Baloch Society of North America: Ted
Kennedy’s Passing A ‘Tragedy’
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – August 26, 2009 – Dr. Wahid Baloch, the president of Baloch
Society of North America, expressed deep shock over the death of Senator Ted
Kennedy. In a statement, he said, “ we share the grief of American people who lost an
America legendary icon and a true America hero in Senator Ted Kennedy.”
"I was shocked to hear that Senator Ted Kennedy had died," Dr. Baloch said. “His
unexpected death is a great loss for America. He was a true champion of the poor and
less fortunate in this great country. Even though his work and efforts may have gone
unappreciated by others, Ted Kennedy will be remembered as someone who fought
for the underprivileged and never gave up.”
Kennedy’s Passing A ‘Tragedy’
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – August 26, 2009 – Dr. Wahid Baloch, the president of Baloch
Society of North America, expressed deep shock over the death of Senator Ted
Kennedy. In a statement, he said, “ we share the grief of American people who lost an
America legendary icon and a true America hero in Senator Ted Kennedy.”
"I was shocked to hear that Senator Ted Kennedy had died," Dr. Baloch said. “His
unexpected death is a great loss for America. He was a true champion of the poor and
less fortunate in this great country. Even though his work and efforts may have gone
unappreciated by others, Ted Kennedy will be remembered as someone who fought
for the underprivileged and never gave up.”
Baloch further said that the people of Balochistan are also mourning the death of their legendary leader, Nawab Akbar Khan Bugti, who died three
years, on August 26, the same day Kennedy passed away. Pakistani General Musharaff, the dictator at the time, ordered his assassination.
Baloch Peoples all over the world, including men and women in Pakistani and Iranian Occupied Balochistan, observed the day as a “black day,” paying
tribute to their former leader, Nawab Bugti. Shops were closed and people were flying black flags and Balochistan's flag over their houses.
years, on August 26, the same day Kennedy passed away. Pakistani General Musharaff, the dictator at the time, ordered his assassination.
Baloch Peoples all over the world, including men and women in Pakistani and Iranian Occupied Balochistan, observed the day as a “black day,” paying
tribute to their former leader, Nawab Bugti. Shops were closed and people were flying black flags and Balochistan's flag over their houses.
“Like Nawab Bugti, Ted Kennedy, was an icon and a hero,” Dr. Baloch said. “He made sure that all
Americans, whether they were black, white, Latino, Asian, Hispanic are all treated equally. His ideas
were less about partisanship and more about being an American.”
Dr. Baloch, who met with several senators including Ted Kennedy on October 2006 in Chicago along
with several Baloch and Sindhi friends, asked the senator for his help to end the Pakistan's illegal
occupation of Balochistan. He said, "I told Kennedy that the Baloch are “an ally and friend of
America and that the secular Baloch will always stand by America and NATO forces against the
Islamists, extremist Taliban and Al-qaida terrorists.”
Balochistan, once an independent state, was forcefully occupied and annexed into Pakistan by the
Pakistani army in March 1948. Since then the Baloch people have been fighting the occupying forces for
their independence. Balochistan, divided between Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, is rich in minerals,
oil, gold and gas but its people live below the country’s poverty line.
Americans, whether they were black, white, Latino, Asian, Hispanic are all treated equally. His ideas
were less about partisanship and more about being an American.”
Dr. Baloch, who met with several senators including Ted Kennedy on October 2006 in Chicago along
with several Baloch and Sindhi friends, asked the senator for his help to end the Pakistan's illegal
occupation of Balochistan. He said, "I told Kennedy that the Baloch are “an ally and friend of
America and that the secular Baloch will always stand by America and NATO forces against the
Islamists, extremist Taliban and Al-qaida terrorists.”
Balochistan, once an independent state, was forcefully occupied and annexed into Pakistan by the
Pakistani army in March 1948. Since then the Baloch people have been fighting the occupying forces for
their independence. Balochistan, divided between Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan, is rich in minerals,
oil, gold and gas but its people live below the country’s poverty line.
