Former President Jerry John Rawlings has paid tribute to the late US Senator Edward Moore Kennedy who passed away on Tuesday, saying he stood out as a true American democrat stoutly defending the ideals of the Democratic Party and standing his ground on several thorny subjects including the current health care reforms suggested by the Obama Administration.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the former President said: "Since 1962, when he first entered the United States Senate, Ted Kennedy also stood out as a man who was ready to defend the vulnerable."
He said in 1963, Senator Kennedy spoke boldly in promoting Civil Rights and during the Bush years, he was instrumental in reforming the American educational system.
"Ted's brother, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, in his inaugural address as United States President made the famous statement 'Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country'. Ted epitomised the American who preferred to do something for his country."
Ex-President Rawlings observed that as a Kennedy, the late Senator was exposed to the vicissitudes of political life right from day one, but he rather used his famous surname as useful tool that kept him in the senate for nine terms representing the state of Massachusetts.
He noted that Senator Kennedy helped carve the modern American judiciary through his membership, and later chairmanship, of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
He added that from health, education, labour and pensions, Ted Kennedy paid his dues and did not hesitate to stand his ground where many feared to tread.
"Many thought it was suicidal for the departed 'Lion of American Politics' to stick his neck out in favour of Barrack Obama during the Democratic primaries at a time when the first-time Senator Obama was trailing his senior Hillary Clinton in the polls. That endorsement helped to turn the tide in favour of Obama and I am convinced he goes home smiling at what he helped achieve for America and the world at large."
The former President said having championed the Civil Rights campaign in the 1960s, Senator Kennedy must have felt very proud when President Obama finally brought Martin Luther's King's dream to fruition.
"Mr. Kennedy, your passion and love for your country endeared you to Americans from both political divides, and your life will be celebrated long after you bid your goodbyes," Former President Rawlings said.