Week Thirty-Four

National Scene 9/23 – 9/29/2009

By Linnie Frank Bailey

Barack Obama became the first United States President to chair a meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Sitting directly behind the President as he led the meeting were Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan E. Rice—the first African-American woman to hold the position.

The President spoke of the need to halt the proliferation of nuclear weapons and quoted former President Ronald Reagan who said: “A nuclear war cannot be won and must never be fought. And no matter how great the obstacles may seem, we must never stop our efforts to reduce the weapons of war. We must never stop at all until we see the day when nuclear arms have been banished from the face of the Earth.”

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

President Addresses United Nations

President Obama gave a speech to the United Nations General Assembly where he spoke of, “The four pillars fundamental to the future that we want for our children: 1.)non-proliferation and disarmament; 2.)the promotion of peace and security; 3.)the preservation of our planet; and 4.)a global economy that advances opportunity for all people.”

In outlining the difference between his and the prior Administration, Obama stated his foreign policy actions:

• “On my first day in office, I prohibited -- without exception or equivocation -- the use of torture by the United States of America.”
• “I ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed, and we are doing the hard work of forging a framework to combat extremism within the rule of law.”
• “We have set a clear and focused goal: to work with all members of this body to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies.”
• “In Iraq, we are responsibly ending a war.  We have removed American combat brigades from Iraqi cities, and set a deadline of next August to remove all our combat brigades from Iraqi territory.”
• “I have outlined a comprehensive agenda to seek the goal of a world without nuclear weapons.”
• “I appointed a Special Envoy for Middle East Peace, and America has worked steadily and aggressively to advance the cause of two states -- Israel and Palestine -- in which peace and security take root, and the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians are respected.”
• “We’ve also re-engaged the United Nations. We have paid our bills. We have joined the Human Rights Council. We have signed the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.”

The President concluded by defining “a new era of engagement with the world.”

Thursday, September 24, 2009

G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh

President Obama joined leaders of the world’s top economies in discussing a global recovery and what he called, “a 21st century economy.” He summarized the meeting by saying: “In Pittsburgh, the world’s major economies agreed to continue our effort to spur global demand to put our people back to work. We committed ourselves to economic growth that is balanced and sustained— so that we avoid the booms and busts of the past. We reached an historic agreement to reform the global financial system—to promote responsibility and prevent abuse so that we never face a crisis like this again.”

First Lady Hosts Dinner at Farm

While the President had a working dinner with G20 leaders at The Phipps Conservatory, First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a dinner for their spouses at Rosemont Farm. Located just outside Pittsburgh, Rosemont is a working farm owned by philanthropist Teresa Heinz Kerry, wife of Sen. John Kerry.

The next day, Mrs. Obama led the spouses on a tour of the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, and to a performance by students at a performing arts high school in the city.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Be Prepared

Once again reminding Americans of the threat from man-made or natural disasters, the Administration’s Department of Homeland Security issued guidelines for preparedness including:

1. Put together an emergency supply kit.
2. Make a family emergency plan.
3. Get informed about the types of emergencies that could take place in your community and appropriate responses. (For inland Southern California it could be earthquakes, fires, floods, flu pandemic, etc.)

For more information on emergency kits and plans, visit www.ready.gov.

For information on the H1N1 (Swine) Flu including vaccination availability, visit www.flu.gov.

Saturday, September 26, 2009

President Attends Congressional Black Caucus Event

The President and First Lady attended the Annual Phoenix Awards Dinner -- part of the 2009 Annual Legislative Conference of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation. The awards recognize outstanding contributions to society, symbolizing the immortality of the human spirit and an eternal desire to reach its full potential. President Obama received the award in 2008. This year’s recipients include:

• U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Susan E. Rice;
• President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Calvin Smyre;
• Actor, Danny Glover;
• Actress, Cicely Tyson:
• Actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph;
• Musician, Wyclef Jean.

