the guy on the other team's sidelines

Today, a stalwart of the Democratic Party, Ted Kennedy, passed away. As a Republican, I've noticed quite a few of my colleagues and friends make certain comments, not all of which are flattering toward his passing. I would like to point out that regardless of political affiliation, please remember that this man did serve his country for almost half a century, through the civil rights movement, the cold war, as well as various other major events that helped shape the country today. We can remember and honor a man for his service without necessarily having to subscribe to his politics.