In my mind, as probably in the minds of many, Ted Kennedy was part of a trio - John, Robert, and Ted. In my mind, with both brother's assassinated, the dreams of an America characterized by equality fell on the shoulders of Ted. He seemed to step up to that task, and fought consistently for the people throughout his long tenure in the Senate.

As someone left of progressive, I have mixed feelings about the Kennedy's and the disproportionate power they wield. However, I also wish that we had a Senate full of politicians who cared as much about the people as Ted Kennedy. He was not just a talker, though he did a superb job of that. He took action, and that should be a model for all who want to change the world to follow.

I do not think I am alone in being impressed that Ted Kennedy backed Barack Obama. That he believed in Obama enough to go to Denver, and come from the hospital to speak spoke volumes for me about his hope (and faith) in Obama. For me, it was the weight of that "larger" Kennedy that spoke. The Kennedy who fought over and over again for living wages and education and healthcare; that Kennedy who championed the interests of us "little people;" that Kennedy who risked his health to pass the mantle to Obama.

Ted Kennedy was something special. He was an old time liberal. As the frame of the political scale was redrawn by the conservatives - changing conservative to moderate Democrats into the "far left," Kennedy did not change. He stayed passionate and true to those liberal ideals which seemed to become more and more radical over the years. He was no radical in the political sense - the frame just changed and his commitment did not. I think there are deep lessons there for all of us in having the conviction of our principles, and that social change is a lifelong commitment.

I can't help but feel a certain personal loss at the passing of Ted Kennedy. It is the end of that era. It leaves a very big hole in the Senate, and we will see if any can and will step forward to fill those shoes.