Week Thirty-Three

National Scene 9/15 – 9/22/2009

By Linnie Frank Bailey

The President, who has stayed above the fray over perceived racial attacks against him, addressed the issue head-on in a quip during an appearance on the David Letterman Show. “It's important to realize that I was actually black before the election,” Obama pointed out to Dave. “That tells you a lot, I think, about where the country is at.”

This week, Obama continued the push for health care reform and prepared for an upcoming appearance before the Untied Nations.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

President Obama spends Day with America’s Workers

The President began the day at a GM plant in Ohio. He acknowledged the economic downturn that has hit this community hard; however, he called on the workers to maintain their fighting spirit, saying, “We've still got a long way to go. But there is little debate that the decisions we've made and the steps we've taken helped stop our economic freefall. In some places, they've helped us turn the corner. Home sales are up; business investment is starting to stabilize. For the first time in 18 months, we're actually seeing growth in American manufacturing, instead of decline.

Addressing thousands of GM workers, the President restated his commitment to full employment in America, telling the workers: “It's going to take some time to achieve a complete recovery. But I want you all to know, I will not rest until anybody who's looking for a job can find one -- and I'm not talking about just any job, but good jobs that give every American decent wages and decent benefits and a fair shot at the American Dream. That's what I'm fighting for every single day.

After leaving Ohio, Obama traveled to Pittsburgh, PA to talk to workers at the AFL-CIO Convention. The supportive crowd heard the President’s plan for health insurance coverage for all Americans.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage

President Barack Obama has proclaimed Hispanic Heritage Month to be celebrated from September 15th to October 15th. The President’s proclamation states: “The story of Hispanics in America is the story of America itself. The Hispanic community's values -- love of family, a deep and abiding faith, and a strong work ethic -- are America's values. Hispanics bring together the rich traditions of communities with centuries-old roots in America and the energy and drive of recent immigrants. Many have taken great risks to begin a new life in the hopes of achieving a better future for themselves and their families. Hispanics have served with honor and distinction in every conflict since the Revolutionary War, and they have made invaluable contributions through their service to our country. They lead corporations and not-for-profits, and social movements and places of learning. They serve in government at every level from school boards to statehouses, and from city councils to Congress. And for the first time in our Nation's history, a Latina is seated among the nine Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States.”

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Obamas Support Chicago for 2016 Olympics

The President and First Lady took time out from their busy schedules to lobby on behalf of their home city – Chicago – to host the 2016 Olympics. In lauding the city, the President said, “I love Washington, D.C. And our house here is a little bigger than the one we got in Chicago. But I've called Chicago home for nearly 25 years. It's a city of broad shoulders and big hearts and bold dreams.” Michelle Obama, who will travel to Copenhagen to meet with Olympics decision-makers, added, “I cannot think of a better city to host the 2016 Games than my hometown. I was born and raised on the South Side of Chicago.”

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Health Care Reform and College Students - Why They Will Need It!

The President addressed students at the University of Maryland in College Park, reminding them of their part in the battle for health care reform. Citing statistics on the lack of health insurance coverage among young adults, Obama told the students, “One in three young adults who don't have health insurance live one accident or one illness away from bankruptcy. Nearly half of these young people have trouble paying their medical bills. Nearly 40 percent are in debt because of them. I mean, think about adding the debt you already have for college -- on top of that, another $10,000 or $20,000 or $30,000 or $50,000 worth of debt because you get sick.”

A New Approach to Missile Defense

Acting upon recommendations from the Secretary of Defense and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Administration signaled a new approach to missile defense that is designed to provide a quicker response, and greater defense against attacks, than prior missile defense programs.

Friday, September 18, 2009

Celebrating Rosh Hashanah

President Obama signaled the start of the Jewish New Year - Rosh Hashanah - stating, “This sacred time provides not just an opportunity for individual renewal and reconciliation, but for families, communities and even nations to heal old divisions, seek new understandings, and come together to build a better world for our children and grandchildren. At the dawn of this New Year, let us rededicate ourselves to that work. Let us reject the impulse to harden ourselves to others’ suffering, and instead make a habit of empathy – of recognizing ourselves in each other and extending our compassion to those in need. Let us resist prejudice, intolerance, and indifference in whatever forms they may take -- let us stand up strongly to the scourge of anti-Semitism, which is still prevalent in far too many corners of our world.”

