Some Observations about the Kennedy Funerals

1. Perhaps what is most memorable, both before the weekend and during this weekend with the many documentaries is Teddy Kennedy's sheer resilence and determination. To endure what Ted Kennedy endured, to overcome the sins and failures he overcame, shows a remarkable power of his personhood. Whether you are liberal or conservative.

2. Ted Kennedy Jr. could very easily also become a politician after this weekend, if he so desired. From what I heard, I don't think he does.

3. As a Protestant, a westerner, and without a definitive ethnic identity other than Caucasian American, I found it fascinating to watch an New England Irish Catholic funeral. Many ways the same. Many ways so much different. Having a wake, a funeral, and a graveside seems like a lot. Both my grandmother and great-grandmother passed away a few years back. Neither really desired a funeral. Both were cremated. Great-grandma had a memorial a year after her death. Also interesting is how clear the Irish, Catholic, and northeastern connection is in the media. I felt like in many ways I was a voyer to a different culture. So interesting.

4. I thought it was interesting that at Senator's death, many news shows did not shy away from spiritual issues, but seem to be more open, honest, and transparent about them.