Yogi Berra and Ted Kennedy: Strange Bedfellows?

Now that Teddy Kennedy has gone to meet his Maker, I reflected on what his loss really means to the country. But the more I thought about it, the more I started to think about Yogi Berra, the Hall of Fame, Bronx Bomber catcher of days past. I then thought about the words spoken at Kennedy's funeral service by his grandchildren, particularly by one Max Allen. This youngster reiterated what Teddy said about health care being a right and not a privilege. (We have heard this viewpoint before over the last year or so, including from this blogger). Then at Arlington National Cemetary, we heard once more what Teddy said about the cause must endure,etc., his courage, and sticking to his principles even in the face of strong opposition. Then I recalled that famous "Yogiism" -- "it ain't over 'till its over."

A light bulb went on within me. Yogi and Ted Kennedy arrive at the same end point, though coming from completely and utterly different backgrounds: though they may not be/have been the most intellectually skilled, the most worthy, and though certainly not infallible, both stand for very same thing: stick to principles, stay the course, and have goals in mind to achieve. Keep at it, and then some and when you are tired and discouraged, keep at it some more... until your goal is reached. The metaphor for this is when Teddy, Jr. spoke at the funeral about being so discouraged by not being able to walk up a slippery hill as a youngster in the wintertime due to the loss of a leg from cancer and his father said that they both would do it -- even if it took them all day to achieve.

Many pundits are now talking about the value of Kennedy and in what ways he will be missed. I leave that to them to discuss and regurgitate. One thing is certain, however, and this was confirmed in death when a letter Kennedy wrote in recent days to the Pope was read at his burial: achieving health care reform was the sine qua non of his political existence on earth as a legislator in the Senate. While I doubt it will come about solely because he is no longer here, perhaps many of his colleagues who are presently riding the fence of indecision will reflect on Kennedy's wlll and determination to do what is right for all Americans, regardless of the next election cycle. And hopefully, such legislators will rely on facts and not distortions; not on lies; and certainly not on statements knowingly put forth that are dishonest. (For example, we have all heard that the public option is not good for any of us because it will allow the government to interfere with the doctor making the decisions on how to treat us. Everyone should know (if they don't already) that interference by third party bureaucrats from the insurance industry ALREADY occurs. Just look at three United States Supreme Court decisions decided since 2000: Pegram v. Herdrich, Aetna v. Davila, and Cigna v. Calad.)

So, rest well Senator Kennedy. But all those in the Congress who will now return from their August recess to debate health care reform will realize that you and Yogi Berra are linked forever -- it ain't over 'till its over.

Comments

[GarryK]

I'm a Yogi fan. I think he has lived the perfect American life. I can think of no mistakes or errors he has ever had to apologize for.

[TomDegan]

Thank you for reminding us all once again of the sage, very zen wisdom of the great Yogi Berra.

The stark contrasts between the ideals of the Progressive movement and the right wing's backwards and greedy ideology were out in public Saturday for all to compare and contrast at Our Lady of Perpetual Comfort Church in Boston. The differences were so obvious, you could not have missed them had you tried.

http://www.tomdegan.blogspot.com

Tom Degan
Goshen, NY

[milesz]

Very nicely put.