Yes, Ted-o eventually put in lot of good deed work in an attempt to buy indulgences for the sins of this tragically flawed, karmically burdened family.

What is sad is that so many people are still romanced by the Kennedy myth that they so want to believe, despite the contrary reality that has since been brought to light.

I guess it's no worse than deifying Dale Earnhardt, Sr -- or "God's Champion," as the bumper sticker says, right next to the number "3" with attached angel's wings!

I have heard that Wall Street is very concerned about a sudden drop in the value of liquor stocks. Maybe it's just a rumor.

Nothing "made-up" there. For years, Kennedy has demonstrated that the wrong person stayed in the car back in '69.

Wow SG, did you make that up, or pull it from a repulsive email?

Kennedy held his Senate seat for more than forty years, but considering his longevity, his accomplishments seem scant. He authored or argued for legislation that ensured a variety of civil rights, increased the minimum wage in 1981, made access to health care easier for the indigent, and funded Meals on Wheels for fixed-income seniors and is widely held as the "standard-bearer for liberalism". In his very first Senate roll, he was the floor manager for the bill that turned U.S. immigration policy upside down and opened the floodgate for immigrants from third world countries.

Since that time, he has been the prime instigator and author of every increase in immigration, up to and including the latest attempt to grant amnesty to illegal aliens. Not to mention the pious grilling he gave the last two Supreme Court nominees, as if he was the standard bearer for the nation in matters of “what’s right".

Forty years too late.

Regarding my previous post at 11:32, I reiterate the second paragraph. I can't believe the two-faced people. If this was a nobody from Janesville that did what he did (homicide by drunken driving), how many of you would be in the "forgiving" mood?? Wow, can't believe these are some of the same people who want anybody else to burn for their "mistake".

It's a good thing God is more forgiving than some on this blog. Now he has more than just a view of the ocean but can look down at all and say at least I made a difference. How many of you can say you make a difference. None of you in comparison.

Thanks kid.

well said spark

janesvilldean; your absolutely right, he worked tirelessly for others & benefited personally 100's of times more than any of his "followers" ever did or will from his efforts. I particularly like how hard he worked to ensure he had a great view from his porch of the ocean all while we were paying upwards of $4 for a gallon of gas oh, yeah not to mention a dead girl in a car.

You're absolutely right janesvillean.....making an issue out of leaving an innocent girl to drown is something that is so petty....I can't believe that anyone could get angry over something as insignificant as that.......

One of the great senators of our time, who worked tirelessly for others. Unsurprising that petty types who think only of themselves are still angry at him.

916WI-If what you say is true, that is why so many people voted for Obama. I mean, why work when you have a community organizer from Illinois that has just given so many people no incentive to work hard and earn their living when they can smooch off the real men and women who put in a hard day at work. People like you who support Obama's welfare policies is the reason this country will go down the tubes.

O.K. it should have read Obama is not giving it to his already rich buddies..

At least Obama is giving it to his already rich buddies. How many of you traded in your clunker?? How many will get a new appliance? Many people benefiting , yet they are the same ones who complain.

misterlippy,
I would love to be at work. But four weeks ago I had a herniated disc removed from my neck...a donor bone and plate inserted. I know you weren't directing the comment towards me, directly.....but I am bored just sitting here, bored stiff (literally).

Misterlippy....Nope, no jobs here......We don't have to work. Obama is going to take all of the money from the people that are stupid enough to work, and give it to us--FOR FREE!!!! With a little bit of luck they'll be forced to pay for our health care too.......What a great guy that Obama is!!

The police didn't pursue this. It wasn't up to the family to file charges. (??) More Kennedy money spread around.
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I love this. The next time someone local kills someone in a DD accident, you all are going to climb all over that person hoping the maximum penalties are handed out. (No matter how "wonderful", "respected", and "honored" he/she is).

misterlipy; too funny!
no all members of the "brotherhood" union - just sitting around waiting on the ol' stimulus to kick in. "Yes we can" - "no you cant without a job!!!!!"

Don't you people have jobs??? (as I write from work ;) )

So Kennedy paid off Mary Jo's family? That is what was said on here. They let them selves be bought off. Even they did not pursue charges against him.. that speaks very loud..

Great Man, Did Great things, and will be remembered far longer for the great things he did, than his flaws.

noname:
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Although everyone pillories Bush for it, Kennedy also sponsored the No Child Left Behind Act. Based on your spelling, it came tragically too late for you.

