By Seth Foster | Published Thursday, September 10, 2009
Anyone notice that many of Wise County's flags remained at full-staff two weeks ago, after the passing of Sen. Edward Kennedy and after a directive from Gov. Perry to lower the flags?
Kennedy's death probably didn't mean much in Wise County. Sen. Kennedy was a legislator from another liberal state, who many assume didn't do much to help them during his tenure in congress.
Whether or not you aligned with him politically, Kennedy was a force in American politics for a half century, during which he fought for expanded civil rights, became an involved advocate for the poor and tried harder than anyone to take on health care reform. If nothing else, his conservative detractors should mourn the loss of one of their greatest fundraisers. Only Hillary Clinton could get the conservative base to open their wallets like Ted Kennedy.
Kennedy had his share of personal demons, and they sometimes spilled over onto the national stage. He was human in a manner that none of his other brothers were able to obtain. Living to 77 years old, Kennedy was afforded a redemption that his slain brothers never had to fight for - and surely would have if they survived the turmoil of their political times.
Some buildings in Wise County, the Decatur Civic Center, for example, did lower their flags to pay respect. If the governor issues an order for all state agencies, the elected officials of Wise County should act appropriately. I was never a fan of Ronald Reagan, George Bush or George W. Bush, but you respect the office and their service, and try to separate your politics from what is right and what is wrong.
Sadly, many in Wise County do not seem to be capable of such conduct.
