It has been a while...

I am not certain why I have not provided regular updates on my progress; save that I just didn't feel compelled to. I just finished listening to 'Ted Kennedy: The Dream That Never Died' by Ed Klein. Klein is the former foreign editor of Newsweek and former editor in chief of The New York Times Magazine. As such, I was intrigued to read/hear his perspective on this controversial man. I had not fully formed my opinion of the late Senator prior to starting this biography. I have found myself at times vacillating between great respect and then horror and disgust when thinking about the youngest of the Kennedy clan. As a liberal (small L)...I admire Ted Kennedy for his venerable work as a Senator, and yet as a proud, hard-working woman, I find myself grossed out by his misogynistic behavior; including but certainly not limited to the famous "Chappaquiddick incident". This book is informative and heart wrenching. It provides just enough narrative to give Kennedy the complex description I feel he deserves. There was no real sympathy evoked for Senator Kennedy, but the book did provide enough illumination that one could grasp the real depth of his character. He was not simply a rowdy, lawless womanizer; but a man deeply plagued by external and internal demons. There were no excuses provided for his behavior, but rather explanations by way of a painted portrait of a privileged and somewhat soulless family. Mind you, greater men have been made from grimier material, but I did enjoy the glimpse into 'Camelot'. I found myself grimacing at times when hearing of the Senator's lechery and boozing, but certainly had tears on my face by time I reached the Epilogue. I do not think I have yet to resolve my feelings on the great Ted Kennedy but there are three facts I know for certain 1. Ed Klein is a talented biographer, 2. I have more reading on the Kennedy clan to do, and 3. whatever his personal character; Ted Kennedy was truly one of the greatest lawmakers of his time and he will be missed in that capacity.