Camelot, the Kennedy Legacy and Ted Kennedy's Endorsement to Barack Obama

When I first heard that Ted Kennedy had a cancerous brain tumor, I was stunned. I was too young in the 1960's to know what it had been like under John F. Kennedy as president. However, since I grew up Catholic, I knew how inspiring he had been to my family. My mother had John F. Kennedy's picture in the front hallway of the house for many years. She would often read about the many members of the Kennedy Clan. I had always associated the word Camelot to the Kennedy Clan of the 1960's. When I saw the movie, Camelot, many years later, I realized there could be a connection between dreams and political action.

The Camelot era of John F. Kennedy can only be a dream to me. When I look at the years since 9/11, I feel like the presidency of the United States has been a nightmare full of terror. With the election of Barack Obama, I am hoping for the possibility of the dream again. That is quite a weight to put on the young Senator's shoulders. However, I am inspired by the fact that he has been a civil rights activist. He also appears quite able to reach across to the other party. That will be quite an asset for the next president of the United States. There will also be quite a few bridges that need to be rebuilt with the various nations of the world.

I remember hearing about the Cuban Missile Crises. It was President John F. Kennedy who decided not to have nuclear war although it was recommended by his Joint Chiefs of Staff. He showed restraint. With the addition of the hot-line between the Kremlin and the White House, President John F. Kennedy also showed the value of using diplomacy with the enemies of the United States. Is Ted Kennedy hoping for the same types of tactics from Barack Obama? Is that why he endorsed him? I know I would look up to a president who is willing to talk as well as fight. That would be a refreshing change.