Why Kennedy Is A Disgrace To Humanity

WASHINGTON, May 5 — A day and a half after a mysterious traffic accident on Capitol Hill, Representative Patrick J. Kennedy of Rhode Island announced today that he was going to visit the Mayo Clinic for treatment for what he described as his "chronic disease."

As one of a growing number of people who have known the dark road of addiction and subsequent recovery, permit me to offer some personal impressions regarding the show Rep. Patrick Kennedy put on today.

What I'll say about me is that for approximately 15 years, beginning at around age 10, I came to understand precisely where Kennedy is coming from. Fortunately, I am also one of a growing number of people to have put addiction behind them, for today, and a number of today's I count at about 8,700, or something approaching 24 years.

As for Kennedy, I'll speak on him just as I have on both friends and family over the years. In essence, he is full of ... it. He is as much if not more of what defines the problems around addiction recovery, than he is a force for good, or positive change.

Yes, I heard him mention his championing of the cause as ... well, not a statesmen, obviously, but, unfortunately as a drunk. Drunk, druggie - all the same to me. And his Bi-polar disorder adds an additional level of complexity to his condition he will be lucky if he ever sorts out. I certainly hope he can and will. But it's a tremendous disservice to addicts everywhere to presume an active or recently recovering one belongs anywhere near the making of public policy in that regard. In fact, it's downright obscene.

Unfortunately, it looks as though the same enablers, including the media, will likely prop him up once again, perhaps long enough to at least survive until some day when he really falls down. Let's hope he doesn't kill someone else in the process. I came too close to doing that myself while behind the wheel of a car more times than I'd care to share.

Certainly, anyone who can take advantage of a good hospital, especially with Kennedy's additional mental illness, should do so. But the notion that he will be anything like fit to perform in government for at least a couple of years is simply a myth. Were it the private sector, I'd feel differently. But we've no business putting the public trust into addicts who've yet to string together any significant recovery.

Why is Kennedy a disgrace to humanity? I don't know. I just know that late one night weaving back and forth and arguing with a bar keep in Trenton, New Jersey ... that's precisely what he told me. I can't tell you what it meant, I can only tell you that it worked. That and a subsequent run in with a few State Troopers compounded by a loss of my license.

I had enjoyed a certain protection up until then, given a Brother in law enforcement. Nothing like Kennedy's, but protection nonetheless. It wasn't until he all but hung up on me leaving me alone with the statement and question that I was a drunk, now what was I going to do about it? That I even began to try and figure that one out.

Say what you want. Like I said, it worked. And that's a damn site more than all the fretting and fawning and focus on Kennedy's noble efforts on the part of addiction will likely ever do for him, or anyone else for that matter.

If Rep. Patrick Kennedy gave a damn about addiction recovery as a whole and knew anything about how to bring it about, he'd quit the House, admit what an abject failure he's been, then get some genuine humility and real help and not look back.

That he likely won't do so tells you how ready to simply go on lying and using he is, as opposed to taking a break so he can come back re-invigorated and continue the good fight as regards addiction recovery, or anything else. Hell, Oprah will probably have the still sick man on as cured within 3-6 months. What a pathetic joke and complete insult to addiction recovery that will be.

I doubt Kennedy has fought a good fight in all his life, that's his disease. No doubt he has some high priced shrink telling him exactly why. Hell, I can do it for free. It's like I said, the man is a disgrace to humanity. It's just as simple as that.

His disease is addiction. His disgrace is his obvious and continuing inability to take any genuine responsibility for himself. Hint - you don't need, let alone want cameras anywhere near that event when it's real. Trust me on that.

I pray he's fortunate enough to one day realize it - then, and only then, he might have a chance to do something, as opposed to talk about it.

What a sad, sick ass he is. But then, that's how I always talk about people I hurt for when they are suffering from addiction.

Seriously, experience has taught me it's the only thing that really works.

Comments

[okoj]

I guess Rush Limbaugh should have quit talk radio, and never looked back. Is he a disgrace to humanity also?

[Christoph]

As I've commented elsewhere, okio, The difference is that Rush Limbaugh sought and received successful treatment. He also did not jeopardize others. And it isn’t a private matter. I myself added info to his Wikipedia [sidebar – I can’t stand Wikipedia] article, which is obviously public.

He has a public mugshot that you can find in seconds. He is still under charge and could be convicted if he breaks the law (as Patrick Kennedy has done repeatedly in multiple incidents) or abuses drugs.

Patrick Kennedy has lied in this one incident multiple times. The worst thing is it looks like he was using the U.S. Constitution and his position as a Congressman to avoid being arrested by the Capital Police.

In my opinion, he is guilty of a felony right here and a serious one at that.

Background info: According to two independent sources, Kennedy probably lied about not using alcohol:

Capital Police incident report states Kennedy under influence of alcohol
Bar hostess says Kennedy drinking that night

If he lied to the police about this, that was obstruction of justice.

However, there is a much more serious side to this.

