Deseret News | Reader comments: Sen. Edward Kennedy has malignant brain tumor

Reader comments
Sen. Edward Kennedy has malignant brain tumor

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Private Citizen | 12:03 p.m. May 20, 2008

I feel sorry for Senator Kennedy and his family but I know that it will be many years before we find out all the harm this man has done in his tenure in the senate. Of the four Kennedy sons it is truly unfortunate that he outlived the others. God bless America!

MY SLC | 12:25 p.m. May 20, 2008

My condolences to the Kennedy family

Archaea Cougarguard | 12:25 p.m. May 20, 2008

Regardless of political persuasion, all people of compassion must have sympathy for Senator Kennedy and his family. He has borne great personal grief with dignity and deserves our best wishes and prayers at this time.

Comments continue below

Joe | 12:27 p.m. May 20, 2008

Although we differ on many views with Senator Kennedy, he has always been a worthy adversary. Even Orrin Hatch has put his arm around him and called him friend.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Senator and his family, and our best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Sorry to hear... | 12:32 p.m. May 20, 2008

I disagree with Mr Kennedy on almost all his politics.
But I am sorry to hear that he has a life threatening disease.

Does anyone know if his drinking may have helped this cancer to develop, or if it is just something that happens to people?

A Senate Opening? | 12:47 p.m. May 20, 2008

I think I just saw Mitt dusting off his "Romney for Senate" campaign signs.

COSMO | 1:48 p.m. May 20, 2008

Just because one is dying, or dies does not negate the reality of ones life, good or bad! Also the person you are at death,is who you are. Nothing that
anyone still alive in mortality can change that truth.

Dutchman | 1:49 p.m. May 20, 2008

President Bush said, "...... he was deeply saddened and would keep Senator Kennedy in his prayers,". This after Kennedy called Bush a traitor and the worst president in the history of the U.S. So, who is the bigger man?

Anonymous | 2:14 p.m. May 20, 2008

My respect left for Mr. Kenedy when he left the site of an accident years ago and allowed a young woman to die. I am thankful that he will have some time to reflect on the meaning of life and what might lie beyond. At the same time, I also do wish him and his family well in moving through the next stage of life.

ds7 | 2:28 p.m. May 20, 2008

I'm a huge Kennedy fan and I'm disappointed that so many Utahns don't see the good he's done. Hope he gets well and spends another 40 years in the Senate!

DENISE | 3:10 p.m. May 20, 2008

Regardless of his political beliefs and past problems he has given much to his his country. I wish he and his family love and support...something I may not get with this crowd.

reality bites | 3:27 p.m. May 20, 2008

this is a situation where even the Kennedy money and influence can't rescue him...welcome to the world the rest of us inhabit. Unfortunately, we always knew this was the only way Massachusets would ever let him out of the senate.

Cosmo is wrong | 3:32 p.m. May 20, 2008

Your comment ought to be removed.

You are right that a person dying(though this may not actually kill him) doesn't change his actions. Nothing changed about Ted Kennedy's previous actions because of this Tumor but we are not talking about Ted Kennedy. We are talking about the disrespect people would show him in his time of need. Whether you agree with him or not; whether you fight against his principals or not it is WRONG, seriously WRONG to show hatred to him now. It would have been wrong to show disrespect even if he wasn't in need. Love your enemy is something America won't figure out any time soon and has sadly forgot it when it once practiced this beautiful kindness.

People ought to say things of hope for him at this time, not use it to condemn him or joke about him. It isn't what Kennedy DID, it's what WE are DOING when our neighbor is ill.

Your comment isn't really attacking him but you defend against those who are ONLY trying to protect Kennedy's dignity. You have no right to say such things. You may be free to your speech, but you are not entitled to such judgement.

G | 3:39 p.m. May 20, 2008

Senator Kennedy deserves respect, even if you disagree with him as I do. Even if it's nothing more than for the office he held for so many years.

Cancer is a terrible thing, and I don't wish it on anyone.

slc4me | 3:56 p.m. May 20, 2008

"President Bush said, "...... he was deeply saddened and would keep Senator Kennedy in his prayers,". This after Kennedy called Bush a traitor and the worst president in the history of the U.S. So, who is the bigger man?"

Seriously??? Way to put it into perspective.

After I heard this news I figured in no time it would conjour radical accusations of God's vengence from the religious, "compassionate" right.

Regardless of political beliefs, I think this is is sad news.

m | 4:02 p.m. May 20, 2008

My heart goes out to him and his family. There are people in pain here - that is all that matters. I am not his judge and jury and I will never make fun of someone with a life-threating disease (it would be in very poor taste).

