Another Great One Gone...

[Viper6]

Ted Kennedy passes at 77 RIP

[eraser_tr]

[MKSheppard]

From the foreword for “ABM: An Evaluation of the Decision to Deploy an Antiballistic Missile Systemâ€, printed by Signet in 1969, written by Ted Kennady, who led the effort to defund SAFEGUARD after it was operational for one day.

 

Let us, therefore, choose $20 billion as a likely (if low) figure for the completed Safeguard system, taking $19.5 billion as the median between $18 to $21 billion, and adding only $500 million for the other costs. What could this $20 billion mean for the advancement of security and justice here in the United States? How many young people could be saved who now go into the streets to commit violence? How many health centers could be built for those who now suffer from disease? Could we not, with this sum, clean up all our rivers and the air above all our cities? Could we not raise an entire generation of children with the advantages of a Headstart program?

 

Could we not, in sum, use the savings to offer new hope to those who have lost hope in the America of our dreams?

 

When our country is under attack, all of these expenditures give way to the protection of the national security. But when, as today, the debate is over a weapons system whose addition to our security is questionable, this money should be used for programs of security and progress here at home.

 

We in the Congress have a number of obligations as we vote on the Administration’s request for funds to deploy Safeguard. We have obligations to our national security and safety; to world peace and stability; and to the shape of the world we pass to the next generation. We must also seek to avoid the horror of nuclear war; to reduce waste in the use of federal funds; and to establish a sound set of priorities for available federal funds. It is against all these standards that we must place the request for funds to deploy the Safeguard ABM system. It is our responsibility to see that the people we represent are not deprived of their tax money and of the opportunity to meet their own pressing problems, in order to purchase a defense capability they do not need.

[FastCargo]

Okay folks, there is a BIG temptation to dive into politics (that some have already succumbed to) or to make tasteless jokes with the passing of Senator Kennedy.

 

Not here, not now.

 

FC

[ironroad]

The man had a full life and a distinguished career as a civil servant. I'm sure he is having the time of all time reuniting with his family whom have already passed. God be with those he left behind...

Edited August 26, 2009 by ironroad