The Last of the Kennedy Brothers is Gone – Senator Ted Kennedy Dead of Brain Cancer

Jack, Bobby & Ted as we wish to remember them all.

“The Constitution does not just protect those whose views we share; it also protects those with whose views we disagree.”

…Senator Ted Kennedy

The last of the three Kennedy brothers has gone. Senator Edward ‘Ted’ Kennedy passed away last night of brain cancer at age 77.

I am surprised that I feel so personally saddened by his passing. I was not around when brothers John and Bobby were alive and I really haven’t paid much attention to Ted Kennedy other than seeing him on the news once in a while.

Perhaps I feel as I do because in so many ways Ted Kennedy was a living bit of history and a connection to brother Jack – who called in the National Guard during that turbulent time when Governor Wallace stood on the steps and physically blocked two young Americans from University because of the colour of their skin. (Hear a recording of President Kennedy’s speech on that day right here.)

Ted Kennedy was the last major figure from a family that has often been referred to as American Royalty. But royalty or not, privileged or not, the family endured so much tragedy and Edward Kennedy saw it all.

I’m working night shift so I can’t follow the story for you other than the breaking ABC News story Ted Kennedy Dies of Brain Cancer at Age 77.

You can bet that Matt Drudge will have whatever else becomes available PDQ.

See you in the morning, friends.

Marcus

Chris Brown Sentenced To Probation In Rihanna Assault – Court Reveals Ongoing Assaults By Both, Confirms Barbados Land Rover Damage Rumour

A poison relationship that didn't end soon enough.

Rihanna & Chris Brown: A Violent Mix

A Los Angeles judge sentenced Chris Brown to five years probation and six months’ community labour for the vicious assault upon Rihanna earlier this year. The judge made it clear that Brown was to do manual labour in the community and not easier service.

The court also heard that, as is often the case in these couples battles, there had been previous incidents of violence by both Brown and Rihanna. The sentencing report also confirmed the rumours about Chris Brown smashing the windows and mirrors of Rihanna’s Land Rover when they were in Barbados as a couple.

Hopefully both of them will have learned something from their mutually-destructive attraction for each other. The big life lesson is this: at the first sign of abuse – whether physical or verbal – terminate the relationship immediately.

It’s just not worth it to try and save a relationship that has already deteriorated to that point. At the first hint of abuse, I’m outta there permanently.

Further Reading

AP: Chris Brown sentenced in Rihanna Assault Case

E!: Chris Brown’s Bad-Boy Past: Two ‘Incidents’ before Rihanna Assault

LA Times: Chris Brown involved in two ‘domestic violence’ incidents before February assault of Rihanna