his life. Yet the whole of his adult career was a quest for economic justice. In every political fight over wages, tax equity, allocation of national resources, regulation of business and industry, he came down on the side of working families and the disadvantaged.
    What explains this dedication to a purpose that so conflicts with his own economic interests? His editor and publisher, Jonathan Karp, interviewed by Terry Gross on NPR’s “Fresh Air” program, suggested that his motivation sprang from two powerful influences, both from the very start of his life: First, his parents, Joseph and Rose Kennedy, though they ultimately “made it” in society, never stopped identifying with the struggles of the poor Irish immigrants from whom both were descended. They imparted to all their children a strong message not to forget their roots, and not to forget those still struggling, those subject to present-day discrimination and unequal access to the American dream. The second, equally powerful influence—perhaps surprising to those who think of Senator Kennedy as strong advocate for the “wall of separation between church and state—”was his Roman Catholic faith. He especially took to heart the verses in Matthew in which Jesus says that whoever serves the poor serves Him.
    He translated that passion for service into effective legislative action, as President Barack Obama noted after his death: “For five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health and economic well being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.”
    It won’t be “mission accomplished” on the economy until average Americans are secure in their jobs and can provide for their families.
    â€”As quoted in Reuters article, “Bush, advisers
paint rosy picture of U.S. economy,”
August 9, 2005
    The history of our nation rests on the skills of its workers no less than on the achievements of its scholars.
    â€”Speech, October 19, 1975
    It’s time to raise the minimum wage for America’s lowest paid workers. This Sense of the Senate resolution can send a clear message that help is on the way for the lowest paid, hard-working Americans struggling to keep their families afloat and their dignity intact. It’s wrong when a paycheck for a 40-hour work week isn’t enough to feed a family of four. We intend to right that wrong by raising the minimum wage. We are talking about … real people. They are teacher’s aides and child care workers. They work in clothing stores and airports. They clean and maintain buildings all across the country. … Their ability to support their families depends on whether we vote to increase the minimum wage.
    â€”Statement in support of the Sense of the Senate
Resolution to Raise the Minimum Wage,
March 25, 1999
    Americans are working harder and earning less. … They are worried about losing their jobs, losing their health insurance, affording their children’s education, caring for their elderly parents, and somehow saving for their own retirement. The rich are still getting richer, but more and more families are left out and left behind. The rising tide that once lifted all boats now lifts only the yachts.
    â€”Statement on the introduction of
The American Workers Economic Security Act,
quoted in Roll Call, March 25, 1996
    Fewer hungry people are not good enough—we want no hungry people anywhere in America. It’s a matter of simple justice.
    â€”End Hunger Now Rally,
February 29, 2000
    The Republican Congress raised their own pay by a juicy $4,600 last year—but they continue to block a fair raise for the nation’s lowest paid workers.