Books: True Compass

Today I finished Ted Kennedy's personal memoir, True Compass, on the T. This book has been out for about a year and initially I had no intention to read it. I do not know much about the Kennedy family and didn't really have any interest in learning about them. My biggest fear was that the book would be accounts of all the great things he had done. Perhaps the ooing and ahhing of New England families over the Kennedy's gave me the wrong impression. They are essentially the closest thing that our American democracy has to royalty and it is fascinating that American voters allowed the Kennedy's to reach this status. I cannot speak for the current Kennedy's serving in the Capitol, but I am confident that this incredible status of power and influence in American life was rightfully earned by Joe Sr., Joe Jr., Bobby, and Jack. Ted followed in their footsteps and was a tremendous figure in the Senate for years to come. Ted Kennedy was the youngest of the children and his memoir is inspirational and reveals valuable personal stories surrounding the most important American events in a previous generation. The reader experiences the events, tragedies and lessons of the family that shaped Ted's life.
Ted explains about his days as a youngster following around his grandfather, "Honey Fitz" the mayor of Boston. Teddy learned best through simply observing the way his idols and elders behaved. One of the most enlightening family ideal and the facet of life that I think (Ted too) contributed most to the success of the Kennedy's in public service was their family dinners. Each day their mother would post a discussion topic on the fridge before dinner. The large family respectfully competed to research and be the most knowledgeable on the subject. They learned how to effectively argue a point while remaining open minded, respectful and courteous of the counter opinion. There is a fine line in the difference between respectful oral persuasion and emotional heated arguments. The Kennedy's were groomed for public life through the personal relationships they formed within their family.
Another interesting and fascinating story was Ted's detailed account of Senate proceedings and the uprising against America's involvement in Vietnam. I do not think that our generation has any idea the generational difference and the strong distaste that young people had for the American government in the 60's and 70's. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan face opposition that does not hold a candle to America's involvement in Vietnam. As a result of these chapters, I will be looking to read more about the Vietnam War in coming months. True Compass is a great memoir that I highly recommend for anyone interested in American politics, history, or simply the mystic surrounding the Kennedy's. I give this book 4 (leaning towards 5) out of 5 red hunting hats. A great read.
Up next, With the Old Breed: At Peleliu and Okinawa by Eugene Sledge
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