Kennedy told officers he was going to a House vote at 2:45 AM. As you may be aware, the U.S. Constitution protects Members of Congress from being arrested or detained by the police in most circumstances providing they are going to or from the House to vote. This is to protect from interference in the Democratic process by the administration or police.

He lied to the Capital Police officers and told them he was on his way to a vote at 2:45 AM... when there was no vote... which may have caused the Capital Police to confer with higher-ups and the higher-ups to order not to arrest Kennedy because of the U.S. Constitution... is Kennedy guilty of obstruction of justice: a felony?

If I was on a jury, I’d have to conclude he was.

He’s trying to escape legal jeopardy.

Q. Why did he lie about his drinking to the officers if he did so?
A. Obstruction of justice.

Q. Why did he lie about going to a vote at 2:45 AM if he wasn’t?
A. Abusing his power as a Congressman to subvert the U.S. Constitution and obstruct justice.

So now he’s saying he wasn’t drinking, but he was abusing prescription drugs. This despite the two previous sources I cited that state he was either “under the influence of alcohol” (the cops) or “drinking” (bar hostess).

And Kennedy’s own statement said that he took precisely the prescribed amount of his prescription drugs and no more.

His statements have changed multiple times, but it's his actions that night, which were in my opinion felonious.

If it walks like abusing his power to subvert the U.S. Constitution and obstruction of justice and if it talks like abusing his power to subvert the U.S. Constitution and obstruction of justice, it's a duck.


Key Point:

Patrick Kennedy abused his power as a Congressman to subvert the U.S. Constitution and obstruct justice when he lied to the Capital Police about going to a House vote at 2:45 AM when there wasn't any House vote at that time.

[geofferygellineck]

Okoj,

Reading comprehension, like listening, is a skill.

Which part of "Were it the private sector, I'd feel differently" do you not understand?

I know nothing about you, but I feel safe in saying that, no doubt, you apply the same discerning eye towards Mr. Kennedy that you would Mr. Limbaugh.

Perhaps you should save your hypocrite-seeking missiles for all the partisans on the left side who have been skewering that worthless addict Rush and will spend the next week empathizing with the Victim of a Disease Pat.

Personally I could do without either of them, but at least Rush earned his way to where he is.

[geofferygellineck]

In Pat's defense, I think disgrace to humanity is a bit harsh.

Disgrace to his office, absolutely.

If it were another family, Disgrace to his family.
You have to leave someone behind to die before this lot even gets flustered.

low blow? let's ask Mary Jo.

[MikeB]

Hi, my name is Mike and I'm an addict.

That said, okoj, the difference between Rush and Pat is manifest. Rush admitted he has a problem that he can't control. He took responsibility for his addiction and for his actions as an addict. He submitted to authorities in FL and pled out a case that would never have been brought against someone not-Rush. He didn't complain about it. He is in recovery and acting responsibly.

Pat, on the other hand, is still acting out as an addict. He has NOT admitted (to himself anyway) that he can't control his addiction. He has not now, or ever, taken responsibility for his addiction or his actions. He has bounced from one rehab or program to another, from one incident to another without ever taking personal responsibility.

The guy is an addict. He's an active user. He's never stopped. I know the difference. And no, I don't know Pat personally. I don't need to. I know hundreds of addicts and I know enough to watch their actions and match them up against their words. In Pat's case, actions don't match words. But then again, he's an addict.

And Chris has done a remarkably good job of deconstructing the situation.

[Sue]

Over 35 years ago I took my kids and left an alcoholic after fifteen years of marriage, and ten of those as an abuser. First is was pills, then booze and pills, then booze, pills and drugs.

Today, he is "clean" again (that's twice in thirty five years). I expect he will be back to abusing soon.

He has never admitted in his heart and soul that he has a problem and until he does, he will never recover.

I instilled in my children the knowledge that it is in the genes and must of scared them so much that none have ever become addicted.

My children had a very serious advantage over Patrick Kennedy: we were not rich; we were not privileged; and, we were not part of a powerful family.

We cannot, nor should we ever gloss over this lack of personal responsibility no matter who it is. If we do, then we are guilty of co-dependence and enabling.

[henrietta McKinnon]

Please, everybody, remember his mother Joan. How many years is it that she has been an alcoholic> Yrs of treatment. Still an alcoholic. Have pity.

[henrietta McKinnon]

Please, everybody, remember his mother Joan. How many years is it that she has been an alcoholic> Yrs of treatment. Still an alcoholic. Have pity.

[Richard R]

OK, I'll play. My name is Richard, I'm not an addict.

There are things that I can't live without, like oxygen, water, food and heat. But none of them impair my functioning in my job, relationships or life.

It's entirely possible that Rush Limbaugh is not an addict either. He was doing 8 Vicodan a day. For someone in severe pain, who's become tollerant to narcotics, that's not much. My dad died from prostate cancer, he went for 5 years taking more codine than that and was working until the last year.

On the other hand, I wouldn't have voted for my Dad - or Rush Limbaugh - for Congress.