Whether he was a "spoiled" politician, a drunk, or a great man does not take away the fact that we are judging someone. It is not our place. How do we know he did not make peace with God? He did go to Mary Jo's gravesite after his diagnosis. Too little, too late? Perhaps. But this man was trying to make amends. We, as a society put political figures, musicians, actors/actresses on such a high pedestal. But, we fail to remember that they are human. Humans make mistakes. RIP Senator Kennedy.

We should honor his legacy & always be reminded of the Kennedy name for generations to come. Creation of the Kennedy-Byrd bill should begin today, enacting term limits on ALL elected officials at all levels of government.

jviers77:
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Let’s get real here: fleeing the scene of a vehicular homicide is about far as you can go when it comes to “try to cover up the accident”.
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You’re correct with your closing paragraph. If you hate capitalism, think America needs to be dragged into socialism, and love people who embody the “do as I say, not as I do” lifestyle, then Ted Kennedy is your man. If not, and if you think that someone who hates coal, loves the environment, but doesn’t want wind farms within sight of his beach house because it will ruin the view is a detestable hypocrite, then you are never going to like him.
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As for making America better for everyone, oh please. If you live like Mother Theresa, I have endless respect for you. When you live Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous while condemning everybody who wants to try to climb the social ladder, and passing legislation that makes it ever more difficult to improve your lot in life, then we’re right back to that hypocrite thing again.

My advice is to pull out of any stock tied to a scotch distiller.

etown...this is for you
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Kennedy and his Senate staff had written about 2,500 bills, of which more than 300 were enacted into law. Kennedy has co-sponsored another 550 bills that became law since 1973. Kennedy was known for his effectiveness in dealing with Republican senators and administrations, sometimes to the irritation of Democrats.
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Ted Kennedy was one of the most active senators in history, and regardless of his political views, he should be remembered as someone who devoted his life to his country because he believed in making it better for everyone.

Those of you that are touting his accomplishments-- That's fine that you believe in redemption. Then it is your belief that everyone should be given the opportunity to opt out of jail after murdering someone though DUI....correct? Because that next person that we lock up could be a great doctor, scientist, senator--what a tragedy it would be to deprive a murderer a life where he/she could accomplish so much!!!!!

alright since, not sense.

I don't think anyone has forgotten the year 1969 in terms of Ted Kennedy's life. It was not o.k.. But we can not control the past only the future. He did wonderful things, things that have improved this country. He has done many great things sense and those can and will not be ignored either.

I stand corrected...Novak didn't kill the old man he hit, but claimed ignorance nonetheless.
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From Wikipedia: On July 23, 2008, Novak received a citation from police for "failing to yield a right of way" to an 86-year-old pedestrian, Don Clifford Liljenquist, who was hit by Novak's Corvette in slow-moving traffic. Novak drove approximately one block from the scene before being flagged down by a cyclist who had witnessed the accident and subsequently called the police. Novak said that he was unaware that a collision had occurred until being informed by eyewitnesses. The pedestrian was taken to George Washington University Hospital and treated for a dislocated shoulder.
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Kennedy didn't try to cover up the accident, and notice I say accident, not murder. It wasn't murder no matter how you spin it. He admitted to what happened and admitted he panicked and made an unacceptable decision.
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No matter what, hard-line righties won't ever admit Ted Kennedy was a great senator, and hard-line lefties will never say he wasn't. He did a lot of good in his service to our country. He didn't have to give his life to his country, but he did, and our country will be forever greatful.

Whatever Bush did, or Obama will do, or whomever did what and whenever they did it, does NOT make Ted Kennedy's role in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne any more or less disgusting...That being said, move on. He's been re-elected over and over by the citizens of Massachusetts, and although born in a life of privelage, chose to dedicate his life to the improvement of our country. Try not to forget that.

Seriously? A great leader just died and all you people can do is dredge up the past? How pathetic are all of you? You should be ashamed of yourselves. What happened in 1969 was a long time ago and he had many great accomplishments since then. You all seem to think that your people do nothing wrong, give me a break. His death has nothing to do with a political campaign or Obama. Let the man rest in peace and remember the good things that he did.

cottonjoe: No one is denying his role in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne, and that it is ridiculous that he was let off, virtually scott free. What I am trying to point out is that it isn't fair to anyone to disregard the work this man has done for our country over the last 48+ years...and those of you who do choose to disregard that seem to me to be very small people.

I thought it was bush himself who had the d.w.i. the out standing citizen he is you know.

