Well, I have my black mantilla on.

Boy that kid with the lighter brown hair really looks like Teddy

May Ted rest in peace. May Obama find the light inside himself to keep the torch lit that was passed to him.

Yes, he owes Teddy

Ah. Jimmy Carter.

Boy, Georgie sure doesn’t want to be there.

Amen.

I had made a mantillia that got lost during a production last year. It was one of my favorite head pieces that I ever made.

And he doesn’t look well, already. Very red-faced, isolated.

Rosalynn looks good, the same as ever

he’d rather be clearin’ brush an’ swiggin’ tequila.

The light rain makes it a little harder for Secret Service to screen people, the service is running few mins late, but that’s normal My stepfather’s funeral was a high mass–he was notoriously late anyway, and his casket arrived 20 mins behind schedule. Actor Jack Lemmon who delivered his eulogy made a joke about it.

Keep in mind, though Kennedy was divorced, he is receiving a full Catholic service. This is a result of more liberal policies in the church, stemming from the Paulists, post-Vatican 2, in order not to lose members. The Church now generally allows Catholic funerals and burials to those who have divorced and remarried.

Kennedy received his First Communion from Pope Pius XII in the Vatican, and his faith was very important to him, culturally and personally. But personal faith evolves, as does cultural faith. The major religions of the world are in many, many ways different from when they first appeared. Okay, back to the funeral…

Speaking of not looking well…Senator Dodd has lost some weight. I hope they discovered his cancer in time.

I wonder if Chimpy brought his GameBoy?

I LOVE mantillas. You can still find them on Olvera Street, LA’s oldest street whihc is transformed now to sort of colonial Spanish mimi-mall

oh look! it’s the “next Ted Kennedy”!

Thanks, btw for joining me. I love funerals, especially Catholic ones. i always peek during transubstantiation. Mass–it’s dinner and show if you take communion!

Did Jack Nicholson come thinking there was a party?

Ya think he’s bright enough to use it?

I bet TK’s casket isn’t as fancy as Michael Jackson’s

So do I. They capture a certain part of the ritual that is essential to setting the mood. The next time I’m in LA I’ll have to check out Olvera Street

robert Kennedy smith hasn’t aged. that’s weird.

I’d love to find out if there are foreign dignitary’s honoring Kennedy today

They have great clothes that can be repurposed as Goth. I have style for dress and interior design I call “California Goth” more Mission furniture, dried plants, bright walls…drawing on film industry and day of the dead plus egyptianate influence

funny thing I’m about to comment on;

I believe it was John Kennedy who made it ok to not wear a hat.

Funny that, you look at any gathering from before John was president, even baseball games and just about everyone has a hat on, after john, not so much

I put on the black dress I bought for and wore to the Kennedy Tribute concert at Symphony Hall at the Dem convention in 2004 with YoYo Ma, Bono, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Audra McDonald and the Boston Pops with John Williams coming back for the occasion. And pearls.

Bernie Cowen Taoiseach (prime minster) Ireland is definitely there, I hav seen him a bunch o screen. Ted helped with emigration from Ireland to US, increasing quotas as well as encouraging US investment in Ireland (in part to facilitate the peace process). Apple was a MAJOR US company to have manufacturing and support there, also Pfizer.

President Obama and three former presidents, nearly half the US Senate, and foreign dignitaries
…
Prime Minister Brian Cowen of Ireland

boston.com

I’m pretty sure they granted him an annulment.

wow..the ceremony is stunning..I wonder if these color guards practice over and over to get it right? and how do these ones get picked?

I paint Day of The Dead art. Check out my site http://www.zoonart,com
Wish I could stay and blog this but teaching a class and got to go.BTW.- do you think that Georgie finally gets it? Hey, no one likes you.

Sounds cool.

I love the symbolism of The Day of the Dead, with the monarchs returning as the souls of the departed, along with the skeletons, the celebrations and the carnations. My friends go to Mexico almost every year for it.

thanx elliott

Actually, he divorced, finalized in 1982. Annulments are REALLY hard to get, especially if there are kids.

The movie Garden of Stone sticks in my memory.

I know, but for a Kennedy? He’s been faithful to the church all his life except for that little bit about “choice.” Bless him.

Dick Cheney is probably fantasizing in his private torture chambers.

“compassion”.

I’m bawling my eyes out.

is al gore there?

OK, who are all those dudes coming up the aisle?

Yes Gore is there. Quayle maybe not…

One of the reasons it’s attributed to Kennedy is he didn’t wear a top hat to the Inaugural Balls. This is interesting in that top hats at one time , I believe it was in the late 1800s, indicated a more conservative political position, where berets or soft crown hats indicated a more liberal position.

i thought i saw John Kerry in that group.

Recognized a coup;e of congressmen.

In July, President Obama personally hand delivered a letter to the Pope from Ted Kennedy. I wonder what the letter said? Gives me chills. Some Catholics did not like Kennedy’s stance on abortion, but I noticed that he was baptized today. Not knowing much about the Catholic faith, does this baptism mean he’s going to heaven or he has been forgiven?

Quayle is there.

Off on vacation but came back to room to watch … quite moving to hear the opening hymn … so many memories of Kennedy’s and Catholicism …

That was a blessing not a baptism.

Oh, okay. Thanks. I’m an Atheist and especially don’t understand the Catholic process.

Jean is now the Matriarch and sole survivor of the Kennedy brothers and sisters. For how long?

Elegant woman.

ah, i was trying to figure out who the bearded guy was. stepson.