In a message sent by President Obama, He said, "Michelle and I were heartbroken to learn this
morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health
and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.
His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors
who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's
promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just,
including me.
In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from
members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by
humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that
morning of the death of our dear friend, Senator Ted Kennedy.
For nearly five decades, virtually every major piece of legislation to advance the civil rights, health
and economic well-being of the American people bore his name and resulted from his efforts.
His ideas and ideals are stamped on scores of laws and reflected in millions of lives -- in seniors
who know new dignity; in families that know new opportunity; in children who know education's
promise; and in all who can pursue their dream in an America that is more equal and more just,
including me.
In the United States Senate, I can think of no one who engendered greater respect or affection from
members of both sides of the aisle. His seriousness of purpose was perpetually matched by
humility, warmth and good cheer. He battled passionately on the Senate floor for the causes that
One of the most influential and longest-serving senators in U.S. history -- a liberal standard-bearer who was also known as a consummate
congressional dealmaker -- Kennedy had been battling brain cancer, which was diagnosed in May 2008.
His death marked the twilight of a political dynasty and dealt a blow to Democrats as they seek to answer President Barack Obama's call for an
overhaul of the healthcare system.
Kennedy was a longtime advocate of healthcare reform, a signature issue of Obama's presidency. Obama said on Wednesday he was heartbroken to
hear of the death of Kennedy, a crucial supporter of his presidential candidacy.
"I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence
and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as President from
his encouragement and wisdom," said Obama, who was elected last November and took office in January.
Kennedy had recently urged Massachusetts lawmakers to change state law so the governor, if necessary, could quickly fill a Senate vacancy as the
chamber debates the contentious healthcare issue.
Known as "Teddy," he was the brother of President John Kennedy, assassinated in 1963, Senator Robert Kennedy, fatally shot while campaigning for
the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination, and Joe Kennedy, a pilot killed in World War Two.
When he first took the Senate seat previously held by John Kennedy in 1962, he was seen as something of a political lightweight who owed his
ascent to his famous name.
Yet during his nearly half century in the chamber, Kennedy became known as one of Washington's most effective senators, crafting legislation by
working with lawmakers and presidents of both parties, and finding unlikely allies.
At the same time, he held fast to liberal causes deemed anachronistic by the centrist "New Democrats," and was a lightning rod for conservative ire.
He helped enact measures to protect civil and labor rights, expand healthcare, upgrade schools, increase student aid and contain the spread of
nuclear weapons.
"There's a lot to do," Kennedy told Reuters in 2006. "I think most of all it's the injustice that I continue to see and the opportunity to have some impact
on it."
After Robert Kennedy's death, Edward was expected to waste little time in vying for the presidency. But in 1969, a young woman drowned after a car
Kennedy was driving plunged off a bridge on the Massachusetts resort island of Chappaquiddick after a night of partying.
Kennedy's image took a major hit after it emerged he had failed to report the accident to authorities. He pleaded guilty to leaving the scene and
received a suspended sentence.
Kennedy eventually ran for his party's presidential nomination in 1980 but lost to then-President Jimmy Carter.
His presidential ambitions thwarted, Kennedy devoted himself to his Senate career.
A 2009 survey by The Hill, a Capitol Hill publication, found that Senate Republicans believed Kennedy was the chamber's easiest Democrat to work
with and most bipartisan.
Republican Senator John McCain called Kennedy "the single most effective member of the Senate if you want to get results."
In January 2008, Kennedy endorsed Obama, who was serving his first term as a senator, for the Democratic presidential nomination. Many saw the
endorsement as the passing of the political torch to a new generation. A year to the day before his death, Kennedy made an electrifying speech to the
Democratic convention that nominated Obama for president.
congressional dealmaker -- Kennedy had been battling brain cancer, which was diagnosed in May 2008.
