What does Ted Kennedy have to do with FCS? I'm not sure right now, I'm just sad that he's gone. Although, come to think of it, he stood for everything we in FCS have stood for and ought to stand for now: making sure that people's basic needs are met, fighting for healthcare for children, fighting for civil rights, early intervention...standing up for those who are too young, old, frail, or just plain powerless to stand up for themselves. He did this tirelessly until he was old and frail himself. We could borrow some of that spirit.
I'm not just sad about Ted--I'm sad about losing all three Kennedy brothers. But the best thing we can do to honor their memory is to carry on their work. Otherwise--what's the phrase? The terrorists win? There are all sorts of terrorists: Some assassinate great leaders in the prime of their lives. But there are less violent forms of terrorism. Some try to scare people into voting against their own self interest. Some try to shout people down in town hall meetings. Others threaten to pull out of AAFCS if we dare to discuss topics they view as off limits. Surprising how effective scare tactics can be.
But now it's finally time to do the hard thing, and stand up for issues that aren't always popular with all of our members. I know so many of our members think the way I do. I have no patience with the passive complicity of silence. We must not be afraid to say what we know is right. As Ted so eloquently put it, "...For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."
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