Today marks the end of an era in American politics. Senator Edward Kennedy passed away last night. It is hard to find an American today who was not deeply influenced by Senator Kennedy’s work. I have been tremendouslly affected by the public service of this man. As with all politicians, I don’t agree with him on everything nor condone everything he has ever done. But I recognize his positive influence in my world.
Senator Kennedy was instrumental in changing US immigration policy, which previouslly banned Asians from coming to America. Without the Hart-Cale Act of 1965. Without it, it is very unlikely that my family would be here today. Ted Kennedy was also instrumental in passing the Bilingual Education Act, requiring schools to offer bilingual education. I spent my first two years of high school in Bilingual education and it made all the difference to me. He championed the Family and Medical Leave act with made it legal for my wife to take 3 months off from work to care for our daughter.
Senator Kennedy, thank you for your service. I’m honored that you were my senator once and my fellow UVA alumni.
