***TED KENNEDY DEAD AT 77***

This is from the Boston Globe. The blurb includes the official family statement. My thanks to the Boston Globe...
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Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who carried aloft the torch of a Massachusetts dynasty and a liberal ideology to the citadel of Senate power, but whose personal and political failings may have prevented him from realizing the ultimate prize of the presidency, died at his home in Hyannis Port last night after a battle with brain cancer. He was 77.

“We’ve lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever,’’ his family said in a statement. “We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness, and opportunity for all. He loved this country and devoted his life to serving it. He always believed that our best days were still ahead, but it’s hard to imagine any of them without him.’’
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President Barak Obama released this statement while vacationing on, ironically, Martha's Vineyard, not far from the Kennedy compound...

"An important chapter in our history has come to an end," he said. "Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States senator of our time."
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Teddy, I sure will miss you. I still think to this very day that the eulogy you gave for your brother Bobby in 1968 was and always will be one of the most beautiful speeches I have ever heard. You were remarkable. You made me cry. Rest in peace, my friend.