We at IDEA mourn the passing of the great legislator, the liberal-cum-soldier political leader, and the humanitarian Senator. Teddy Kennedy is one of the best leaders in terms of vision, commitment, passion, and steadfastness the United States of America has ever produced.

If life indeed is ‘purpose driven’, Teddy Kennedy is its quintessential manifestation. Since his election to the US Senate in 1962, Teddy Kennedy proved to the world that he was the torchbearer of the mission of his brothers, Joseph, John, and Robert. Throughout his eight-term period in the Senate, he relentlessly proposed and wrote progressive legislations and courageously fought for their fruition and conversion into laws.

Kennedy was a no nonsense political icon and he was liked and respected by friends and foes alike in the US Congress. Who would not respect and like a man who would not flinch an inch in fighting to translate his ideas into action? Who would not respect and like a brilliant legislator who would combine doggedness and humanitarian policies? We all love our Teddy and we already had fascination with the Kennedys.

Teddy Kennedy was not only the indispensable senator; he was also the most influential and charismatic leader in Congress. As some commentators depict him, he was the lion-senator. Indeed, Teddy Kennedy conspicuously dominated the American political landscape for the last four decades, as does the lion-beast in the African Serengeti.

Throughout his political career, Kennedy’s mottos were, ‘the work is not finished’, ‘Medicare for all’, ‘the new-New Deal’ etc. He was the harbinger of universal health care, and we hope that his dream will come true during the Obama Administration that Kennedy endorsed in anticipation on January 2008. Above all, Edward Kennedy was a family man. By a sinister and cruel twist of history, he was destined to become the patriarch of the Kennedys, and he was fabulous at it. He was not only the center-stage of his close associates and family members, but also the father figure, the role model, the aspirant, motivator, and master instructor to the 69 great grand children of his extended family.

Our Teddy has passed away at about 2 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, on August 26, 2009 at Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. Our Teddy is gone, but his legacy will live forever! Teddy’s work ‘is not finished’; America must fulfill his dreams!

The Institute of Development and Education for Africa (IDEA), Inc. extends its condolence to the Kennedys. May his soul rest in peace!

On behalf of IDEA, Inc.

Ghelawdewos Araia, Ph.D.