Uncle Teddy

When I think of American Politics I think of Senator Edward M. Kennedy. 

 Politics have always been a part of who I am.  My father has been involved in the political arena in some capacity for my whole life and now serves as a Mayor of New Bedford, Massachusetts.   Growing up, I was lucky to experience conventions and inaugurations, but my favorites were the many JFK Library events and dinners that I would go to.  These events ranged from forums to honorary black tie dinners.   They were exciting and fun to experience as a child and a young adult.  At these events there was always one person I looked for and was excited to see - Senator Kennedy. 

 My father spent time working for Kennedy in 1979-80 during his Presidential campaign, and representing him at the DNC until 1984 as the deputy to the campaign director.  Over the years he has developed a relationship with Senator Kennedy which has changed from someone he has worked for, to someone he now works with to help create a better, safer Massachusetts.  My father told me “ he is like another Mayor for New Bedford.  He knows every street, the people, the issues.”   This is what makes Senator Kennedy unique.  

He is known both internationally and nationally as a prominent figure.  He not only focuses on important issues like healthcare and women’s equality, but can change gears and focus on small things like if there needs to be a change at an intersection.  He is a national senator, but when it comes to a place like New Bedford, he calls my father up and asks what he can do to help.

Edward M. Kennedy was born Februrary 22, 1932 in Dorchester, Massachusetts to Joseph P. Kennedy, Sr and Rose Fitzgerald.  He is the youngest of nine, and a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Virginia Law School.  He is the surviving brother of President John F. Kennedy, and Robert F. Kennedy ( U.S. Attorney General 1961-1964, NY Senator 1965-1968)  And has created a name for himself as the “Lion of the Senate.”    John, Robert, and Ted lived by the idea that  "One person can make a difference and every one should try."  They dedicated their lives to trying to make a difference and they have inspired people around the world to do the same.  

Senator Kennedy was elected as the Massachusetts Senator in 1962 to serve the remaining two years after his brother John F. Kennedy became President. He has been serving as Massachusetts Senator for over forty-six years and seven full terms.   During this time he has fought for issues to help Massachusetts as well as the nation.  He is known for his leadership , tenacity, and and his dogged conviction in the Senate. 

During his time as a public servant, he developed a reputation as a leading liberal and "Democratic Icon."  Through his hard work and endless efforts he has become one of the most recognizable and influential leaders of the Democratic party and Senate.  Although often criticized for his controversies, he has gained a following of loyal supporters and is respected by many.  According to Time, "In a recent survey by the Hill newspaper, Kennedy's GOP colleagues ranked him No. 1 among Democrats for bipartisanship."

As the "Lion of the Senate" Senator Kennedy has always fought hard for the less fortunate. Since his first term, he has been an advocate for health-care reform.  He is also active in a wide range of other issues such as education reform, immigration reform, defending right of workers and their families, raising the minimum wage, civil rights, helping those with disabilities, fighting for cleaner air and water, and strengthening Medicare and Social Security.  

He currently serves as the Chairman of the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in the Senate.  He also serves on the Armed Services Committee where he is the senior Democrat on the Seapower Subcommittee. He is also a member of the Congressional Joint Economic Committee and the Congressional Friends of Ireland, and a trustee of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Ireland

The Congressional Friends of Ireland was founded by Senator Kennedy as an organization that declared its mission in 1994 as being "opposed to violence and terrorism in Northern Ireland and dedicated to maintaining a United States policy that promotes a just, lasting and peaceful settlement of the conflict that has cost more than 3,100 lives over the past quarter century."   Senator Kennedy devoted much time and effort to peace in Northern Ireland and his service in British American relations.  Because of his Irish- American heritage and significant service to the peace process, on March 4, 2009, Pime Mimister Gordon Brown addressed Congress and announced that Senator Kennedy will be awarded honorary knighthood.  

Senator Kennedy will be knighted by Queen Elizabeth II and the honor is chosen by the British government.  Prime Minister Brown heaped praise on the senator, saying that Northern Ireland owed a “great debt to the life and courage” of Mr Kennedy.  Since Kennedy is not a British citizen he will be awarded the initials "KBE" meaning Knight of the British Empire.  Senator Kennedy released a statement expressing his gratitude for the honor stating, "I’m deeply grateful to Her Majesty the Queen and to Prime Minister Brown for this extraordinary honor. I have always prized the opportunity to work with the British government and strengthen and deepen the role of our two countries as leading beacons of democracy in the world. I am proud that I was able to play a part in the decades-long effort to bring peace to Northern Ireland."

This honor was not well recieved by all.  Ireland still has remnants of political leaders and citizens that do not side with the treaty and feel that Kennedy became bias, rather than meeting in the middle.  As the Times describes,  "Mr Kennedy was one of the “Four Horsemen” who from the 1970s worked closely with the Irish Government and John Hume, the Nobel Laureate and former SDLP leader, to counter support for violent Irish republicanism in the United States. In 1977 they persuaded President Carter to make a commitment to provide financial support to Northern Ireland in the event of a peace settlement."  

