Rep. Alan Grayson: “If the President has a BLT tomorrow, the Republicans will try to ban bacon.”

Under the cold logic of the insurance industry, it makes perfect sense: If you are in a marriage with someone who has beaten you in the past, you’re more likely to get beaten again than the average person and are therefore more expensive to insure. In human terms, it’s a second punishment for a victim of domestic violence.

In 2006, Democrats tried to end the practice. An amendment introduced by Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), now a member of leadership, split the Health Education Labor & Pensions Committee 10-10. The tie meant that the measure failed. All ten no votes were Republicans.

Watch CBS Videos Online

I have a vivid memory of watching Teddy during the 2002 “Fighting for Families” bus tour in support of gubernatorial candidate Shannon O’Brien and Sen. John Kerry as he gave an impromptu and rousing speech to striking labor workers somewhere in western Massachusetts. I recall that his speech began in a low whisper and the crowd quieted to hear his words. As he continued to talk about the plight of the union members and the need for fair working conditions, it was if someone suddenly hit a switch and his voice became loud, animated and it rang throughout the crowd. On that occasion and a number of future encounters, I remember closing my eyes while Teddy spoke so I could just listen to his voice and that all-too-familiar Kennedy accent. The voice alone carried with it such a rich and important piece of the American experience.

Sadly, Teddy was forced to give many eulogies throughout his life and some remain among his most famous speeches. I have spent time today searching through them and I thought there would be no better way to eulogize him then to simply let the words that he offered when people needed to be comforted and given strength speak for themselves.

Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis

Rose Kennedy (Ted’s mother)

Part One

Part Two

Part Three


Robert F. Kennedy

John F. Kennedy, Jr.

“We dared to think, in that other Irish phrase, that this John Kennedy would live to comb gray hair, with his beloved Carolyn by his side. But like his father, he had every gift but length of years. We who have loved him from the day he was born, and watched the remarkable man he became, now bid him farewell.”

No spin, no photo op; a man unreasonably familiar with bidding farewell to slain heroes, a man in mourning, quietly making tangible a miserable connection.

Some of my favorites:

Time.com.

Late last night, America lost Sen. Edward Moore Kennedy.

I hardly ever wake up during the night, but last night I woke up at about 2:30am and read the news on my Blackberry. I couldn’t get back to sleep – my head was reeling with personal memories, as well as the sheer impact that Sen. Kennedy’s loss will have on the country and the world.

However, at about 3:30am, I slowly drifted back to sleep, contemplating Teddy Kennedy’s epic role in American society and picturing the scene up in Hyannis Port, his family gathered around him, saying their final goodbyes. Then, I began to think past the earth…

Whether you believe in heaven or not, there is something really comforting about the thought of Teddy, Jack and Bobby sitting on a cloud, carefree, somewhere in the heavens, sipping on a cold summer drink. Those three have a lot to catch up on…

Rest in peace, Teddy Kennedy.

Here are some of my favorite Kennedy moments via YouTube:

Ted Kennedy Returns to the Senate Floor, July 9, 2008:

Democratic National Convention, August, 2008:

Ted Kennedy Endorses Barack Obama, January 28, 2008:

Ted Kennedy introduces John Kerry during Iowa Caucuses in January, 2004:

Ted Kennedy victory speech in November, 1994:

The Dream Will Never Die, Democratic National Convention, 1980:

More: Associated Press – Kennedy: Always in the public spotlight

Barney Frank Confronts Woman At Townhall Comparing Obama To Hitler

Dear Friend,

This morning I officially launched my campaign for U.S. Senate.

This campaign is not about me … it’s about all of us, and we are going to need your help to win.

In Pennsylvania, like all around the country, we find ourselves in challenging times.

But this nation has always thrived on the knowledge that with adversity comes opportunity. We have an opportunity – if we act now, with vision and resolve – to root out endemic problems in our financial system, to provide health care and educational opportunities for all, and to recommit ourselves to our core principles of honesty, accountability, and hard work … and to put principle above politics.

We must restore the promise of the American Dream – that our children will have the opportunity, based upon their talents, to do even better than their parents.

For too long, people in powerful positions have failed to remember that the American Dream has never been about getting ahead. It is about having an opportunity to do well and to create a better world for the next generation so they will be inspired to do the same.

It is that great pact between generations – that we will pass down a better world than the one we inherited – that has been lost for the first time in our history. That is why I am running for the U.S. Senate.

Why has that pact been lost? Because the people you sent to Washington to represent you – to look out for you – failed to do so, and must be held accountable. That’s why my District voted for change in 2006, our nation voted for change last year, and Pennsylvania will vote for change next year to remain committed to a new direction.

The challenge we face today is itself an opportunity to remember that America’s strength has never come from force of arms, industrial might, or even innovation. These are simply the fruits of the conviction that everyone deserves a fair shot, that everyone can and should contribute to their full potential, and that honest hard work will be respected and rewarded.

If you believe in that message, I ask you to please show your support at this time by making a contribution. We need every dollar to help restore the American Dream!

Please Contribute Now: Contribute

Thank you and please stay engaged in our campaign to restore the American Dream.

Warmly,

Joe Sestak

Check out the interview and you’ll see why we’re such big fans of Congressman Sestak and the work he’s done here at DoubleSpeak.