The fun part is when the priest turns the communion wafer and wine into flesh and blood, so to speak, hence giving rise to the rumors circa 50BCE onwatrd that these jesus followers were cannibals.

Good morning firepups.

May Teddy’s memory be a blessing and may his family and his other mourners find peace in their grief.

They are using the good justice proclaiming readings and psalms … quite fitting.

Not being a religious person, it seems to me that Teddy tried to live by the words of the New Testament “hippie’ Jesus, not the Angry Warrior Jesus.

I wonder if we’ll be able to see Caroline’s tattoo-it’s inside her elbow

And I think the nephew Joe got an annullment as well.

Oh definitely. There is a huge justice movement in Catholicism, using the new testament–think liberation theology for example. When I went to Spamalot I met the NICEST COOLEST nuns from Ojai and both were very liberal social justice nuns. One had her PhD in theology and feminist studies, big fan of Hillary Clinton!

If this is a high mass then there will be the part where they use the smudge pots incense burners – they always made me gag.

LOL Lisa. I went to ONE Catholic mass in my life years ago with a guy I was dating at the time. It was stand up sit down stand up sit down and finally I just sat back and decided not to participate. His father leaned over to me and said, “Don’t worry. I understand what you’re going through. When I married his mother we compromised…she became a Republican to satisfy me and I became a Catholic to satisfy her. She got the better deal.”!!! Too funny.

Did you know the name of the hymn?

Jimmy Carter has evolved to be most of the most compassionate and sensible political figures of our time.

just turned it on.

i’m going to withold nasty comments about the bushes today. I have read too many shitty statements from republicans about kennedy, and I don’t want to be as tasteless.
the fact that the bushes showed up is a nice gesture.

and no, no one kidnapped the “real brendan calling” and replaced him with a republican clone.

Eleven year old little Teddy is going to follow in his father’s footsteps. He’s a mature little boy who was obviously surrounded with lots of love and attention. He’s going to do good in his life.

The full funeral program is available on a link here

The hymn was “Holy God We Praise They Name,” lyrics are in the program, along wiht the texts of the readings.

I always found it odd as a kid to go into a confessional and confess my sins. I never understood how the penance was determined. Did certain sins have a required number of Hail Marys? Was there a book that the priest looked it up in? It was a great mystery to me.

If only the words expressed to these pols n attendance in this memorial i will inform their actions. If only. if only…

That has to be rooted in his faith as well..He taught Sunday School forever

I’ve met him twice, nice man. Once was to present him with an award for habitat.

Quayle had his own Teddy stories the other day on MSNBC. Said Teddy welcomed him to the Senate, and then told him that his bigger job was taking care of his three young children.

And whenever Teddy spoke to him thereafter, he always asked about Quayle’s children, and knew their names.

This funeral is great way to introduce people to Catholicism which is the oldest form of Christianity (Roman and Orthodox will argue about which is the “real ” version).
I always laugh when fundies talk about “Christians and Catholics”–many have this idea that Christian history is: Jesus was resurrected and then nothing happened until the Reformation. Uh nooo…Catholics were the original Christians!

I think Clinton’s done good things, too. Just different styles.

Certainly no warm and fuzzy between Michelle Obama and Hilary Clinton.

found a ustream of the memorial service. any other good views?

There was a lot of nonsense in the interim.

smudge pots=thurible

I was watching Fox earlier (Shep Smith was really good, or at least whoever wrote his stuff did a god job). They pointed out that TKennedy often got along better with republicans in Congress (and GOP presidents) that with the Dems, and brought up that this death and funeral could help heal partisan rifts…

It’s called maturity. *g*

They’re at a funeral for gawd’s sake. What do you expect them to do….make out with each other? Gees. Lay off the bullcrap today.

After years of demonizing him. How insincere

What?

and so many of them can’t wrap their heads around the fact that Jesus was Jewish.

Me, I’m on CNN, CSPAN has it. Online, try

http://tedkennedy.org/live
http://tedkennedy.org/live

anyone else watchin abc have a blacked out screen while the cascket was brought in ? anyone no why?

I did a good deal of research about St. Clement, the third Pope of the Catholic Church. Interesting time to be reading about knowing the what the impact of what this new religion was going to have for mankind.

I think the Gnostics might take issue with that.

It was Holy God We Praise Your Name – rather old and, for me, reminiscent of benediction with incense and latin and mystery sadly lost in the modern washed out catholicism

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIdMnqQyJa0

ymmv of course

I’m still trying to find some video from last night’s memorial – the Boston Community Choir doing “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” – wow, they just rocked it (wish I’d been recording, but no…)

Thank you…it’s a beautiful service.

ty

I think a whole lot of people would take issue with that.

That’s weird…

http://www.c-span.com/Watch/Me…..etery.aspx

Many people have done good things, but Carter has been consistent in in that moral and ethical approaches informing his action. He was hardly a politician.

Kara looks like her mom.

which one is the little boy with all that hair?

/grandmother

Whoa! Kiley is PURE Kennedy!

I am impressed with this youngest generation of Kennedy’s speaking.

GO MAX!

oh yeah! listen to those Kennedy kids …

Oops. Grandson. :-) Thanks for pointing this out.

Ok, now I’m losing it. Teddy’s words as intercessory prayer read by the grandchildren and great nieces and nephews.

Boy oh boy.