His death marked the twilight of a political dynasty and dealt a blow to Democrats as they seek to answer President Barack Obama's call for an
overhaul of the healthcare system.
Kennedy was a longtime advocate of healthcare reform, a signature issue of Obama's presidency. Obama said on Wednesday he was heartbroken to
hear of the death of Kennedy, a crucial supporter of his presidential candidacy.
"I valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence
and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've profited as President from
his encouragement and wisdom," said Obama, who was elected last November and took office in January.
Kennedy had recently urged Massachusetts lawmakers to change state law so the governor, if necessary, could quickly fill a Senate vacancy as the
chamber debates the contentious healthcare issue.
Known as "Teddy," he was the brother of President John Kennedy, assassinated in 1963, Senator Robert Kennedy, fatally shot while campaigning for
the 1968 Democratic presidential nomination, and Joe Kennedy, a pilot killed in World War Two.
When he first took the Senate seat previously held by John Kennedy in 1962, he was seen as something of a political lightweight who owed his
ascent to his famous name.
Yet during his nearly half century in the chamber, Kennedy became known as one of Washington's most effective senators, crafting legislation by
working with lawmakers and presidents of both parties, and finding unlikely allies.
At the same time, he held fast to liberal causes deemed anachronistic by the centrist "New Democrats," and was a lightning rod for conservative ire.
He helped enact measures to protect civil and labor rights, expand healthcare, upgrade schools, increase student aid and contain the spread of
nuclear weapons.
"There's a lot to do," Kennedy told Reuters in 2006. "I think most of all it's the injustice that I continue to see and the opportunity to have some impact
on it."
After Robert Kennedy's death, Edward was expected to waste little time in vying for the presidency. But in 1969, a young woman drowned after a car
Kennedy was driving plunged off a bridge on the Massachusetts resort island of Chappaquiddick after a night of partying.
Kennedy's image took a major hit after it emerged he had failed to report the accident to authorities. He pleaded guilty to leaving the scene and
received a suspended sentence.
Kennedy eventually ran for his party's presidential nomination in 1980 but lost to then-President Jimmy Carter.
His presidential ambitions thwarted, Kennedy devoted himself to his Senate career.
A 2009 survey by The Hill, a Capitol Hill publication, found that Senate Republicans believed Kennedy was the chamber's easiest Democrat to work
with and most bipartisan.
Republican Senator John McCain called Kennedy "the single most effective member of the Senate if you want to get results."
In January 2008, Kennedy endorsed Obama, who was serving his first term as a senator, for the Democratic presidential nomination. Many saw the
endorsement as the passing of the political torch to a new generation. A year to the day before his death, Kennedy made an electrifying speech to the
Democratic convention that nominated Obama for president.
he held dear, and yet still maintained warm friendships across party lines. And that's one reason he became not only one of the greatest senators of
our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.
I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his
confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as
President from his encouragement and wisdom.
His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and
goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in
American history touched so many lives.
our time, but one of the most accomplished Americans ever to serve our democracy.
I personally valued his wise counsel in the Senate, where, regardless of the swirl of events, he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his
confidence and momentous support in my race for the Presidency. And even as he waged a valiant struggle with a mortal illness, I've benefited as
President from his encouragement and wisdom.
His fight gave us the opportunity we were denied when his brothers John and Robert were taken from us: the blessing of time to say thank you and
goodbye. The outpouring of love, gratitude and fond memories to which we've all borne witness is a testament to the way this singular figure in
American history touched so many lives.
For America, he was a defender of a dream. For his family, he was a guardian. Our
hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted
Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.
Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who
challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory,
which inspires us still.
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
hearts and prayers go out to them today -- to his wonderful wife, Vicki, his children Ted
Jr., Patrick and Kara, his grandchildren and his extended family.
