La Libre Belgique · 2004
Ted Kennedy: “Kerry, a symbol of respect”
Translated from the French. Original: La Libre Belgique, July 28, 2004 · French version · Read the original on lalibre.be ↗
united states
Ted Kennedy: “Kerry, a symbol of respect”
DAVID BENAYM
Posted online and published on 28/07/2004
For the Democratic veteran, the last brother of the Kennedy dynasty, John Kerry is “the president America needs”.
As for the Bush administration, it has made “America weaker”, he says.
INTERVIEW
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE FROM BOSTON
At a luncheon held at Boston’s Baytower Hotel, Edward Kennedy, senator from Massachusetts and the last of the brothers of the legendary dynasty, set out what the Democrats’ role should be in the future.
What is your position on the Bush administration’s role in the Iraq war?
We have failed in Iraq. More than 900 of our soldiers have paid the ultimate price. Almost 6,000 have been wounded in this misguided war. The current administration has long alienated our allies. Instead of making America safer, they have made us weaker. They have made it harder for us to fight the real war on terrorism, the war against al Qaeda.
How can John Kerry change America’s image in the world today?
The whole world still knows that we can be a great nation, respected by all. America must be a light to the world, and under John Kerry and John Edwards, that is what we aspire to. We need a President who will heal the wounds of the United States. We need a President who will be a symbol of respect in a world that longs for peace. As Democrats, over the years, we have always known how to carry a message of peace to the world.
As senator from Massachusetts, what would your role be if John Kerry were elected President of the United States?
You know, in forty years of politics, I have been an actor in and a witness to several social revolutions. When older people faced poverty and illness that threatened their retirement, we created social security.
When our citizens were corroded by intolerance, we fought for equality and justice, for civil rights and voting rights. When men and women needed more protection in their workplace, we demanded safe conditions for their jobs.
We guaranteed the right to form unions, we introduced a fair minimum wage, so that no one in America would live in poverty. Only leaders who know this history, and I am one of them, deserve with pride to build the future of my country.
It is not for me to say what my role should be alongside John Kerry, but as a senator and a friend, I already know where my place is...
© La Libre Belgique 2004