California LDS | 4:23 p.m. May 20, 2008

Whether or not you agree or disagree with Senator Kennedy's politics, or approve or disapprove of the lifestyle he has lived, it is inappropriate to mock Senator Kennedy or rejoice in his misfortune. Utahn's, especially if they profess to belong to the LDS church, should never rejoice in the news of a terminal illness someone is experiencing, or make jokes about the illness or symptoms. It validates some people's opinions that LDS members are 'not Christian'. Would Christ act this way? I think not.

Rich | 4:30 p.m. May 20, 2008

I'm as conservative as they come, but I also think it is beyond the pale to take any pleasure in another person's misery. My thoughts and prayers are with Senator Kennedy and his family. He has held positions that are diametrically opposed to many of mine, but he did so because he was convinced that he was doing what was best for society. I'm convinced he was wrong, but that does not lessen my respect for him as a fellow child of God.

Sparkes22 | 4:43 p.m. May 20, 2008

Can those of you who despise Ted Kennedy for a moment suspend the politics and posturing and let the "better angels of your nature" which Abraham Lincoln spoke about of, show through?

Oh, what a wonderful sight that would be!

Even if just for a moment?

Time and Place | 4:42 p.m. May 20, 2008

There's a time and a place for thoughtful discussion about politics, but now is not the time nor the place for inappropriate comments about Sen. Kennedy's politics or personal life. Whether you agree or disagree with his views or how he lives his life, he has more than earned our respect.

I wish him the best at this time.

I hope WE get better, too. | 4:45 p.m. May 20, 2008

I didn't always agree with everything Mr. Kennedy did, but I hope he gets better. We're not in charge of when he passes on.

Funny that many of us- and maybe even you- always seem to get caught up in accusing each other of this or that, making gross generalizations, etc. All your comments do is show what is inside each of us.

Mr. Kennedy needs to "get better" and so do we.

pcs | 5:00 p.m. May 20, 2008

So many uncharitable posts! From a state which has a majority of LDS people, who read the Deseret News - it does not reflect well on you. Even though it is probably a small number of LDS (and non-LDS) who are making these nasty posts, it reflects badly on ALL LDS/Utah people.

No-one should be mocked or denied simple compassion when undergoing a terrible illness with a terminal prognosis.

Senator Kennedy's history and his politics may be distasteful to me, but I wish him and his family peace and comfort at this difficult time, and hope that he, and all who suffer from this terrible disease of cancer, will receive the help they need.

Utah Resident | 5:22 p.m. May 20, 2008

I guess this pretty much proves my thesis that whether left or right, LDS or non, Utah has some of the nastiest, most superficial people in the nation. Sad to see these kinds of posts about someone with terminal cancer--it could be any one of us or a loved one--Remember that next time.

Has been an enlightening year! | 5:26 p.m. May 20, 2008

Since Mitt Romney decided to run for President I got interested in the LDS. During that time the polygamy of the YfZ ranch was uncovered. I found out that there are other, even larger polygamous colonies that exist with the consent of UT. I discovered the LDS' active role in denying women across the country legal equality and protections and preventing gay people from living fulfilled lives. Now I read this outpouring of vitriol for a man who has worked hard for the people of the United States. Especially underprivileged, overlooked and handicapped people despite the fact that the personal fortune he was born with would have afforded him a life of luxury.

Certainly he has made mistakes -- even a tragic mistake -- but the public life he's lived is an example of why a single action is not the definition of a man. And we would all be poorer if he had been discarded as a young man.

I am grateful that Mitt Romney caused me to look more aggressively at Mormanism. I have learned a lot. I don't like what I see but I'm grateful to have conclusions rooted in real observation.

Re: Has Been an enlightening ye | 5:35 p.m. May 20, 2008

Because reading posts on an obsure Utah newspaper will help you learn about mormons. Good thinking!

bw | 5:35 p.m. May 20, 2008

Ted Kennedy, and his family, have made great contributions to this country. The people who are making nasty comments about him are most likely the same Utahns who go to church every Sunday, have mediocre jobs, and whose only contribution to society is to litter the earth with their white trash kids. FYI, Kennedy and the state of Massachusetts are much more highly regarded across the nation than the self-righteous, hypocritical mediocre Mormons and the "land of MLMs and call centers" called Utah.

Whatever | 5:47 p.m. May 20, 2008

Ted Kennedy was the strongest most vocal opponent of the invasion of Iraq. He was right. You were all wrong and thousands of innocent people have died because of President Bush and your blind support of him. I do not particularly like Mr. Kennedy, but he was one of the few leaders in this country that tried to stop this evil war from happening.

CA | 6:02 p.m. May 20, 2008

I'm sure that,like many, he had his good and bad points, but we should all feel the pang of loss when something like this happens and use it as a reminder to always do our best.

I, too, am appalled at some of the comments on the board, especially from those who "claim" to be religious. Shame on you.