Today, our country mourns. We say goodbye to a friend and a true leader who
challenged us all to live out our noblest values. And we give thanks for his memory,
which inspires us still.
Sincerely,
President Barack Obama
Senator Edward Kennedy dies at age 77
By Scott Malone Scott Malone
BOSTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, a towering figure in the Democratic
Party who took the helm of one of America's most fabled political families after two older
brothers were assassinated, died at age 77, his family said.
"Edward M. Kennedy, the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so
deeply, died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port (Massachusetts)," the Kennedy
family said in a statement early on Wednesday.
By Scott Malone Scott Malone
BOSTON (Reuters) – U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy, a towering figure in the Democratic
Party who took the helm of one of America's most fabled political families after two older
brothers were assassinated, died at age 77, his family said.
"Edward M. Kennedy, the husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle we loved so
deeply, died late Tuesday night at home in Hyannis Port (Massachusetts)," the Kennedy
family said in a statement early on Wednesday.
'LION' BATTLED ON
Kennedy had been largely sidelined in Congress since becoming ill. The
"Lion of the Senate" began to use a cane and often looked tired and
drained as he mixed work with treatment.
Yet colleagues and staff said he remained determined to fulfill what he
called "the cause of my life," providing health insurance to all Americans.
He helped draft legislation to overhaul the $2.5 trillion U.S. healthcare
system.
Kennedy's interest in healthcare dated from his son's bout with cancer in
the 1970s. More recently, he cited his own illness as he made a case for
reform.
"I've benefited from the best of medicine, but I've also witnessed the
frustration and outrage of patients and doctors alike as they face the
challenges of a system that shortchanges millions of Americans," he
wrote in a May 28, 2009, issue of the Boston Globe.
Kennedy had been largely sidelined in Congress since becoming ill. The
"Lion of the Senate" began to use a cane and often looked tired and
drained as he mixed work with treatment.
Yet colleagues and staff said he remained determined to fulfill what he
called "the cause of my life," providing health insurance to all Americans.
He helped draft legislation to overhaul the $2.5 trillion U.S. healthcare
system.
Kennedy's interest in healthcare dated from his son's bout with cancer in
the 1970s. More recently, he cited his own illness as he made a case for
reform.
"I've benefited from the best of medicine, but I've also witnessed the
frustration and outrage of patients and doctors alike as they face the
challenges of a system that shortchanges millions of Americans," he
wrote in a May 28, 2009, issue of the Boston Globe.
His charisma as "the last of the Kennedy brothers" was such that draft-Teddy drives were a feature of U.S. presidential election years from 1968
through the 1980s.
But he never fully escaped the cloud of the Chappaquiddick accident. A decades-long argument arose about whether he tried to cover up his
involvement by leaving the scene while Mary Jo Kopechne's body remained submerged and whether police helped sweep such questions under the
rug. All involved denied any cover-up.
Later crises involving younger Kennedys, notably the 1991 Palm Beach rape trial of his nephew, William Kennedy Smith, caught a bloated and
weary-looking Uncle Ted in a media glare. Reports of heavy drinking and womanizing led to a public apology for "the faults in the conduct of my
private life."
Kennedy was remarried soon after that to Victoria Reggie, a 38-year-old lawyer with two young children from her first marriage. He poured renewed
energy into the Senate, where he would become the third-longest serving senator in history.
Even his Republican foes recognized Kennedy's dedication as he worked to protect civil rights, give federal help to the poor, contain the spread of
nuclear weapons, raise the minimum wage, expand health coverage and improve America's schools.
FAMILY STANDARDS
Born on February 22, 1932, Edward Moore Kennedy was the last of four sons and five daughters born to millionaire businessman Joseph Kennedy,
who would later be ambassador to Britain, and his wife, Rose.
The Boston Irish family combined the competitive spirit of nouveau riche immigrants with acquired polish and natural charm. The sons were
expected to mature into presidential timber and were groomed for that starting with the oldest, Joseph Jr., a bomber pilot who died in World War Two.
