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While I never met a Kennedy in person, I grew up with them and while I have much respect for each of them for their service to this country, it is Senator Edward M. Kennedy I shall miss the most. RIP Senator. You are missed already but you will never be forgoten.

Every true human being always takes time to self-examine the past actions and aspirations and future goals. Senator Kennedy was no different. His passing away has left a huge void in the current healthcare debate, the issue he called it "the cause of his life". Let us not forget his several contributions to the everyday American life. He was a true gem, a legend of the American political system, and his numerous contributions will be remembered for many more generations in the future.

Senator Ted Kennedy was the Lion's King of the Democratic Party. We will truly miss him, especially the Progressive Wing of the Democratic Party for his devotion to ALL AMERICANS.

It is sad that these types of men are so full of themselves that they would plan there memorial. Not just Ted, but all politicians that even stoop to placing their names and titles on placards of public buildings and bridges during construction. I myself perfer a humble public servant.

Kennedy's foresight in planning for the end of his life is an inspiration for everyone to consider Living Wills (a/k/a Advance Directives). Be your own "death panel" and spare your family the grief!

Why is this news? At 49 my plans were made. Many poeple have plots , cremation or other arrangements made long before they pass.
Kennedyat 80 surely knew to do this.

Nothing wrong with doing that. I think there are a lot of folks out there who wish they could be fortunate to plan ahead and have it all paid for in advance.

I have great admiration and respect for Ted Kennedy for his commitment to the poorest of the poor and to the reform of our disastrous health care system, which causes so many bankruptcies and foreclosures. Despite his earlier mistakes, which caused grief to others, such as the family of Mary Jo Kopeckne, he moved courageously ahead to advocate for those who needed it most and brought much good into the world. I hope and believe that his goal of universal, affordable health care will begin to be fulfilled this year.

The American people do not yet know just what a powerful advocate they had in Senator Ted Kennedy. No, his private life was not perfect, and he made some serious mistakes as a young man, but overall, he crafted landmark bills with Republican support that will endure. I know that there will be typical radicals who jump on and castigate him, yet do not realize that they are enjoying many of the fruits of his 47 years of labor for the people of this country.

We will not see his like again, at least not until this wave of partisan hatred and divisiveness fades away, which it will eventually do. Sooner or later, hopefully sooner, the good sense of the American people will reappear, and we can go back to civil discourse, and the true spirit of working together while holding differing beliefs.

Rest in peace Ted, and tell Bobby and John that you carried the torch well.

He certainly had a premonition about his death. I hope he is also right about health care.