The number of people who I consider great can be counted on one hand. Many have done good works, perhaps even great works, but to place someone on a level of greatness, well, it’s a whole other level. Anyone considered great in my book, must be able to overcome extraordinary obstacles, and leap beyond that to do extraordinary things. Overcoming tragedy, or a tragic mistake, is one thing; but to go beyond the personal tragedy and accomplish feats that benefit others, is another – it simply speaks of greatness.
Edward “Ted” Kennedy did just that. Many have long forgotten the tragedy in 1969 when Kennedy, driving under the influence of alcohol after a party, drove off the Chappaquiddick bridge with his passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne. The campaign staffer drowned, but worse, Kennedy survived and failed to report the accident to authorities until several hours later.
It was the scandal that shook the nation. People were outraged – not only because of the tragedy, but also because after being found guilty, Kennedy received only a two month suspended sentence for a misdemeanor charge. It was just too obvious that some strings were pulled and that Kennedy was let off easy. Kennedy’s political career looked almost certain to be over. He was damaged goods and back then, there was little if any tolerance for someone exhibiting poor judgment and character.
But if ever there was a good example of someone who had not squandered the public’s faith and generosity after given a second chance, it was Ted Kennedy. Since then he worked tirelessly pushing civil rights, education and health care legislation to move the country and the world forward. His accomplishments were many, and certainly regained the public’s trust.
What I found so intriguing about Kennedy was his unending effort that went well beyond what was expected of him after Chappaquidick became a thing of the past. Perhaps his religious upbringing, or his cultural and family influence, drove him beyond mere self-preservation into near obsessive selfless service. But even those influences fall short of what could be a deeper motivation – by causing the end of someone’s life, he had a mission to give as much as he could of his own life. Life does not always go in a straight line, and Ted Kennedy rose above his failings to improve the lives of all. That was no minor feat – it was greatness.
©August 28, 2009 Reiko Eoh