"I think about my brothers every day," Kennedy told Reuters. "They set high standards. Sometimes you measure up, sometimes you don't."
Like his brothers, Kennedy was known for his oratory, delivered in a booming voice at rallies, congressional hearings and in the Senate.
He drew praise from liberals, labor and civil rights groups and scorn from conservatives, big business and anti-abortion and pro-gun activists. His
image was often used by Republicans in ads as a money-raising tool.
Tragedies dogged Kennedy throughout his life. They included a 1964 plane crash that damaged his spine and left him with persistent pain; bone
cancer that cost son Teddy a leg; first wife Joan's battles with alcoholism that contributed to their divorce, and drug problems involving nephews, one
of whom died of an overdose. His nephew, John Kennedy Jr., died in July 1999 when his small plane crashed into the ocean near Cape Cod.
In May 2008, Edward Kennedy collapsed at his Cape Cod home and was flown to hospital in Boston, where he was diagnosed with a malignant
brain tumor. Brain cancer kills half its victims within a year.
Kennedy's illness kept him from attending the funeral of his sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a leading advocate of the mentally disabled, who died on
August 11 at the age of 88.
through the 1980s.
But he never fully escaped the cloud of the Chappaquiddick accident. A decades-long argument arose about whether he tried to cover up his
involvement by leaving the scene while Mary Jo Kopechne's body remained submerged and whether police helped sweep such questions under the
rug. All involved denied any cover-up.
Later crises involving younger Kennedys, notably the 1991 Palm Beach rape trial of his nephew, William Kennedy Smith, caught a bloated and
weary-looking Uncle Ted in a media glare. Reports of heavy drinking and womanizing led to a public apology for "the faults in the conduct of my
private life."
Kennedy was remarried soon after that to Victoria Reggie, a 38-year-old lawyer with two young children from her first marriage. He poured renewed
energy into the Senate, where he would become the third-longest serving senator in history.
Even his Republican foes recognized Kennedy's dedication as he worked to protect civil rights, give federal help to the poor, contain the spread of
nuclear weapons, raise the minimum wage, expand health coverage and improve America's schools.
FAMILY STANDARDS
Born on February 22, 1932, Edward Moore Kennedy was the last of four sons and five daughters born to millionaire businessman Joseph Kennedy,
who would later be ambassador to Britain, and his wife, Rose.
The Boston Irish family combined the competitive spirit of nouveau riche immigrants with acquired polish and natural charm. The sons were
expected to mature into presidential timber and were groomed for that starting with the oldest, Joseph Jr., a bomber pilot who died in World War Two.
"I think about my brothers every day," Kennedy told Reuters. "They set high standards. Sometimes you measure up, sometimes you don't."
Like his brothers, Kennedy was known for his oratory, delivered in a booming voice at rallies, congressional hearings and in the Senate.
He drew praise from liberals, labor and civil rights groups and scorn from conservatives, big business and anti-abortion and pro-gun activists. His
image was often used by Republicans in ads as a money-raising tool.
Tragedies dogged Kennedy throughout his life. They included a 1964 plane crash that damaged his spine and left him with persistent pain; bone
cancer that cost son Teddy a leg; first wife Joan's battles with alcoholism that contributed to their divorce, and drug problems involving nephews, one
of whom died of an overdose. His nephew, John Kennedy Jr., died in July 1999 when his small plane crashed into the ocean near Cape Cod.
In May 2008, Edward Kennedy collapsed at his Cape Cod home and was flown to hospital in Boston, where he was diagnosed with a malignant
brain tumor. Brain cancer kills half its victims within a year.
Kennedy's illness kept him from attending the funeral of his sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, a leading advocate of the mentally disabled, who died on
August 11 at the age of 88.
Related Links:
| Senator Ted Kennedy and Dr. Wahid Baloch |