Administration Launches Spanish-Language Volunteer Site

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the Obama Administration launched a site Servir.gov, to encourage and support Hispanic volunteer service. According to Whitehouse.gov, the site will allow users to:

--Find A Volunteer Opportunity:  Visitors can enter their zip code and interests to find local volunteer opportunities from a database of more than 250,000 opportunities across the country
--Register A Project: Organizations or individuals looking to recruit volunteers for their efforts can post their volunteer opportunities (in English or Spanish)
--Plan A Project: To help individuals plan their own projects with their friends, family, or neighbors, easy-to-use toolkits in Spanish are available on projects such as organizing a book drive, creating a community garden, or conducting a home energy audit.  Spanish translation provided by AARP.
--Share A Story:  Visitors are invited to share how they are making a difference through service.

The English version is Serve.gov;

The First Lady Visits Farmers Market

Michelle Obama shopped at a new farmer’s market located near the White House, telling visitors to the Freshfarm Market, “Farmers' markets are a simple but major ingredient in solving access issues in many communities. And for those who think that fresh fruits and vegetables are out of their reach financially….I want to reinforce the fact that this market and other farmers' markets around the city participate in the WIC program, the SNAP program, the Double Dollar program, and the Seniors benefits program. And each SNAP and WIC dollar equals two dollars at a farmers' market to purchase fresh produce. So that's something -- and we want to get that word out as well.”

The First Lady Takes On Health Care Reform

Speaking to women’s health advocates, the First Lady reminded the audience that health care reform is very much a woman’s issue because women across the United States are “being crushed by the current structure of our health care.” Mrs. Obama spoke of her husband’s plan for health care reform and the need for passage of the legislation.

Week Thirty-Two

National Scene 9/9 - 9/15/2009

By Linnie Frank Bailey

Our 'Jackie Robinson' in the White House

Facing the same kinds of taunts and vitriol that greeted the nation's first black major-league baseball player Jackie Robinson, America's President handles animosity and rudeness with a style and grace reminiscent of the Brooklyn Dodger great.

This week President Obama took ownership of health care reform legislation with a decisive tone in an address to Congress. He made clear he will not accept "the status quo" and is determined to pass reform legislation this year. The President concluded his remarks to Congress by reading a letter he received from Senator Ted Kennedy shortly before he lost his battle with brain cancer. In the letter, Senator Kennedy wrote: "What we face is above all a moral issue; at stake are not just the details of policy, but fundamental principles of social justice and the character of our country." Kennedy was writing about health care, but the passage could just as easily refer to the current state of public discourse in America.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

President Obama Addresses Congress and the Nation

In a rare appearance before both houses of Congress, the President outlined his plan for health care reform and his determination to see a bill passed this year. The President's bill is summarized as follows: (from WhiteHouse.gov)

Plan Benefits If You Currently Have Health Insurance

---Allows Americans who have health insurance and like it to keep it.

---Ends discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions.

---Limits premium discrimination based on gender and age.

---Prevents insurance companies from dropping coverage when people are sick and need it most.

---Caps out-of pocket expenses and prohibits insurance companies from imposing annual or lifetime caps on benefit payments.

---Eliminates extra charges for preventive care like mammograms, flu shots and diabetes tests to ensure that all Americans have access to free preventive services under their health insurance plans.

---Protects Medicare for seniors and extends new protections for Medicare beneficiaries that improve quality, coordinate care and reduce beneficiary and program costs.

---Closes the Medicare "donut hole" - a current gap in its drug benefit - by providing a 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs for seniors who fall into it.

Plan Benefits If You Don't Have Insurance

---Creates a new insurance marketplace - the Exchange - that allows people without insurance and small businesses to compare plans and buy insurance at competitive prices.

