Ok, the attacks on DWTL aside...
To say that what happened to Mary Jo Kopechne is simply "nonsense" is beyond disgusting. The fact that that hasn't been addressed yet by anyone besides DWTL is disappointing yet not surprising at all.
I certainly take no pleasure in hearing this news but at the same time, I can't say that I am distraught. I was genuinely saddened when Paul Wellstone died. He was my least favorite Senator at the time but I had great respect for the man, politically and personally. I can't say I have the same respect for Ted Kennedy. I'll just say that he, like all of us, will have to answer to God when his time comes.
In the meantime, best of luck to the Senator and his family in this difficult time.
That's a pretty reasonable response, I think, Phil. Unlike you, I obviously love Ted Kennedy's politics. But I have always been deeply troubled by his lack of remorse over his role in the death of that poor girl. When Teddy led the cheers at the 1988 Democratic convention shouting, "Where was George?" in reference to the first President Bush...some signs popped up at the GOP convention saying, "George was at home. Sober. And with his wife." Which I thought was a pretty darn good response. At the very least, young Ted Kennedy was negligent in the death of Miss Kopechne and if it had been someone other than a well-monied politician, there would have been fines and possible jail time involved. Don't think I take pleasure in saying it. Kennedy has been an almost prophetic voice for justice and all the things I believe in. But I refuse to parse words on the matter, just because he has done what I feel is morally right SINCE the tragedy.
Having said all that, let me now turn to the complete nincompoops and flaccid little wimps who are posting here and -- seriously now -- posting Mary Jo Kopechne RIP signs right here in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It boggles the mind. You people don't give two sh*ts about Mary Jo Kopechne, personal responsibility or integrity in office. In fact, you're glad -- tickled pink -- that it happened in the first place. Because it gives you another reason to hate a prominent liberal. Unlike your many honorable, classy Republican and conservative counterparts, you are incapable of kindness, compassion or common decency. You're no different than the scumbag Democrat I know who said, when Ronald Reagan died, "Good riddance to bad rubbish." I'm just not sure if the pity I feel for your lack of humanity outweighs the revulsion I feel over your opportunistic, cowardly desire to score cheap points.
The good news is, nearly all Republicans and conservatives here -- and probably most of them everywhere -- are united in wishing Ted Kennedy a speedy recovery or, failing that, as comfortable and peaceful a passing as possible. Their hearts go out to his family and friends, no small number of whom are, themselves, conservatives. I'll fight conservatives tooth and nail on many issues, but when liberals suggest they lack compassion, they'll usually find me in disagreement.
I guess I just had to say this -- to vent, I suppose. DWTL's unsurprising but shameful name change is just one manifestation of limp-wristed, craven opportunism. It's maddening. But it's atypical of the Republicans and conservatives I know. From a liberal, thank you to the vast majority of you here on the Forum who have responded to this sad news with class and decency.