Okay, now I’m crying. The Kennedy grandkids talking healthcare.

wow, politics at the service

a quick anecdote about these social justice warriors -

a few years back I attended some vigils/protests down the road at the ICE Family Prison. organized by older priests and nuns. was struck upon arrival by all the sisters in full habit. there was an over the top law enforcement presence – when I expressed anxiety about going to jail on Christmas Eve, one of the sisters linked my arm, grabbed her skirt and told me, “Don’t worry, this stuff is kryptonite to the cops” lmao and away we went

yeah, i’m losing it here.

Healthcare!

here too …

What a family they are!

His kids and grand kids and nephews and nieces will be a force in the future for the people of this nation.

wow, just wow…

And others would say, “who cares”?

Gnosticism, in all its various sects-Arianism, Manicheanism, etc while contemporary with Catholicism had some aspects that didn’t jive with Gospel-based Christianity–the whole Demiurge thingy. And the various sects based on those didn’t have the votes to make it through the Nicean Council and related synods.

It’s weird to think that part of the schism betwen Roman and Eastern Catholicism was whether or not the communion wafers should be leavened (eastern) or unleavened. “it is risen” vs “He is risen” basically.

Watching the people of Massachusetts stopping what they were doing and waving & clapping to Teddy as he passed briefly by one last time as he rode to Bawstin was an incredible sight! Teddy was so loved to the core.

OT – Jane just did a 20 minute live interview on WMNF Tampa. Link and directions at 96 on PUAC.

If there is a future…

I miss the promise that was once America. I miss it terribly.

YoYo was very close to Teddy.

LOL.

I loved Caroline’s story last night of how Uncle Teddy would take 20 of the kids for a history tour. LOL!

he’s making me get all weepy.

I don’t care but I think there are people who do.
Was just making an observation – will be quiet now.

thanks

<3 the playing

Yo Yo Ma…

you’re not alone.

But ya know, listening to everyone last night talk about how Teddy was always optimistic and forged ahead to do his part, it helped me get back a glimmer of hope. We’ll see how long I can hold on to it.

Bush knows he’s an asshole. You can see it in his face. Obama looks like he’s scared at what is on his shoulders and Carter looks like he’s hoping what is being said is inspiring others because there is some much to do.

lol, same

This is making me happy, instead, seeing what a great family the good hearts and actions can achieve. Wonderful lessons on care for the suffering, deeply meant.

I thought his college roomate and friend was hilarious

I wonder if bush realizes that when his time comes he will not will not be going out with all the love and respect Teddy is…

Hi, Siun – I had the same thoughts listening to the processional hymn – washed out — the perfect term for the “modern” songs (NOT) hymns so common in Catholic churches now.
Ever read a book called, “Why Catholics Don’t Sing?” A major thesis was the modern music – much, much harder to sing, and insipid lyrics.

I was glad to hear a traditional hymn this morning.

me too

I hope some of this Kennedy spirit of caring for the less fortunate rubs off on Obama this morning.

yeah, i guess the goddess of music speaks more to me than the religious mumbo jumbo.

being in Boston is taking Bush away from his golf game. Pity.

It’s one that’s easier to treat. He has a pretty good shot at a full cure.

Seems to me that it’s intended to be passed on to all of us.

heh. just glanced out of the corner of my eye and thought the priests were reading from a laptop.

This could be a long long communion. We’ll see how they orchestrate it for 1500 people (granted lots of them are not Catholic and won’t participate, but still lots of people).

time to crank up your own special agenda. . .the funeral isn’t even over

Family will prolly bury him in the back yard and tell folks he went to live in a cave with some Eastern guru.

Can’t even imagine W’s funeral.

Well yes.

I totally enjoyed his (Culver’s) story too! I, for one, do not like being on the ocean in a boat, but I know quite a few people like Teddy who love the power of the ocean and feel the need to ‘battle’ it. LOL What a story Culver told.

For those who missed what Culver said, here’s part of it:

http://www.radioiowa.com/gesta…..287DFDD269

This is torture for W. He’s smart enough to know that he’s a complete an utter fool who has destroyed the precious lives of millions of people.

I recite the psalms from my iphone.

That would be me…

compared to the torture hi had inflicted on so many people, he’s lucky he’s at the service and not in jail.

Vickie let W. touch her. She has more grace than I could muster.

yeah, i was thinking that too when the camera paned over to w’s twichity mouth. At least he gets to see the service of a statesman.

Jimmy Carter is quite beloved, eh

That was sweet….Vicki & Michelle reached out to kiss each other and ended up turning their head in the same direction for that typical awkward moment we’ve all had. As Vicki started to go back to her seat and Michelle to hers, Vicki reached out her hand and laid it on Michelle’s. Great moment. :-)

This family of wealth and privilege is such a fine example of what wealth and privilege should be used for.

Ah ha! You’re an Ocean Battler too I see. Lots of you around. I’ll just sit on the beach and watch you people. LOL

This funeral is a teaching moment Mr Obama. Pay close attention.

I imagine she’ll want to take a shower immediately after this thing is over..

Amen!

Peace has been passed. .. peace to you all

Before they brought in the casket, when everyone Hillary was visiting very intensly with the Bushes

And to you Ruth

My first step-father took me to a couple guitar masses. I didnt care fo rthem. And the first time I was in a Catholic church was with him when my mom and he were dating–we lived in NY and he came to visit and took me to St Patrick’s cathedral.

The belief in redemption, and the peace, is for even the least of us all.

WHOA Placidio Domingo!

I am an atheist but this memorial is a power example of how religion can inspire good in people. James Dobson and company take note.