Health Care

Senator Kennedy has been an advocate of affordable and accessible quality health care for all citizens.  He believes that with President Obama making health care a key priority in his administration there can be reforms made to help improve and provide health care for all citizens.  The goals are as follows: 

•Provide affordable and quality health insurance coverage to all Americans.

•Improve the delivery of health care to ensure the best quality care at affordable prices.

•Emphasize prevention and wellness as urgent needs to keep Americans healthy.

Two significant steps in this Congress have already been taken.  First , Congress approved and President Obama signed legislation re-authorizing the Children's Health Insurance Program which will cover an additional 4 million uninsured children. And the economic stimulus legislation approved in February will invest $20 billion to create a health information technology infrastructure, and invest new resources in our community health centers and our public health system.

Civil Rights

On his Website Kennedy writes, 

"Civil rights remains the unfinished business of America. Although tremendous progress has been made over the years in creating greater opportunities for minorities and other groups facing discrimination – in jobs, schools, health care, and other aspects of society – significant challenges remain before we can claim to have achieved equal opportunity and equal justice for all."  He continues to state that "A true civil rights agenda affords economic opportunities to those with the fewest resources, works to improve the education system for the nation’s children, and fights to ensure civil rights laws are enforced. In addition, the composition of the federal judiciary is critical to the protection of civil rights in the United States. Nominees to the bench must prove they can render a fair and impartial judgment and uphold the civil rights and liberties of all Americans."

For more information on his website, Senator Kennedy lists current issues such as Comprehensive Immigration Reform, The War in Iraq, Helping America's Workers, HIV/AIDS, Minimum Wage, Enviornment, Poverty, Higher Education, and Equal Opportunity.  He explains his own personal beliefs and opinions including what must change, and the steps he is taking as a Senator and leader to make those changes.  

Last year on May 17, 2008, I graduated from Fordham University and remember having it be a bittersweet day.  I was excited for myself, my accomplishments, and my family.  I remember my father being excited but something didn't seem right and he told me that earlier Senator Kennedy had been rushed to the hospital.  This was just days before he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  I immediately remembered the events with him in attendance and his kindness toward my family.   I always was attracted to his fun personality that brightened the room at the events, and his strong and boisterous voice.

It's odd to me, although I never have spent significant time with Senator Kennedy, he has always been a part of my life not only as an international and national figure, as a liberal figurehead of the Democratic party, as my Senator, and most importantly as a dedicated supporter and friend of my father.  It is no surprise to me that Senator Kennedy has continued to receive treatments for his cancer while still serving as the Senator just as diligently as ever before. 

Time recently named him one of the "2009 Time 100 Most Influential People." Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote the piece on his Uncle Teddy which focused on his lifetime career in politics.  The Boston Globe has started a seven part series on the life, ups and downs of Senator Kennedy and all of his many accomplishments.  

sweet treat for your pup!

So I usually put up a sweet treat for humans, but this week I decided to share one for your four-legged friend.  In keeping with my theme, this recipe is for Pupcakes!   It contains apples, cheese, honey, oatmeal, and yogurt.   It is a healthy snack for your dog and could be used on a special occasion, or just for fun!   I'm sure your pup will be begging for more.  

Sweet of the Week!

There is nothing like the sweet combination of chocolate and peanut butter.  One day I was looking for a non-traditional cupcake to make and came across these chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter icing from Barefoot Contessa's, Ina Garten.  

They are heavenly! The cake is very moist and the addition of coffee in the recipe adds a hint of deep flavor.  The icing is not too sweet, just perfect.  If you do not have time to bake from scratch, try with a devils food cake mix, but don't nix the frosting, its too good to miss!   As soon as you bake, cool, and begin frosting take a taste of that melt- in- your-mouth goodness and enjoy!

Spring Break- Fordham Rowing

Spring break has come and gone.  I am sorry I haven't posted in a while. I was unable to write a post during the break because I was rowing my days away.  Our team went on our training trip to Richmond, Virginia where we practiced on the James River at Robious Landing. 

The life of a Fordham rower is filled with early mornings, long and strenuous practices, meticulous attention to technique and skill, and an optimistic conviction of each race and the overall season.  

Our home rowing course is on the Harlem River at Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse in Swindler Cove Park.  This break we traveled down to Richmond, Virginia to row on the James River at Robious Landing.  Fordham rowers are used to the early morning hustle and bustle of city sounds and sights.  The James was a refreshing change, a spring revival for the team after a long winter training inside on the ergometers.  The James river is picture-esq, gorgeous and peaceful.  Rather than the feeling of waking up with the city during rush hour, it was like waking up alongside nature and animals that live deep along the river.  