---Provides new tax credits to help people buy insurance. The President's plan will provide new tax credits on a sliding scale to individuals and families that will limit how much of their income can be spent on premiums.

---Provides small businesses tax credits and affordable options for covering employees. Small businesses who for too long have faced higher prices than larger businesses, will now be eligible to enter the exchange so that they have lower costs and more choices for covering their workers.

---Offers a public health insurance option to provide the uninsured and those who cannot find affordable coverage with a real choice. The President believes this option will promote competition, hold insurance companies accountable and assure affordable choices. It is completely voluntary.

---Immediately offers new, low-cost coverage through a national "high risk" pool to protect people with preexisting conditions from financial ruin.

The President's plan also includes details on how health care reform will be paid for, and he has promised the plan, "will not add one dime to the deficit today or in the future and is paid for in a fiscally responsible way."

The President Attends Memorial Service for Walter Cronkite

President Obama joined dignitaries and journalists at a celebration of the life of veteran reporter Walter Cronkite. Cronkite- an American icon was remembered as a trusted voice that saw the country through difficult times. Obama recalled, "He was forever there, reporting through world war and cold war; marches and milestones; scandal and success; calmly and authoritatively telling us what we needed to know. He was a voice of certainty in a world that was growing more and more uncertain. And through it all, he never lost the integrity or the plainspoken speaking style that he gained growing up in the heartland. He was a familiar and welcome voice that spoke to each and every one of us personally."

Friday, September 11, 2009

The Nation and the Administration Remembers September 11, 2001

Members of the Obama Administration joined Americans across the country in remembering the victims of the 9-11 attack:

--The President placed a wreath and led a service at the Pentagon. He honored the victims by saying, "We remember with reverence the lives we lost. We read their names. We press their photos to our hearts. And on this day that marks their death, we recall the beauty and meaning of their lives; men and women and children of every color and every creed, from across our nation and from more than 100 others. They were innocent. Harming no one, they went about their daily lives. Gone in a horrible instant, they now "dwell in the House of the Lord forever."

--After declaring September 11^th a National Day of Service, the President and First Lady Michelle Obama painted walls at a Habitat for Humanity site in Washington, D.C.

--Attorney General Eric Holder delivered remarks at a ceremony at the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The ceremony honored the 72 law enforcement officers killed in the terrorist attacks.

--Vice President Biden joined officials and families at ground zero in New York - the site of the Trade Center. The Vice President joined New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg in placing flowers in the ground zero reflecting pool.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Obama Fires Up Crowd in Minnesota

The President gave a rousing speech on health care reform to an audience at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He asked for help in getting the word out on his plan and dispelling rumors and false truths. Obama stated that he was still, "Fired Up, and Ready To Go!"

Week Thirty-One

National Scene 9/2 – 9/8/2009

By Linnie Frank Bailey

The President Encourages School Children

Following in the footsteps of his predecessors, including Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, President Barack Obama addressed the nation’s schoolchildren in a moving speech in which he shared his own challenges as a youngster. The President made it clear that ALL children are capable of achieving and encouraged kids to not give up on school, “even when you’re struggling, even when you’re discouraged, and you feel like other people have given up on you, don’t ever give up on yourself, because when you give up on yourself, you give up on your country.”

Many African-American and Latino parents—whose kids have represented a large percentage of the nation’s dropouts—are making the speech mandatory viewing for their children.

Here is a link to the text of the speech: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/A-Message-of-Hope-and-Responsibility-for-Americas-Students/

Here is link to text of the speech: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-in-a-National-Address-to-Americas-Schoolchildren/

Follow-up activities for pre-K- 6^th grade: http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/lessons/prek-6.pdf

Follow-up activities for 7^th - 12^th grade:

http://www.ed.gov/teachers/how/lessons/7-12.pdf

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

“What’s in it for you” Quiz

Responding to critics who continue to distort the President’s health care reform initiatives, the Administration has created an interactive quiz which will show American’s how health care reform will help them and their families. Participants answer basic questions about their current situation (no identifying information is collected) and are shown the possible benefits they will receive from health care reform. The quiz can be found at: http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/quiz/

Friday, September 4, 2009

Historic Move to Release White House Visitor’s List

Continuing Administration efforts toward transparency and openness, the President stated: “For the first time in history, records of White House visitors will be made available to the public on an ongoing basis. We will achieve our goal of making this administration the most open and transparent administration in history not only by opening the doors of the White House to more Americans, but by shining a light on the business conducted inside it. Americans have a right to know whose voices are being heard in the policymaking process.”