After this is over she’s going to collapse. The stress and fatigue will take over. She’s been amazing throughout.

reading the piece in the NYT this am it mentioned that Teddy proposed to Vickie at the opera … no wonder the music today is so lovely

I love, love the choices of readings. Every one has to do with taking care of the poor. “If you did it for one of the least of these, you did it for Me.” Or justice – Psalm 72.

Perfect, perfect.

During one of the readings, cnn camera on Pres. O. – looked verey thoughtful, and I wondered if this could be inspiration to remember the poor, remmeber whom he was elected to protect.

Somewhere saw 58 senators expected – enough to pass health care reform!
May they all be inspired by the words Sen. Kennedy “made” them listen to…perhaps his very last act to push through reform.

There is a reason for funerals – they are for the living, to mourn, to be inspired by the life of the person who has died. This one is having that effect on me.
(May have to drive to Austin for this pm’s demo at the Capitol, after all.) Thank you, Senator.

thinking the same

Are they showing shots of the stained glass and of the church interior in order to avoid showing the communion?

His voice is as powerful as ever. Stunning.

Placido Domingo is such a brilliant musician and obviously very touched by Mr Kennedy. Frankly I don’t know how these people can be so “composed” and focused.

tejanarusa, Gnome de Plume will be there this afternoon. I’m hoping to make it to the Doggett rally at 3.

that would be appropriate … it’s a private moment for believers

Mmm, I don’t think it’s time for the transubstantiation yet..or did I miss that?

Sometimes when I peek I can see sparkly stuff above the priest like what i see during reiki treatment…weird. maybe I should have my eyes checked…

did that while the choir was getting into place and YoYo and Placido exiting.

The choir was awesome. Listening to them sing “Just A Closer Walk To Thee” & watching them move to the rhythm gave me goosebumps.
I did see some memorial video on a cable station, NECN, if I remember correctly.

Very true. There was a time here in Maine (before Ronald Reagan became president I may add! Truth) when you honestly couldn’t tell the old money from the middle class & poor. The wealthy did not flaunt themselves. Eunice Kennedy is a good example who wore the clothes of the common people during her life. I remember cleaning the home of a wealthy elderly couple on the coast of Falmouth, Maine. One day I pulled a pair of corduroy pants of hers out from the basket and held them up to bay windows that lined the front of their house. I could see through the pants. LOL! Seriously, the corduroy was long gone and these pants should have been thrown out long ago. I made a comment about them and she said, “Oh no. They’re finally broken in!”. That’s how the old money/trust funders were for a long time. After Reagan, it all changed. Sad.

I recently attended a funeral mass in a tiny chapel. It was for my 95yr old uncle and there were about 30 in attendance. On one side was my extended family who had cared for my uncle and his widow for the last few months of his life. This included transporting the widow to and from the hospital, cooking meals, running errands, planning the funeral, etc. On the other side were the other nieces and nephews who did little more than tell me all I was doing wrong. An embarassing moment came at communion as everyone, on what we called the evil side, all rec’d communion and everyone on our side shook their heads ‘no’ as the priest approached. Every last one of us. Any Catholic out there will understand the embarassment.

Last time I was at a funeral mass the priest made it clear who was and who was not welcome to partake in the eucharist. Good thing this one didn’t do that.

This is getting to Obama, he can’t hide it with his poker face.

Communion takes for freaking ever! But yeah, they don;t ant to show whoever’s taking it, plus it’s really boring, long line of people. Tanglewood Fesitval chorus is performing.

Today Peterr, one of our FDL writers, emailed this news item about Tanglewood:

James Taylor honored Ted Kennedy at Tanglewood, in particular mentioning his support of the arts.

> At the close of his Thursday night show at Tanglewood, singer James Taylor paused to deliver a heartfelt remembrance of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy. He told the packed house that Kennedy, a former trustee of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, was an ardent fan of the music at Tanglewood and was instrumental in helping the BSO develop Seiji Ozawa Hall.
>
> His remarks were a brief segue into “Shed a Little Light,” a song about Martin Luther King written in the early 1970s that was included in a recent CD commemorating Barack Obama’s inauguration.[]

Ah – got an invite for that, too. Kinda tired, and with a tired old car (I just worked the first full week I’ve worked in many months – it’s a good tired – paycheck earned! – but boy, I am tired).

Is the Doggestt meeting near downtown? I’ve seen you pix often enough on your picasa web – bet I’d recognize you.

Ah, my favorite setting of “Ave Maria.” Who is Susan Graham? Lovely, lovely voice.

Beautiful Ava Maria

No

Clinton is crying.

Oy. Ave Maria. Not a R. Catholic, but it gets me everytime.

Am appreciating everyone’s company during this moving and inspirational service. And I agree with the views that the scripture choices have been beautiful and a real eye-opener wrt what the Bible is really about.

Is this the end? Has Obama done his part?

Communion is over–the “food” part, part of communion though is the “peace be with you” exchanges of handshakes and kisses earlier.

I love Ave Maria! It’s being sung by Susan Graham, a mezzo-soprano.

next up–remebrances by
Ted Kennedy Jr
Patrick J. Kennedy

Then the eulogy by POTUS

Yes, downtown, 12th and Lavaca. If I go, I’ll be in the wheelchair. With assistance. And a back brace. In this heat. Which is why I am not even considering both events.

thx

The Catholics are better than the Jews at guilt.

What are the details? There is also a health care meeting with Doggett at 3.