The days were filled with morning and afternoon rows, with runs or extra practices in between. Overall it was a very productive trip and the boats are starting to come together.  Starting this past week until the middle of May our schedule is filled with races each weekend.  It is an exciting time for the Fordham Rowing team!  The season is just starting and we are hopeful. We are determined to live up to our potential and hopefully will exceed it.   The hard training has started and must continue to have a successful season!

Its official...

U2 will be at Fordham tomorrow morning.  The stage is up and last min preparations are being done.  

Get excited Fordham!!!

"Promise Neighborhoods" modeled after "Harlem Children's Zone"

President Obama stressed how critical education is for Americans in his State of the Nation. I have highlighted the "Serve America Act" and gone over the basics of the plan which President Obama has laid out. A lot of the attention has gone towards higher education, however President Obama has stressed that k-12 is one of the most significant proposals in which he wants to put more money into early childhood education.

The money would go towards a program called "Promise Neighborhoods." This is modeled after the successful New York program called " Harlem Children's Zone." Obama's program would provide a "rigorous k-12 education" to poor urban kids. The program would also provide many services for the families. These services include, health care, parenting classes, nutrition, family counseling, and preschool.

What is the "Harlem Children's Zone"?

"Harlem Children's Zone" originally began in 1970 but became what it is today starting in 1997. "The agency began a network of programs for a 24-block area: the Harlem Children's Zone Project. In 2007, the Zone Project grew to almost 100 blocks and served 7,400 children and over 4,100 adults".

"Harlem Children's Zone" has introduced several of the most innovative programs. "In 2000, The Baby College parenting workshops; in 2001, the Harlem Gems pre-school program; also in 2001, the HCZ Asthma Initiative, which teaches families to better manage the disease; in 2004, the Promise Academy, a high-quality public charter school; and in 2006, an obesity program to help children stay healthy."

Mr. Geoffrey Canada is the President and Chief Executive of "Harlem Children's Zone." He has been a part of the program for over 20 years and has become a nationally recognized figure for his work serving children, families, and his passionate advocacy for education reform. "The National Book Award-winning author Jonathan Kozol called Mr. Canada, "One of the few authentic heroes of New York and one of the best friends children have, or ever will have, in our nation."

Other information is provided in detail here at the website.

Below is a video explaining the project. Enjoy!

"Serve America Act"

The table above describes the four major sectors of the service corps programs that will allow Americans to seek resources for opportunities.  

In President Obama's State of the Nation, he announced the bipartisan legislation called the "Serve America Act."  It was introduced by both Senator Orrin Hatch(R-UT) and Edward M. Kennedy (love him)( D-MA) as a bill to expand national and community service opportunities for all Americans.   

What will this bill do?

It will create multiple education and financial grants and fellowships which will support and provide opportunities for a variety of Americans to seek higher education through service projects at a cost they can manage.  

How will this be funded?

These fellowships and grants will be funded both privately and publicly as a means of creating sustainable financial solutions for Americans to meet the rising costs of education.  

What is the goal?

The goal is to make college more attainable to every American by creating opportunities to get involved in the community.  This encourages a renewed spirit to serve the nation in the current and future generations.

Who Supports this?

The bipartisan legislation is supported by Senators Mikulski, McCain, Dodd, Cochran, Reid, Gregg, Durbin, Wicker, Murray, Snowe, Kerry, Lincoln, Cardin, Rockefeller, Schumer, Whitehouse, Menendez, Bayh and Landrieu.  

The section called  "Learn and Serve America"  includes :

Youth Engagement Zone Program: Authorizes the Corporation to make direct competitive grants to eligible partnerships to carry out service-learning programs with secondary school students and out-of-school youth to address specific community challenges and to improve student engagement (incl. graduation rates).  Partnerships include at least one local education agency serving a low-income population with a low graduation rate, and either a State Commission, a state education agency, or a community-based agency, and may include others.  Grantee must assure that, within 5 years, service-learning will be a mandatory part of the curriculum in all secondary schools served by the local education agency.  

o   Grant Amount: $250K - $1M; Grant Period: 5 years

o   Authorizes appropriation: $20M for 2009, increasing to $40M in 2013. 

 Campuses of Service - Authorizes CNCS, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to annually designate up to 30 institutions of higher education as “Campuses of Service” from institutions nominated by State Commissions (limit 3 per Commission).  A designated Campus of Service would be able to apply to CNCS for funds to implement strategies to encourage students to pursue careers in public service and would be permitted to nominate additional individuals for “ServeAmerica Fellowships” (described below).  Designations are based on, among other criteria, the institution’s record of student engagement in service and service-learning and the percentage of Federal Work Study funds being used for community service positions.

o   Authorizes appropriation: $10M for 2009 and thereafter through 2013.

·      Longitudinal Study on Service-Learning Programs: Directs CNCS to procure an independent entity to conduct a 10-year longitudinal study on the benefits/ impact of service-learning programs (incl. impact on academic achievement, student engagement, and graduation rates).