Monday, September 7, 2009

“Fired Up and Ready to Go!”— Still

Signaling a new passion and demeanor following his vacation, the President displayed vigor as he addressed a town hall in Cincinnati Ohio. Speaking at an AFL-CIO Labor Day rally, Obama reminded the audience: “You're enjoying some good music, some good food, some famous Cincinnati chili. But today we also pause. We pause to remember and to reflect and to reaffirm. We remember that the rights and benefits we enjoy today weren’t simply handed to America’s working men and women. They had to be won. They had to be fought for, by men and women of courage and conviction, from the factory floors of the Industrial Revolution to the shopping aisles of today's superstores. They stood up and they spoke out to demand a fair shake and an honest day's pay for an honest day's work.”

The President displayed a renewed willingness to fight for the needs of working Americans, including health care improvements, saying:

“We’ve been fighting for quality, affordable health care for every American for nearly a century -- since Teddy Roosevelt. Think about that -- long time. The Congress and the country have now been vigorously debating the issue for many months. The debate has been good, and that’s important because we’ve got to get this right. But every debate at some point comes to an end. At some point, it’s time to decide. At some point, it’s time to act. Ohio, it’s time to act and get this thing done. We have never been this close. We’ve never had such broad agreement on what needs to be done. And because we’re so close to real reform, suddenly the special interests are doing what they always do, which is just try to scare the heck out of people.”

Addressing critics of his health care policies, the President questioned naysayers: “I’ve got a question for all these folks who say, you know, we’re going to pull the plug on Grandma and this is all about illegal immigrants – you’ve heard all the lies. I’ve got a question for all those folks: What are you going to do? What’s your answer? What’s your solution? And you know what? They don't have one.”

Week Thirty

National Scene 8/26 – 9/1/2009

By Linnie Frank Bailey

Fires, Floods, Earthquakes – Are We Ready?

The Obama Administration’s Department of Homeland Security announced the beginning of National Preparedness Month. During the month of September, the Department will release disaster preparedness information to equip individuals and communities in the case of natural or man-made disasters.

The agency provides a website with information about emergency planning, visit www.ready.gov or the Spanish-language site, www.listo.gov.
The site lists the following requirements for emergency kits:

*Recommended Items to Include in a Basic Emergency Supply Kit: When preparing for a possible emergency situation, it’s best to think first about the basics of survival: fresh water, food, clean air and warmth.

• Water, one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days, for drinking and sanitation
• Food, at least a three-day supply of non-perishable food
• Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert and extra batteries for both
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Whistle to signal for help
• Dust mask, to help filter contaminated air and plastic sheeting and duct tape to shelter-in-place
• Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties for personal sanitation
• Wrench or pliers to turn off utilities
• Can opener for food (if kit contains canned food)
• Local maps
• Cell phone with chargers

Additional Items to Consider Adding to an Emergency Supply Kit:

• Prescription medications and glasses
• Infant formula and diapers
• Pet food and extra water for your pet
• Important family documents such as copies of insurance policies, identification and bank account records in a waterproof, portable container
• Cash or traveler's checks and change
• Emergency reference material such as a first aid book
• Sleeping bag or warm blanket for each person. Consider additional bedding if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Complete change of clothing including a long sleeved shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. Consider additional clothing if you live in a cold-weather climate.
• Household chlorine bleach and medicine dropper – When diluted nine parts water to one part bleach, bleach can be used as a disinfectant. Or in an emergency, you can use it to treat water by using 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water. Do not use scented, color safe or bleaches with added cleaners.
• Fire Extinguisher
• Matches in a waterproof container
• Personal hygiene items
• Mess kits, paper cups, plates and plastic utensils, paper towels
• Paper and pencil
• Books, games, puzzles or other activities for children