Oh, yes, that was such a tradition among old Yankee families. Even for the wealthy, “wear it out, use it up, make it do”.
There was a Forbes in an extension class I took at Harvard in the ’70’s. Couldn’t tell it by her clothes – old, dowdy, tweedy. Only her voice (imagine extreme Katharine Hepburn lockjaw) gave her away. I rather liked that about “old” Boston. (Where the New State House was built in, I think, 1802).

Did you notice if Obama took communion???

Move On rally at the steps of the capitol at 1. Then walking together to the Doggett rally.

Peterr is at Tanglewood? Ohhh, I’m green with envy. Bet it’s a loooot cooler there, too.

Jr. looks a lot like his dad. Doesn’t have the accent. Don’t remember seeing him talk in public before.

I know how true that is!

You summed it up beautifully! Thank you. The Reagan Years were a tragedy because he told the wealthy that if you are rich, flaunt it, and if you have the only sandwich amongst the poor, eat it and don’t feel bad about not sharing it (paraphrasing this but it was his message)! Sad.

He would not have nor would it have been offered. He isn’t Catholic.

No, he wouldn’t, couldn’t in a Catholic church, as he is not Catholic. There is usually a note in programs of weddings and funerals gently reminding people of the requirements.

That said, I do not think this group of celebrants (the priests) would decline to give it if he showed up in line.
I feel like we’re seeing the best of the old Catholicism here; not the mean-spirited ones who turn down John Kerry and other polticians who support positions the Church opposes.

That’s the Catholic Church I grew up with, where the emphasis was on helping the poor, not the Dobson version.

Crying over Ted Jr’s story!

“even our most profound losses are survivable. . . . nothing is impossible.”

I don’t think I have enough kleenex in the house for this.

me too.

me too Solai … it formed me in so many ways even though I’ve long left

I think we all are.

“Everybody Wins!” is a reflection of who Ted Kennedy really was. It didn’t matter if you came in dead last in the race or couldn’t read a whole page in a book without struggle. What mattered is that you tried your best! Everyone is a winner who does.

yeah, i know all that, it’s just that i was in the kitchen when communion started, and was just wondering

I’m gonna be up very late writing tomorrow’s sermon. Just can’t do it while all of this is happening.

I wonder what Obama’s mother and grandmother said to him about Teddy as he grew up.

“Taught me some of life’s harder lessons, like how to love Republicans”

Did you here Gov Patrick’s comment about his mom? He recounted that she said, to no one in particular “I loves me some Kennedy’s”!

I love Bobby Kennedy. His Baltimore speech on the day MLK was killed is, imho, the greatest speech ever given.

Compromise, but never compromise your principles.

Thank you, Teddy.

Wonderful.

TKennedy Jr’s remarks about Boston made me think of Fox News radio’s weekend guy Scott Allen Miller who said something today on his facabook page (and got jumped on and beat up a bit by his fellow conservatives)
Scott Allen Miller

I have often asked what Ted Kennedy has done in his long career to make Massachusetts specifically a better place to live. Here’s the answer: The intense media attention on his funeral in Mission Hill has shamed Mayor Mumbles into cleaning up this part of Boston that, like other poorer and minority neighborhoods, has been long neglected.

It was Indianapolis.

RevDeb, make it easy for yourself. Let you sermon be on this funeral and quote some of the better things being said.

From CNN Chief National Correspondent John King
Crowds lined the street as the motorcade carrying the body of Sen. Ted Kennedy passed by.
Crowds lined the street as the motorcade carrying the body of Sen. Ted Kennedy passed by.

BOSTON, Massachusetts (CNN) — As the funeral service for Sen. Ted Kennedy begins, people are lining the streets around Boston’s Our Lady of Perpetual Help Basilica.

The local bars and restaurants are also packed with people watching the live coverage on televisions inside.

The crowd is flowing out the door at “Flann’s”, a corner pub on Tremont Street about three blocks from the church, just outside the security perimeter.

I think Peterr was quoting an article, not there.

Teddy’s words are making me cry, which I don’t often do.
Began to spill over driving home Thurs., hearing about the great number of family members at the JFK Library forming a greeting line to speak to and shake the hands of the ordinary folks lining up to pass by the Senator’s casket.

Teddy Jr. shaping up well as a moving speaker in his dad’s own class.

this is exactly the church i grew up in detroit as a little girl. it makes me yearn for the old days, and the old sermons that were given. i remember so much. teddy jr is giving such a hononable speach remembering his father. ohhh what an ending!!

Whatever you come up with after this is all over will be beautiful for sure, RevDeb. The Kennedy family continues to make us think about where we are in our own lives. Watching this family struggle over the years with tragedies and seeing them “pick up their son whose leg is gone so he would not give up” is truly a testament to what it means to be human.

Here comes HEALTH CARE….

One thing that has confused me both last night and this morning — the applause. Is applause usual in a church? During a funeral?

come sit by me.

Not surprised! Thanks for sharing this Raven.

I’m not sure Patrick should be reminding everyone about the meds he takes.

No, not at all. But, I have heard it from time to time in recent years for a special person or particularly moving remarks.
When I was growing up in the ’50’s or ’60’s, never never happened.

There sure as hell are applause at a “celebration of life” and it wasn’t church. I think applause and laughter are always appropriate. . .and I bet Teddy did too.

for things like this it just happens.

Loving Patrick Kennedy’s words!

Gladly, WT.

I’m loving these stories. So much for Sat. chores…glued to my seat (and the puter with fdl).

What does Ted Jr. do? I’ve never seen him before.

It’s been a struggle for him and still is. One of the testaments to the Kennedys is that they show their imperfections.