Sad and Disguted | 6:07 p.m. May 20, 2008

It's sad to see the comments made in this forum about Senator Kennedy and people of the LDS faith. Human compassion and respect for others, though we may not not support and like the actions of the person, should prevail. For many in this forum who assume that the disgusting comments made, are those of the LDS faith, your words show a lack of education, stereotyping and nastiness. To assume they go to church every Sunday, litter the earth...shows such a lack of critical thinking and jumping to conclusions that it is beyond comprehension. I am not a member of the LDS Church, and do not believe in their doctrine, but get over it and grow up! You are not perfect, nor are your ideas! Some of the posts in here are a joke! Your immature thinking shows a lack of class. I teach high school students who have more integrity and heart than many of the daily people who post here. I would not wish cancer, nor anything on my worst enemy, nor the hell it puts their family through. I agree with one of the comments above, show some class.

Anonymous | 6:08 p.m. May 20, 2008

Some things transcend politics.

My best to Kennedy and his family at this time. May God grant him health and, if not health, then peace to him and his loved ones at this time.

There will be a time to dissect his legacy and discuss politics. This isn't it.

Katy | 6:26 p.m. May 20, 2008

How sad for everyone..For his family..And for all those who hold so much hate they would say the things they have posted here..We are not here to judge him, a higher power will do that. We are here to comfort him.

Expatriate | 6:28 p.m. May 20, 2008

I'm not even living in the USA, but regularly read the Deseret News web edition along with many other news sources. I cannot get over the judgementalism of those condemning the writers who dislike Kennedy's personal conduct, political beliefs, and willingness to use people for his personal benefit. That is not hatred--it's paying attention to the world around you and caring what happens! And the bigotry is readily apparent from those who judgementally assume all comments are from Utah. Talk about hatred!

RE: sad and disgusted | 6:40 p.m. May 20, 2008

Get a grip on yourself. I think the people whose lives were ruined because of Senator Kennedy's actions would tend to disagree with you. But, I agree that big corporations, self serving politicians, wealthy individuals,lobbyists and a host of others would be far more compassionate than I. Fact is we all will die in one way or another and he doesn't deserve any more respect than the local homeless guy beat to death by local thugs.

sparkes22 | 6:59 p.m. May 20, 2008

This is what Senator Hatch had to say upon learning of Senator Ted Kennedy's diagnosis:

"I love him like a brother,"

"I just feel terrible about hearing this. It's really terrible news."

"We've just been very, very close,"

"We've always respected each other."

If this is what a Senator can say about a man he knew personally for over 25 years, how can anyone of us say anything more or less.

Senator Hatch, thanks for showing us your "better angel" and rally meaning it.

Sad and Disguted | 7:16 p.m. May 20, 2008

You are absolutely right. We all will die. We all will face those hours in our own way and with the conscience that developed or did not develop in this life. There will be an appropriate time and place for Kennedy's legacy, the good, the bad and the ugly. This is not the time. That is what bothered me.

Respect | 7:22 p.m. May 20, 2008

I remember when President Hinckley passed away that the majority of those who don't like the church at least were decent and laid off the disrespect. I think that anyone, especially those who are LDS and don't agree with Ted Kennedy's politics should at least show the same respect. Regardless of what he's done in your eyes, he's still one of God's children as we believe. Good luck to him and his family. Our prayers are with them.

Alan | 7:30 p.m. May 20, 2008

Utah proves an uncanny ability to have no class what so ever. No one is saying Senator Kennedy was a man without flaws. But whose family would you rather belong to, Kennedy's or your own? One brother and sister killed during WWII, 2 other brothers brutally murdered, a father who faced many demons, a nephew killed in a plane crash and a near fatal plane crash of his own.

For such a supposedly pious state, one does not see many influences of the New Testament in these comments.

Ruth | 8:53 p.m. May 20, 2008

I am LDS and I am very much disappointed by what I have read here.

We are people who pride themselves on their compassion and concern for others. What gives here.

Shame on you. Where is that compassion and concern for Senator Kennedy.

I do not hold any care for his politics but he is a human being which means as a human being he deserves respect during a time like this.

I pray God's Blessings on Senator Kennedy and his family. They have suffered greatly as a family. So many tragic sad things have happened.

May God touch the hearts of some of you people. It is sad very sad.

Ruth

Davis County GOP member | 9:31 p.m. May 20, 2008

I think that this is an unfortunate ending to a brilliant political career.

I also think that some of the comments made by many on this site have been unfortunate as well.

I would have preferred that he either leave the senate voluntarily or loose his seat to a conservative republican. Other than our obvious political differences, I have admired this person for his resiliance and courage. I wish him the best.