*from Ready.gov

Tributes to a Man of the People

President Obama interrupted his vacation to lead the nation in saying goodbye to his friend and mentor – Senator Edward Kennedy. Most of the activity at the White House and Capital Hill this past week, involved remembrances and tributes to Kennedy. Excerpts are listed below:

President Obama from Chilmark, Massachusetts near the Obama’s vacation area: “I wanted to say a few words this morning about the passing of an extraordinary leader, Senator Edward Kennedy. Over the past several years, I've had the honor to call Teddy a colleague, a counselor, and a friend.  And even though we have known this day was coming for some time now, we awaited it with no small amount of dread.”

Vice-President Biden: “He [Kennedy]and I were talking after his diagnosis.  And I said, I think you’re the only other person I’ve met, who like me, is more optimistic, more enthusiastic, more idealistic, sees greater possibilities after 36 years than when we were elected.  He was 30 years-old when he was elected; I was 29 years-old.  And you’d think that would be the peak of our idealism.  But I genuinely feel more optimistic about the prospect for my country today than I did -- I have been any time in my life.

And it was infectious when you were with him.  You could see it, those of you who knew him and those of you who didn’t know him.  You could just see it in the nature of his debate, in the nature of his embrace, in the nature of how he every single day attacked these problems.  And, you know, he was never defeatist.  He never was petty -- never was petty.  He was never small.  And in the process of his doing, he made everybody he worked with bigger -- both his adversaries as well as his allies.”

Presidential Proclamation:

“Senator Edward M. Kennedy was not only one of the greatest senators of our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy. Over the past half-century, nearly every major piece of legislation that has advanced the civil rights, health, and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts. With his passing, an important chapter in our American story has come to an end.

As a mark of respect for the memory of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, I hereby order, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset on August 30, 2009. I also direct that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff until sunset on the day of his interment. I further direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same periods at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-sixth day of August, in the year of our Lord two thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fourth. Barack Obama.”

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton:

"When I was First Lady, we worked together to provide health insurance for America’s children. When I arrived in the Senate, he was a generous mentor and a thoughtful colleague. We worked together to raise the minimum wage, improve education, and champion the cause we shared so deeply: ensuring that all Americans have access to quality, affordable health care. And as Secretary of State, I valued his counsel on how to make America a force for peace and progress around the world.”

Attorney General Eric Holder:

"Every day I look at the portrait of his brother Robert that hangs in my office and I am reminded that the Kennedy family has shown to America, through its actions, the importance of fighting for what is right even in the face of difficult odds.  I would not be in the office I now hold were it not for their contributions and commitment to our nation.  Senator Kennedy’s accomplished life came to a close last night but in the struggle to provide justice and equality for all Americans we will work every day to ensure that his cause endures and that his dreams for a better America never die."

President Obama, from Eulogy of Senator Kennedy:

“Today we say goodbye to the youngest child of Rose and Joseph Kennedy. The world will long remember their son Edward as the heir to a weighty legacy; a champion for those who had none; the soul of the Democratic Party; and the lion of the United States Senate -- a man who graces nearly 1,000 laws, and who penned more than 300 laws himself….”

“Through his own suffering, Ted Kennedy became more alive to the plight and the suffering of others -- the sick child who could not see a doctor; the young soldier denied her rights because of what she looks like or who she loves or where she comes from. The landmark laws that he championed -- the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, immigration reform, children's health insurance, the Family and Medical Leave Act -- all have a running thread. Ted Kennedy's life work was not to champion the causes of those with wealth or power or special connections. It was to give a voice to those who were not heard; to add a rung to the ladder of opportunity; to make real the dream of our founding. He was given the gift of time that his brothers were not, and he used that gift to touch as many lives and right as many wrongs as the years would allow.”