Edward Moore Kennedy, Jr. (born September 26, 1961) (sometimes known as Ted Kennedy, Jr.) is an American entrepreneur, investment banker and lawyer. He is a co-founder and the president of the Marwood Group, a financial-services firm.

we may need a new thread. Haven’t gotten to the eulogy yet.

A must read at some point today….

http://rudepundit.blogspot.com…..ly-we.html

Yea, we can get all critical of Obama too!

Here comes President Obama!

here we go…

I have never seen Obama so uncomfortable when speaking.

I’m not picking up on that at all. Must be your own personal feelings in play.

I read that last night and was really touched. Lovely tribute to Kennedy.

I do. Obama’s not all on today.

Sure was. As noted above, the Kennedys were honest about their own failings & struggles. The Rude Pundit brings forth the rawness of Ted Kennedy with such honesty and shows how it was all of it that made him the man he was today. Beautiful.

He’s giving a eulogy. How should he act?

warped thought. wonder if they going to send out the donation tray…
They could do quite well..
….sorry..i go sit in the corner…

Obama is not yet doing what he needs to do… it’s too dispassoionate.

I dunno. More personal maybe.

Oh great, so glad Pres O is going full tilt on what makes Ted great, the real principles. “Opportunism” soon to be heard bayed thru the winger media.

Obama is giving his bipartisan pitch

Big mistake Obama… your politic will compromise the mission.

I’m loving President Obama’s eulogy. Anyone who can capture who Ted Kennedy really was is good to me. I’m sure if George Bush gets up to speak people here will be thrilled! I won’t be.

I don’t care what way he should be, he just wasn’t comfortable up there at the start. He’s hitting his stride now that he’s into stories.

It’s a eulogy … not a campaign speech …

He’s warming up a bit, but he knows he had to give a little political pitch in there, maybe that’s why he seemed a little uneasy at first..

I wonder, if perhaps the Pres wasn’t quite “on” at the start because he has been listening and thinking and even missing his friend and colleague. Sadness might just put even a master speaker off just a little.

The take away from TL’s life was not his skill as a legislator, but his commitment to the poor.

Hammer that point Obama. Skip the politics at this moment.

You know what matters? How the Kennedy family sees it, not the peanut gallery.

Nice cutaway by C-SPAN to Bush during this bit about 9/11.

Bush is looking like he’s way out of his depth.

FYI: I have posted the text of Obama’s eulogy over at The Seminal.

Obama’s speech C-

Yes, “compromise, but never compromise your principles.”

I think the Pres. may now be thinking (we carry on”) of his mother and grandmother, and even his absent father, and how he got through their deaths.
“May God bless Ted Kennedy”
Yes, and may God bless President Obama, too. He needs it.

Exactly Raven. Vicki is at ease, the family is shaking their heads in agreement with what President Obama is saying, and none of them look hostile. Gees.

Watching Vicki’s tear-shiny eyes and her face so full of pride for Teddy is moving me to tears.

I was looking through old photos last night and found an autographed picture of my mother and Teddy shaking hands. He is much younger, as is my mom. I have no idea when it was taken, but I’m going to frame it and hang it on my study wall.

What, you have voice transcription software???

It was a fine eulogy. I liked the grandkids more.

THANK YOU!!!

OK, time to fix that power steering, rock on ya’ll.

Wow.
I must admit, so many stories of the Senator from Massachusetts calling and

keeping in touch with

so many ordinary Americans is astonishing, and humbling. I can’t even keep in touch well with my family.

It’s so inspiring, I’m almost tempted to go to church tomorrow.

I still haven’t got passed McCain’s snub of Vicki last night.

LATIN!

What??????

What? I missed it — that would be really bad.

what!?

I thought it was a respectful and warm eulogy … not a moment for Obama the orator to steal the thunder of the man he was honoring … but a moment of shared loss and sorrow and memory.

incense isn’t exactly going to help Patrick’s asthma. But it’s a must for a high mass so I’m told.

Every shot of Bush shows what a craven moron he is. May he rot in hell for eternity if such a place exists.

Exactly! What the hell is wrong with people. The other day when the Kennedy family was standing outside the Martha Vineyard home watching as Ted’s casket was put in the back of the hearse, Howie Carr of right wing radio out of Boston made the comment later on (paraphrasing), “How the Patrick wasn’t standing at the front? How come the kids were? I think this means Patrick isn’t mourning”. What an ass. First off, THE KIDS ARE LITTLE AND WOULD BE LOST IN THE CENTER OF THE GROUP LOOKING AT THE BUTTS OF THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS. Second of all, not all people fall to the ground whipping their backs when they mourn. Patrick has mourned behind the scenes, but publicly, he’s strong. Whoever is thinking differently just hates the Kennedy’s (and the Obama’s) and should have no say today on what they think.

No ammo for the right wing to “Wellstone” this. Doesn’t matter. They’ll find something.

I don’t think he realized that she was coming out.

This is so moving, a beautiful service

America the Beautiful” to recess. Wonderful.

America the Beautiful, words, were written by someone who taught at Wellesley and subsequently became its prez.

I find the presence of the body and coffin at these services very disturbing.

If anyone was uncomfortable at the podium, it was John McCain last night. As noted, he gave his speech and then tore off the stage without giving Vicki a hug, a glance, or some kind of gesture of mourning for her.

