The Bishop and the Butterfly: Murder, Politics, and the End of the Jazz Age
    amike's picture

    R.I.P. Eunice Kennedy Shriver: and Thank you

    It's ten of seven in the morning.  My computer at the university is disconnected, and who knows if it will get re-connected any time today.  But I wanted to make sure that the passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver was marked on TPM someplace.  Camelot, no.  Dedication to the public good, yes--a trait so deep in the family character as to be almost genetic. 



    The great generation has almost left the public stage to be consigned to the mercy of history and historians.  If the final health care reform bill doesn't become known as the Kennedy Bill there will  be no justice.  But  this  is the moment for remembering Eunice.



    So thank you, belatedly.  Thank you.  Mainstreaming the differently enabled is not about them, it is about us, and is so very good for us.  Nobody should be consigned to the attic of public indifference and  willing amnesia. 


    And the next time you get a call from the local Special Olympics campaign, don't roll your eyes and hang up.  Give generously.  If you don't get a call, give them a call.  We need to pick up Eunice Kennedy Shriver's Mantle.

    The right to play on any playing field?
    You have earned it.
    The right to study at any school?
    You have earned it.
    The right to hold a job?
    You have earned it
    The right to be anyone's neighbor?
    You have earned it.