There’s not much to add about the life of Edward M. Kennedy. Youngest in a family of wealth and power, lion of the legislature, flawed father and man, Irish politician who knew the art of the deal, patriarch, weaver of tales. All of those parts were touched upon today at his funeral.

As his body heads to its final resting place—Arlington National Cemetery–its worth remarking that the younger brother of John and Robert had the enduring affection of two communities that squabble too many times in the “oppression Olympics”: blacks and gays.

Considering all the heat generated since the Proposition 8 vote, this is  remarkable and should serve as a lesson. Yes Kennedy was a partisan who could swing with the best of them, but he  understood progress comes about when people reached across the aisle and made deals based on common ground. Look at the number of Republicans who came to honor this man; not because they agreed with him but because they understood he was willing to talk and offer fellowship.

This should be our lesson as his body is returned to the earth. This happy warrior’s memory will be honored if we take his lead.