The service yesterday, many dignitaries took to the podium to say a few words, including McCain. After each speaker concluded, Vicki, who was sitting up front, would step out to thank the speakers for their kind words–many received a warm and grateful embrace from her–except McCain. He ran past her like a halfback sweep. The expression on Vicki’s face was interesting.

This mass is really bringing back memories of the church I left almost 40 years ago. i can almost smell the incense.

Majestic, wonderful sendoff.

OFG -WHAT? Link? Vid?

Why?

Thank you all for sharing it with me and each other!

Re McCain and wives. I haven’t noticed Cindy with him today. Just sayin’.

wheee!

Shots of the Mission Church from outside. Raining, most appropriate for the mood.

When I heard the funeral would be at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, I was mystified. Finally, heard “the Mission Church.” Oh!
Never been in it, but from many main streets, and especially fromt he Medical Center, or Huntington Avenue, you can see its spires up on its hill, Mission Hill. A mostly Hispanic neighborhood, very poor, when I lived in Boston years ago.

And when I heard the story of his praying there while Kara was being treated in the Med Ctr, it seemed absolutely the perfect choice.

Once the life is gone from the person, the body is just “nothing” but decaying biological matter.

The memorial is fine but the body etc is such a throw back to mysticism or something.

CNN is showing the recessional, Fox droped audio and went to commentary

What is even more amazing is that Joe Liarman isn’t a half step behind.

All the young women with sleeveless dresses (on a 60 degree day no less). When did that become appropriate for funerals?

Maria Schriver looks wasted like a ship foundering at sea.

It really started pouring rain, was drizzling at the beginning

Fox – commentary – ick.

Oilfield guy – no wonder I missed it – watched parts of last night’s service, but turned it over when McCain got up to speak. Couldn’t hack that.

How wonderful to not be a public person.

Maria has had a rough coupla weeks, having buried her mother and all. And she & Teddy were supposedly quite close.

Thank you for having us today.

Mommybrain–Hello!

I watched it live. No doubt others saw what I saw and surely the moment was captured and saved by someone. McCain was preceded by many other speakers, so he knew Vicki would be coming out and specifically rebuked her advances. Rude behavior in my book.

thanks for all the shared thoughts and memories all … that was a very moving funeral … and the children were inspiring

The man has no class at all. Would expect this of him.

That’s just your opinion, and one I’d guess is not shared by many. The physical remains of the whole person are just as much a part of our memories as the nonphysical. And why is mysticism a “throw back?” I’m the last person who would ever be able to be in touch with mysticism, but that’s no reason to denigrate it in those who are, as are many even now.

My sense is that Obama knows that he is in the hot seat at the nation goes into the tank and guys like the Kennedy boys were trying to save it but they failed and went down trying very nobly.

He’s gonna take the blame.

Thanks for the liveblog Lisa.

Hope the weather is better in DC

Raindrops on the camera lens. A fitting way to end the service.

Thanks to all for the comments. It’s nice to know that others are feeling what I am. I think I’ll spend the rest of my chores today in quiet thought.

Later!

Vicki turned around (after McCain tore off the stage past her as she was walking up to hug him to say ‘thank you’ as she did everyone else) with that look on her face as if to say, “Oh. Okay. Sorry to bother you!”.

Yes, as if to reflect our own tears. Beautiful. :-)

There is Barney Frank

I am no denigrate this, I find it archaic and bizarrely fetishistic. I’m all for celebrating the live but who needs the dead body? Just my opinion.

Making it all the more important for us to make a real issue of health care, not that Ted Kennedy can’t be there for us we can be there for him, and us.

How many members of the senate showed up? I hope it was 99.

This was a stunning and fitting memorial to a man who lived life to the most and cared for people and was driven by compassion. He was human with flaws but he did good, very very good with his 4 score.

Oh, come now, eCAHN – you know young folks don’t think much, if at all, about what’s “appropriate.” Bet they aren’t wearing hose, either, panty-or other.

The great pantyhose debate

Thanks, Lisa, for the opportunity to share this moment. I sure do love this community.

Who can say they have done 1/10,000 of what this man accomplished in his life?

I think in some odd, mysterious way this is a healing and fitting conclusion in the litany of Kennedy deaths. JFK’s was so shocking and traumatic, palpable grief. (Also, RFK) This is such a redeeming story for a full life. I am so glad I’ve witnessed this and felt the energetic joy….the hope still lives.

Yes, Lisa. Thanks so much for the opportunity to reflect! :-)

Good on Jesse Jackson on MSNBC he get it about TK

I know nothing about how young people think, or even if they do. *g*

Joining the leaving Pups, off to do something useful, inspired by example.
Obviously won’t make the 1:00 pm meeting in Austin, it’s now 12:15 central.
Thanks, Lisa, for providing the opportunity to share this emotional experience.

Here’s a link of McCain Snubbing Vicki Kennedy.

Great catch. Ted got to live and do so much with his live that his brothers were robbed of. He did it for them, for us. An enormous burden and he pulled it off.

Well doneTed, You have earned your eternal rest. We’ll carry on the struggle.

Oh, ecahn – my link to the Great Pantyhose Debate didn’t post – it’s funny, and generational, for sure.
http://blogs.kansas.com/busine…..se-debate/
trying again – but for a good laugh, google it if linking doesn’t work.

The story Teddy Jr. told was very heartwarming. What a compassionate father Ted Kennedy was to pick up his disabled son from the snow and gently nudge him forward to go on with his life.

I apologize for my zillions of typos. It only gets worse with age.

Thanks.

Lisa,

Thanks so much for hosting the opportunity for us to share the funeral.