Okie | 9:58 p.m. May 20, 2008

Terrible the statements being made on this comment place about Ted Kennedy. Maybe we don't agree with some of the things he stood for. but he did try to help the less fortunate and make things better for those who had less. But no one should say such rude, crude things about another human being. Whether we are of his party or not , being more civil to another human being. why do you all out there in Utah , right off the bat start tearing people down. I have always looked up to members of the LDS faith but if some of them that are writing are of the LDS faith then I am losing my respect for those out there.!!!!!!!!

get over it | 10:07 p.m. May 20, 2008

Deseret News published this article and people have the right to free speech. If they don't like the man... they have the right to say it. I don't want to see anyone suffer but I really DON'T like Ted Kennedy. I'm not going to shed any tears when he dies. I won't shed tears over Orrin Hatch either when his time comes. I won't shed any for any of the Bush's either. I have cried a MILLION tears for the demise of America at the hands of people more worried about their political careers than they care about the American People they are supposed to represent! Get over it. I have the right to say it!

Atlman | 10:16 p.m. May 20, 2008

Because I have friends who live in SLC I read the DN stories and comments regularly. I thought when the LDS attacks on the Catholic Church were filled with such hatred that it was only because there were a minority of Mormons who held such hatred in their hearts. Now, after reading the truly evil things you have to say about a dying man and can get true insight into the "Mormon" mindset, I thank Almighty God that I did not enter your cult of hatred and self-righteouness. May God have mercy on your evil spirits. Please do not ever question as to why others do not consider you Christian.

Californian | 10:33 p.m. May 20, 2008

You are true idiots. What presumption to assume that everyone who posts--particularly anyone who posts the opposite of your sanctimonious opinions--is a member of the LDS church. News flash: the majority are not. But I must say I wholeheartedly agree with those defend the right to personal opinion and free speech. There are two very obvious facts here: 1) Ted Kennedy is dying, and that is terribly sad, and 2) Ted Kennedy--despite the incredible number of tragedies he has experienced and lived through--has committed heinous and shocking acts that he never should have gotten away with.

Conservative LDS Republican | 10:41 p.m. May 20, 2008

I wish Senator Kennedy and his family nothing less than the best regarding this new ordeal that they are facing. May God bless them with peace and spiritual comfort with this new challenge.

Atlman | 10:47 p.m. May 20, 2008

"You are true idiots."-California

Perhaps I was in error in my assumptions. I thank you for the Christian manner in which you opened your critique. Fortunately for me, you only validated most of my opinion.

phebe | 11:22 p.m. May 20, 2008

It is interesting that everyone assumes the LDS are writing these comments. There are many non-LDS living in Utah and most of them are just as capable of using a computer as the LDS. Maybe we should give credit where credit is due--to the non-LDS as well as LDS.

A Clark | 11:43 p.m. May 20, 2008

Steven E. Snow, talk on ï¿½Service,ï¿½ in Ensign, Nov 2007, 102ï¿½4 mentioned cancer:

"As a family we learned, strangely enough, that cancer is a disease of love. It provides opportunities to mend fences, say goodbyes, and express love."

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones of Ted Kennedy.

Big Bad LDS | 11:58 p.m. May 20, 2008

I am impressed by how some on this post can tell what one's religion is just by reading what they wrote. It's true, there are idiots in every bunch. But don't just assume that everyone who has something mean to say must be LDS. I am LDS. I couldn't disagree more with Kennedy on his politics. But this is terminal brain cancer, not politics. Don't use this occasion to grind your ax with the LDS church.

Just did a survey | 12:22 a.m. May 21, 2008

Interesting to me how much emotion and name calling is going on here on the DesNews site. I just checked the comments on two other newspapers, not in Utah, and it's even worse. If anyone dares to even hint that Senator Kennedy was less than a perfect national hero, they are criticized even more strongly than on this site.
I lost my mother and father to cancer, and I wouldn't wish cancer on anybody, no matter who they are. I have sympathy and prayers for Senator Kennedy and his family--they will all suffer through this.
BUT, the fact remains that many honest people disagree strongly with the senator's political philosphy and many also with his lifestyle, including his cheating on his wife, the death of Mary Jo, and the fact that he was never held to account for her death.
We can both be compassionate and still say someone's behavior is wrong. We don't need to be hateful to each other, and I'm really getting disgusted at all the name calling on this site and on the two others that I visited. Names are different but the feeling is the same. Unjustified and sad.

Anonymous | 12:23 a.m. May 21, 2008

*** "Regardless of political persuasion, all people of compassion must have sympathy for Senator Kennedy and his family." ***

Really - we do? We MUST have sypathy for him?

I wish him no ill, but were it not for his political position I would never have heard of the man. Since my only awareness of him is through his politics, with which I thoroughly and vigorously disagree, why should I feel anything for him at all? He is not a friend, nor even an acquaintance. He is just some random person, so far as I could care.

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