By Joe Laur
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In the end, we are all headed to the compost bin. This is the way of nature, waste nothing, turn all life back into new life. Some of us do a little, some of us do a lot on our way there. Senator Edward Kennedy was one who did a lot. We all leave something behind, some legacy for the next generation. Ted Kennedy, who’s been in the senate since I was 10 and my senator for the past 15 years, left behind some pretty impressive numbers. 47 years in the Senate, 15,235 Votes Cast. A reputation as a lion for human and civil rights, education, health care, equal opportunity, and the environment.

He was particularly strong on issues of alternative energy development and conservation of natural resources. He consistently voted to reduce CO2 emissions and factor global warming into federal project planning, to eliminate taxpayer subsidies on fossil fuel exploration, to end whaling and protect endangered species, to curb mercury emissions,  to fund solar and wind development, to protect the ANWAR Arctic Refuge from oil drilling and conserve it as wilderness, to reduce US oil usage overall, to encourage hydrogen powered vehicles in the US and to increase fuel efficiency of cars and trucks. One “blot”  on his record was  his opposition to the wind farm development off of Cape Cod, where his family compound is located. I guess none of us are perfect, and can be shortsighted when our own interests are at stake. Nonetheless, he earned a 100% rating by the Campaign for America’s Future on energy independence issues, and compiled  a lifetime score of 89% from the League of Conservation Voters.

Some politicians recycle themselves into new people every election cycle. Ted Kennedy, whether you agreed or not with him on the issues, was a durable original his entire career. Like an ancient oak, you always knew where he stood. Safe journey, Senator Kennedy. Say hi to Bobby and John for us, and thanks for your dedication to passing a better world to the next generation.