R.I.P T.M.K. That was a beautiful, inspiring funeral service.

Oh, forgive me all – one last post – Bill Russell of the Celtics, telling a story of Teddy trying out for the Celtics: “He was a pretty good basketball player, but he had one problem. [pause] He couldn’t go to his right!” on MSNBC, with Keith and Eugene Robinson.

Also a photo of Russell, Cousy, Bruins and Red Sox people around Teddy’s bed while he recovered from his back injury. He says the Kennedys always had bball tix, and “we got to know the whole family.”

Wow, again. Just wow.

“All things considered, I’d say that Ted Kennedy throwing himself on the mercy of the American people, without whining about victimization and without offering excuses, qualifies him as being the standard bearer for the true Party of Personal Responsibility.” – - – The One Vs. The Many

I hope some are still here. I was looking around at McCain snubbing V.Kennedy and someone mentioned that maybe McCain was fuming over the joke Orrin Hatch told. What did Hatch say?

Thank you FDL. Once again you’ve done us a great service by live blogging the service. (If I ever win the Lotto, you will DEFINATELY get a big chunk of it for all the great work you do)

For a timely tribute to Sen. Kennedy, work for health care for everyone in the U.S., NOW.

Thanks for the link, OFG and HI!

Would love to have been a fly on the wall to hear what Vicki and all those seated around her were saying about it.

What a jackass.

I know we’re in EPUville, but I’m still watching on MSNBC. They’re speaking with a father whose soldier son was killed in Iraq — this father worked closely with Teddy for legislation to provide more protection (e.g., armored Humvees) for our troops.

The juxtaposition of this man and his loss, combined with the efforts made by Teddy on this issue and so many more, in contrast with GWB’s presence at this lovely service makes me ill.

The obscenity of the Bush administration is something we’re only beginning to understand, as a country. (I know — some of us have been clued in longer than others.) And looking at it in the context of Teddy’s life and work makes it that much more horrific.

RIP, Senator Kennedy. You made a difference, and your memory and spirit will hopefully continue to guide us all.

Lisa, thanks for this. Watched this by myself and felt his light pass through all of us. I wanted the kennedys to carry on the struggle but then realized, no, this is my fight. Or your fight, And our fight. He didn’t just pass the torch to Obama, he passed it to all of us.

I’m hoping so, too.

I’m deeply thankful to you, Lisa, for creating this space today. Like
joy, mourning is also more meaningful when experienced with friends.

Imagine how hot it would be in a packed church that doesn’t have ac. for 2 hours.

Thanks, Lisa. Like many who commented, I, too, hoped that the priest’s words about Teddy’s dedication to “the least amongst us” were heard not only in the mind but in the hearts of those at the service, particularly President Obama. It was shocking to me to hear the priest’s words spoken in public, quite frankly. I am so used to vile hatred and equivocation about the hatred towards the poor and middle class working people being expressed in the media today. Sign of the times?

wearing suits, ties and non summer dresses. Thought I caught a look at Olympia Snowe, she certainly looked like the heat had gotten to her.

It’s normal to have the casket at a funeral, especially one this formal (it was covered with a fabric drape, didn’t you notice?). At least it wasn’t an open-casket funeral, which is disturbing to some of us.

At a memorial where the person has already been cremated or buried (or whatever), you just have flowers and maybe a photo of them.

Ted Kennedy and the legislation he helped pass did more for me than any other politician I can think of.
When one looks at his entire life it’s impossible not to think about Chappaquiddick. That single incident I believe changed history. I think Kennedy would have been elected president in 1976 instead of Carter and then reelected in 1980. I do not think Reagan would even have run in 1984 due to age and due to Alzheimer’s which I believe he was already suffering from by that point.
In short one error in his life may have changed all of ours as well. Still, he was a good man.

I think Ted Kennedy did more good in senate than he could have done as president. He served for 47 years and you’re totally right about his legislation he helped pass.

Guess you haven’t been around catholics much. The body inside the casket is always there. Why wouldn’t it be? They celebrate mass and then they have a graveside. It’s not that big a deal.

Good point.
It would have been nice if Reagan had never been elected.

Awesome, Thanks Lisa

Go mbeannaí Dia duit, Teddy (May God bless you, Teddy)

Rath De ort (The grace of God be with you)

Síochán leat (Peace be with you)

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam (May he Rest In Peace)

Irish Gaelic

Didn’t see the funeral but it brings to mind the times my Mom and Dad loaded us in the station wagon and drove us (don’t know how far – I was a kid) halfway across the state to go to the Latin Mass (post Vatican II). The worst part – besides being in a foreign language – was that we had to fast (couldn’t eat) beforehand

I can hear the Mass starting now …

In nómine Patris et Fílii et Spíritus Sancti. Amen. …

The last several days, I’ve thought “America” might still be alive yet.

Back in 1948 when I was in the seventh grade at St. Joseph’s grammar school in El Paso, I asked Fr. Walsh if we were somehow cannibals. The wise old Jesuit threw back his head and had a great laugh.

Then he took me aside and tried to explain that no, although the priest says “this is my body, this is my blood,” he is simply using the words that Jesus used when the sacrament of the eucharist was instituted at the last supper. Then he added, seeing my confusion, in other words, Jesus is sacramentally present during the words of transubstantiation and afterwards in the sense that he instituted the sacrament: but not in the real flesh and the real blood.

And so we were saved from being cannibals. It was only in college, with a few philosphy and apologetics classes under my belt, that I finally really understood what the good priest was trying to help me understand.