Pubsrus-Huh??? You can't seriously be clueless enough to compare the two. Bush was 17, there was never any suspicion or claim of alcohol being involved and she didn't run away and attempt to cover it up......Quite the opposite when compared to this fine, upstanding and honorable senator......don't you think????:)

Oh no his legacy will be his endless, work for civil rights, and healthcare. He did more work endless work in public service than one ever would imagine. Only those with small minds can see all the good he did dispite his flaws. We all have flaws, look at all of the drunks on Wi. roads. We all have flaws . But he kept going. He did many great things and that is what it is clear he will be remembered for.

iworkforme, my comments aren't about winning and losing, but you can feel self-righteous if you like. Go ahead and ask Mary Jo Kopechne's family how "great of a man" Ted Kennedy was. And, jviers77, comparing Robert Novak to Ted Kennedy is a real head-scratcher....what's your point? If you're suggesting those on the right advocate Novak's actions, you're wrong. Regardless, Novak wasn't a publically elected official accountable to the public trust, and part of the greatest political family machine this nation has ever seen. It's interesting to see how many of you are attempting to defend the defenseless with warped logic and tit-for-tat comparatives. Bottom line is Ted Kennedy killed a young woman in 1969, tried to cover it up, and got off because of his family's power and influence. And like it or not, that is the overriding part of his legacy for most Americans outside of Massachusetts.

lakennedy; you are right we should show some respect, the story sent a chill up my spine thinking of all the good he did for this country. Hey, is anyone else getting hot? did someone just stoke the fire!!!

Wow. Ok, Kennedy died. It's sad. I didn't agree with any of his political views at all, but it's sad. To sit here and start the my party over your party, is what's really sad. In case some of you have noticed, the United States is in deep, deep sh#t. And guess what, you can blame it on the past President, or you can blame it on the current President. Regardless, our Government....sucks. If you think what they're doing is working, you are living on a different planet.

jviers77; "Dispite his political views, he was constantly working both sides of the aisle to make life better for all..."
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yeah right, mostly his own.
Hey now we can spend the rest of the stimulus money on the wind farm he worked both sides of the aisle so hard to prevent - call it a win for Obama.

janesvillecomments: I doubt that you are taking into consideration the abundant amount of legislation Ted Kennedy worked on that you enjoy everyday. While I think that the role he played in the death of Mary Jo Kopechne is appalling, let's try not to forget the fact that he has been elected and re-elected over and over by the voters.
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Another thing I find interesting is that although born into a life of privelage, he chose to keep serving Americans in the senate...which is often a thankless job.
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Regardless of your personal feelings about the Kennedy family, I implore you to have a little respect. This family has seen more tragedy than any other that I can name.

916wi-you could say the same thing about Laura Bush.

Any thing is fair game when you start bashing someone who has died. What kind of person does that. Some one who is truly pitiful someone who does that. Get a life.

curtaincall:
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This article has nothing to do with Bush. Who, in case you missed the headlines, isn’t even the President any more. Why am I not surprised though; when it’s morally impossible to defend Kennedy, liberals will instead attempt to divert attention to their favourite boogey-man. Truly pitiful.

They are just mad because no one will ever say anything nice about bush when the time comes. OF course he played a part in how many deaths , with the iraq war based on lies? Now what should we do with him... The death count so far is over 4000.. All based on lies.

jviers77:
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Maybe the reason for that is, you got your facts wrong. From the CBSnews site:
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“The pedestrian, a 66-year-old man who was not further identified by authorities, was treated at George Washington University Hospital for minor injuries, according to D.C. Fire and EMS.”
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As for the pundits, when a famous liberal congressman dies, the prominent republicans will always say nice things. The same can’t be said when the roles are reversed though.

Jviers, exactly.. Drunk driving, hit and run, what ever. It seems as though some people wanted him held to a higher standard because he was a Kennedy. He was a great man, and as said before the people spoke, he was elected time and time again, and worked very hard. Some of people are just plain ignorant and would not know how to get out of a box. Maybe some of you are just mad he was not a republican, I bet your statements would change if he had been. It's funny how many crooked republicans there are out there. Crooks.

Rest in peace Teddy.

I'm confused. People on this blog are defending a drunken driver killer and on another story, people are calling for maximum penalties. Paid his dues? He just paid Mary Jo's family off.

Ted Kennedy was a joke! and I do not know how he got elected because everyone that I know in MA, did not vote for him. He had the seat because he was a kennedy. there was no vote!

