Jackson Free Press

August marks five years since the death of the last Kennedy brother, Senator Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy. Here in Mississippi, the Kennedys had resistance years ago in many circles because of their progressive views on civil rights.

That was a shame, but as time went on, many Mississippians have and will continue to realize that the work of U.S. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy and his brothers, President John F. Kennedy and U.S. Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, to insure that fairness for all Americans, regardless of the color of their skin, makes for a better Mississippi. 

Edward Kennedy is a man whose name is on nearly 1,000 laws. More than 300 he penned himself looked after the interests of those who didn't have a voice. 

Sen. Kennedy constantly fought during his career for universal health care for all Americans. This passion was a driving force in his decision to challenge President Jimmy Carter for the Democratic nomination in 1980. Kennedy believed that President Carter was not doing enough to give Americans access to quality health insurance. After Kennedy's defeat in 1980, he carried on a distinguished career in the United States Senate as a constant fighter for progressive ideal until his death in 2009. 
 Sen. Kennedy was known as the "Lion of the U.S. Senate" for his passion in the causes he championed for America. 

Politicians running down the Kennedys and trying to use them to polarize the electorate was the type of politics that held this state back for so long. The issues Sen. Kennedy believed in, from civil rights to affordable health care, are issues that are vital to the future of Mississippi. The progressiveness he believed in for government to help the citizens to have a better tomorrow and live the American dream is the prescription for a rural state like Mississippi to move forward in making better lives for its citizens 

Sen. Kennedy had his share of troubles in life; however, he never lost his faith or his conviction for fighting for what he believed was right and for the betterment of all. Life's experiences made him a stronger and more effective public servant. After the assassination of his brothers, he carried the torch for the progressive ideals they inspired through the remainder of his career. 

At the Democratic National Convention in 1980, Sen. Kennedy addressed America with what was clearly the heart and soul of the man for the causes he believed in: "The work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die." His words from the podium that night over three decades ago is an inspiration for a better life for all Americans, and it still holds true today. 

Ken Strachan is a former member of the State Democratic Executive Committee, a former mayor of North Carrollton and serves as Carroll County coroner. 

Send letters to [email protected].