Look Westward (RIP Ted Sorensen)

[H2O Man]

I just read – on the Democratic Underground, my favorite source for news – that Ted Sorensen died. He was a strange and fascinating man, who is best remembered for his work with John F. Kennedy. In a way, it seemed that he was Senator and then President Kennedy's disciplined, if somewhat rigid, alter ego.

Sorensen's 1965 book “Kennedy” remains an interesting read. It was, of course, a tribute from a close friend, which dealt primarily on surface issues. In 2008, Sorensen published “Counselor: A Life at the Edge of History.” It is superior to the his previous eight books, in my opinion. Still, it is definitely worth reading his earlier works on Kennedy, presidential accountability in the post-Watergate era, and ideas for breaking the political deadlock that has done so much damage to our nation.

The following poem was one of Sorensen's favorites. I think that it applies to the situation that confronts ALL democrats today:

Say Not the Struggle Naught Availeth
--Arthur Hugh Clough (1819-1861)

Say not the struggle naught availeth,
The labor and wounds are vain,
The enemy faints not, nor faileth,
And as things have been, things remain;

For while the tired waves, vainly breaking
Seem here no painful inch to gain,
Far back, through the creeks and inlets making,
Comes silent, flooding in, the main.

And not by eastern windows only,
When daylight comes, comes in light,
In front the sun climbs slowly, how slowly,
But westward, look, the land is bright.


Rest in Peace, Ted Sorensen. Between now and Tuesday, I will consider my work on “getting out the vote” my personal tribute to you …..a thank you for the inspiration that you have been to me and others.

[stevedeshazer]

1. He was a brilliant man.

RIP, Ted Sorenson.

It strikes me as odd that this happened on Halloween.

+1

[H2O Man]

4. Yes, he really was.

I've been flipping through the pages of his books, remembering why I admired him so much. It's strange how it feels like the loss of a good friend.

[alsame]

2. Nothing to add to your beautiful tribute, just RIP Mr. Sorensen. nt

[malaise]

3. Lovely tribute

Rec

[Me.]

5. Breathe Freely Mr. Sorensen

[Tsiyu]

6. RIP Ted n/t