When Robert Novak died a week or so ago, did any of you right-wingers bring up the fact that a couple years ago he hit and killed someone with his car and drove away with the person on the hood of his car? He got a $50 fine.
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Ted Kennedy is considered one of the greatest senators in history by folks from both parties. Dispite his political views, he was constantly working both sides of the aisle to make life better for all. By many accounts, he was well respected and easy to work with. His service to this country will be severely missed. Don't just listen to the pundits, listen to the sentiments of those who worked with him over the last half century. Nancy Regan and John McCain both had nothing but great things to say about him. Edward Kennedy will be missed.

iworkforme, I bet you voted for "change" last year didn't you. Too bad because change is all you are going to have in your pockets in the end.

O.K. boys, maybe girls. Look at Wi. Drunk driving laws now, in 2009. Pathetic. You could someone and most are sentenced to less than five years. Some never do jail time. So what do you really think he would have got back then? IN 1969? The people have spoken about how they feel about Ted Kennedy. He got re-elected, time after time. You lose. Ted Kennedy was a great man, a great leader.

Northman, I agree. Ted Kennedy killed Mary Jo Kopechne at Chappaquiddick in 1969, and seemingly got an out-of-jail-free card. Kennedy's supporters can spin it however they like, but that's the reality. Kennedy was 37 and married at the time, and Kopechne's life was cut short at the age of 28. He left the scene of the accident. That should be the lead in today's press coverage of his death, not his political career. It's amazing how the Chappaquiddeick incident is buried deep in the press coverage, or not mentioned at all. Disgusting. I wonder how Mary Jo's family feels. Teddy is having to answer to it now, though, and all the good deeds in the Senate can never overshadow that fateful night in Martha's Vineyard in 1969. Let's not forget that.

His accomplishments rank him among the very greatest American political figures ever. His leadership will be greatly missed.

All morning on the news everyone states what a great man he was, but no one has really given details. He seemed like a spoiled socialite. Of course I felt the same way about his corrupt brother Johnny F. Robert seemed like he generally cared, but he never got a chance to shine.

One less Kennedy in the government is a good thing at this point. Let's just hope the Obama's don't procreate anymore.....we don't need another political family that can't do anything wrong.

There is no "hate" here, so please don't misinterpret the comment.

RIP Senator Kennedy....As a sideline--I love the way that everyone crucifies drunk drivers on this forum--some to the extent that say they should be executed--yet here we have a politician who basically murdered a woman and walked away from it without so much as a slap on the wrist. In this instance he should be forgiven because "he paid his dues"??? Seriously.......the guy killed an innocent woman and the dues he paid were a life of luxury, popularity and influence.......I would think that if these are typical of the dues that must be paid as a result of a DUI murder, we're going to have a lot more drunk people driving around on the roads trying to take people out!!!!

get over it northman , he has paid his dues. You are a minority with your hateful thinking. Most people with common sense know this is a great loss and he did more for this country than most.

A murderer-at-large, finally brought to justice. How many newspapers would be lamenting the passing of a republican who killed a girlfriend, and walked away thanks to his rich family influence? It belittles John and Bobby to even mention Ted in the same breath, much less label him as the “bearer of the Camelot torch”.

RIP Ted, though I pretty much disagree with all your political views, you loved what you did and worked hard to fight for what you believed in.

He lived a long full life, and my thoughts are with his family. However, he will be one less Senator trying to take your hard earned money and give it to somebody who isn't willing to work hard for it. There is a big difference between "needing" it and "getting" it. He didn't have any problem taking your money, because his family had plenty of it, and it was already there for him.

How very sad. This country has lost a great leader. He was very much loved and respected.He had the dedication to this country that rare. May he rest, and my prays go out to his family.

janesville you can not be more wrong. He will be remembered for many great things. He was a great man, who will be missed by many. He worked long and hard for years for this country.

A "right" is something every human has simply because s/he has been born. No one has a right to something that is produced by someone else. Such an "right" requires the violation of someone else's right.

Thus - there is no such thing as a "right" to health care just as there is no such thing as a "right to a job", or a right to a home, or food or any such thing. Those are all things that must be earned.

Peace to his family.

I won't miss him. He should have quit public service after killing Mary Jo Kopechne with his drunk driving. He was a sad, poor, contrast to his brothers John and Bobby, and the family name is the only thing that kept him in office.
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His only legacy should be an inspiration to amend the U.S. constitution to have term limits on Senate and House members.

He will be missed by all. What a great man. RIP