St. Patrick's Day just passed and President Obama noted that the most famous of us American Irish, Ted Kennedy, was missing for the first time in a long series of that Celtic date.  I am currently reading True Compass, his autobiography.  Like his brother Jack, he loved the sea, and during his last months, he spent many days sailing. 

I was never a fan of Ted Kennedy but he righfully deserves most of the credit for a cause he believed in, fought for, and inspired many of us to support, including me.  As I read the words of this man who knew he was dying, I see the passion he held for health care for all.  An American right in his opinion with no bearing on one's social status or income.  For that, I will always respect him.  He pushed his dream to the forefront and it is because of his compassion that Congress will probably vote on this all important first step of legislation to help those who are uninsured or uninsurable.

I found it appropriate to be reading his book this week.  Though unplanned, it is during the end of the journey that began last year to pass health care reform.  It occurred to me that this may be the last column I write trying to convince you that the bill should pass.  By next week, the vote will probably have been cast.  It's not a perfect piece of legislation.  But it is something in the right direction.  Ted Kennedy would not see it as the end all to fix a broken, unfair system.  He would see it as a beginning.   

We need a new beginning of compassion and understanding.  I saw a news clip this week of a protest rally over the legislation.  A man with Parkinson's Disease sat with a sign in his lap as angry protesters against the bill surrounded him.  Closer they moved, screaming at him, some actually bending over him.  Then some of these angry people threw money on the ground in mockery.  I was sickened by their inhumane behavior.  Is this what opposition has become?  That type of sick reaction to a peaceful man who needs medical care has to end.  And those leading the opposition need to insist their minions stop the abuse.

We are better than that mob.  Ted Kennedy, as much as I disagreed with him, was better.  Let's begin more equal health care and let me end writing my opinions on the legislation that I have hammered home for months.