The American Spectator : The Spectacle Blog : Edward M. Kennedy, RIP

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Edward M. Kennedy, RIP

By Doug Bandow on 8.26.09 @ 2:36AM

Sen. Ted Kennedy has died of brain cancer at age 77.

There is much to criticize in his career, particularly leaving Mary Jo Kopechne to die after the auto accident on Chappaquiddick Island in July 1969. The ensuing cover-up kept him out of jail and preserved his Senatorial career, but effectively ended his presidential hopes. Even in the twilight of his career he failed to take responsibility for his actions, which tragically and unnecessarily ended another life. The result is an indelible stain on his legacy, which should disturb even liberals, whose cause he so effectively (and unfortunately) championed.

But today our thoughts and prayers should go out to his family. Edward M. Kennedy, RIP.

Update: Jim beat me to the punch, posting while I was writing. He is right about the complexity of Sen. Kennedy's character. It is tragic that someone who could do good had such tragic flaws.

View all comments (11) | Leave a comment

msscholz@aol.com| 8.26.09 @ 8:20AM

Thank you for remembering MaryJo. This forgotten incident must color any reflection on the life of the man who posed as the conscious of the senate. He never repented his act in publice. His subsequent life continued to be one of womanizing which, I think demonstrated his lack of coming to terms with the negligent homicide of this woman.

Yosemeti Sam| 8.26.09 @ 8:42AM

TK was a Champion of abortion 'rights'
not enumerated in the Constitution.

How many RIPs are proffered each and
every day to the unnamed human beings
destroyed each and every day.

Tim| 8.26.09 @ 8:46AM

He was a Prince of the Earth and so an example to us all. An example in too many ways of how riches and wordly power can corrupt and destroy. May God have mercy on him, and us.

John Navratil| 8.26.09 @ 10:02AM

In death he has his judgement.

In life he was at it until the end. It is poetic justice that the empty senate seat which cannot be filled by an interim appointment from a friendly governor is his own. He was hoist on his own petard, but spent his dying days trying to undo his own handiwork.

Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it.

William| 8.26.09 @ 10:29AM

Scotch futures have declined sharply this morning . . .

Waitresses report a new optimism.

Nathan| 8.26.09 @ 11:49AM

R.I.P Mary Jo Kopech - Teddy finally has to answer for his crime.

Alan Brooks| 8.26.09 @ 2:29PM

I like to be conservative, not rightwing, even though rightwingers do more-- a reasonable man never did anything of import.

Now you take Ted for example...

Liberal Reader| 8.26.09 @ 2:47PM

Bandow --

This is really a lame showing. Really weak. And the posters responding: what a bunch of losers.

bblack| 8.28.09 @ 2:10PM

This is terrible. How can we say that she died for a good cause???? Did I miss something? She was probably rapped and then left to drown and die. The Kennedys are notorious for coming such crimes. Hate to say it, but it’s true.

dfj| 2.2.10 @ 10:17PM

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