There is a small cafeteria right off the floor of the US Senate where only Senators and their guests are allowed to eat. In 1974 former U.S. Senator Tom Eagleton took me there on my first day of new staff orientation. Sitting mostly by themselves, ignoring each other while reading newspapers or simply enjoying “down time” sat U.S. Senators Jacob Javitz, Ed Brooke, Frank Church, Ed Muskie, Birch Bayh, Hubert Humphrey, Gaylord Nelson, Barry Goldwater, Alan Cranston, Walter Mondale, Robert Byrd, Bob Dole and Ted Kennedy.

Sen. Kennedy was sitting at the table next to ours minding his own business. Suddenly, he jumped out of his chair to greet five young boys who had just entered the restaurant. The Senator was smiling, shaking hands and beckoning for a Senate photographer. Soon the photographer arrived and each Senator took a picture with and received an autograph from these young boys. I did not immediately recognize these young boys until Senator Kennedy introduced us to the Jackson Five.

As we mourn the passing of Senator Kennedy, I will remember this silly incident where Senator Kennedy became the “adoring fan” of a group of young entertainers. Most of his life Senator Kennedy was the person who the public asked for photos with and sign autographs. I was fortunate to see a quick glimpse of a different side of this likeable and powerful public servant.

Rest in Peace Senator Kennedy! We will miss your leadership. One can only hope that Congress will soon agree on the health reform provisions that you so diligently fought for throughout your distinguished career, and hopefully when that day comes, it will cause you to smile in heaven!

Most citizens are forming opinions on health reform based on how the current health system currently affects them. If they have never been turned down for coverage because of pre-existing conditions, if their health insurance is provided by their employer at a reasonable cost, or if their insurance premiums and co-pays have not increased substantially in the last few years, they may not see the urgency of health reform in America.

However, if they are one of the millions of Americans who have not had good experiences with the current health system, reforming our current health system is of absolute necessity. This clearly applies to both those folks who have access to health insurance and those who are uninsured.

Those opposed to health reform acknowledge some of our current problems but say that the “new system” -- whatever it is -- will be worse. They are playing on our fears of trusting government to provide programs/services that are yet to be fully defined. They are suggesting that whatever health reform plan is passed by Congress will bankrupt America.

I am glad these questions are being asked because America deserves an open, honest debate on this important issue. What America does not need are the dishonest and misleading comments and radio/TV ads and the unruly and rude people who are attending the open forums. Clearly politicians need to be asked tough questions and there will never be complete agreement with the answers. That is what makes our democracy strong. However, physical threats, yelling, damaging property, name calling, etc. is not useful and productive as we continue the public discourse on trying to determine how or if we should reform our current health system. We are better than this!