Kennedy may be a marvelous individual, fully deserving of our sympathy and support. Or not. We deserve better in high ellective office.

[nova]

runs in the family. most likely genetic. I say give the guy a break. dont be so judgemental. quit piling on.

[nova]

don't forget. humanity is a disgrace.

[Dan]

dont be so judgemental. quit piling on.

Difficult to understand, perhaps, but it actually is the more humane alternative. If you begin to comprehend the incredible damage enabling someone always does, you learn to not do it. There's no compassion in assisting someone to destroy themselves over time.

[Stella]

If you begin to comprehend the incredible damage enabling someone always does, you learn to not do it. There's no compassion in assisting someone to destroy themselves over time.
Posted by: Dan | Friday, May 05, 2006 at 08:53 PM

Dan - thank you. I knew that you were being honest when I read your post; these 2 sentences say volumes more. I have family members who are addicts - alcoholics - and I've learned a great deal from them; and it's not pretty. For anyone who really wants to understand what Dan is talking about - attend a few AlAnon meetings - and then go to ONE open AA meeting - your eyes will be wide open. And you will understand what Dan was saying in his post.

[kate]

perhaps someday when he is laying in his own vomit and no one will speak to him anymore, the man will wake up and take care of himself. i don't think thats ever going to happen, however i hope i'm wrong.

[Mister Snitch!]

The most important difference between Limbaugh and Kennedy would have been obvious to "Okoj" if (s)he were interested in something besides a limp scapegoat argument. That is: KENNEDY IS AN ELECTED PUBLIC OFFICIAL. Limbaugh is not. I don't want my public officials acting in this manner. I have a right to ask for accountability from him, which I do not have from Rush. Period.

As to whether Kennedy is a public disgrace or a disgrace to his family name or humanity or to government - I don't know. Kennedys have done plenty of disgusting things over the years. Hell, some or all of their original fortune came from bootlegging (while winked at, it was nevertheless hardly a noble achievement). The Kennedys are not shining examples of anything besides possibly excess and amorality, so is anyone actually surprised here?

At the same time, public officials have done worse and have (sometimes) survived. Remember that this incident, while a clear indictment of the man's character, was not an outright abuse of the public trust. He didn't sell state secrets, he didn't take a bribe, he didn't pass questionable legislation so his backers could profit. He proved he was a lying scumbag with a substance abuse problem. If merely being a scumbag drew jail time, there would be more people IN jail than out of it.

So: (1) No need to invoke Rush, and (2) No need to reach for hyperbole (the Kennedys are NOT the worst human beings ever, there's too much competition for that crown). Let the Dems decide what to do about this within their own party. If they want to be identified with this kind of individual at a time they are trying to portray themselves as morally superior to Republicans, let 'em do nothing. The public has pretty good instincts for sorting out that kind of flaming hypocricy. If on the other hand they want to be taken seriously, let's see some serious action in getting this guy (and his unfortunate role model, Ted) out of the spotlight, permanently.

[dylan]

Nice Site!
Such compassion for the fellow addicts.
Kick'em to the curb.
I can't figure out what you hate the most about him...his addiction, family or his party politics?
Aww..who cares.
Kennedy kickin' is so instinctive... like sneezing...feels so good.
Attention to the rest of the brain dead: Keep "rushin' the site with your Oxycontin is OK props. Its so terrible for a public officcial to suffer this/these lapses in morality.
Remember this line in the sand you have drawn.
And keep your eyes on the news.

[nova]

He has gone to rehab. What else do you want?

[Virginia Weicheld]

Rush Limbaugh was not elected to public office and represents no one but himself...big difference!The Democrat office holders seized his medical records.

[JD]

These Kennedy's have lived above the law for some time now. Their sense of entitlement makes me sick. The list of incidents go on and on and on and on.....

[don surber]

That headline is beneath you, Dan. Please avoid the trap of shock posting.

[labor nurse]

Because of the way things were handled at the inital accident we will never know what was in his system. Ambien, Phenergan, alcohol or a mixture of all three. If he was given these medications he was given them and told that he should not operate heavy equipment or drink alcohol while on either of these medications. As medical professionals we are resposible and liable to inform our patients of side effects and risks of any medcation we prescribe. That being said, he clearly recieved preferential treatment at the initial crime scene. He clearly has a pattern of denial and does not take resposibility for himself. A person who takes resposibity for him or herself would stand up and say "I did this" and make no excuses or blame someone or something else. Rehab works only it you first admit to yourself that you have a problem. Rehab is not a PR exercise or a vacation. It takes serious and continued hard, daily work after you finish. It is most successful when you chose not to put yourself in situations that could lead to a relapse.

[Left of Center]

Funny how this actually rates as important news in the Wingnut blogosphere. Nothing about Poreter Goss here. Nothing about how James Dobson has hijacked the national day of prayer. Nothing about the thousands of people still homeless after Katrina, and how the levys are stiill woefully insufficient. but I understand if your a Republican you have to grab what you can get. We progressives are laughing at your banality.

[Left of Center]

"These Kennedy's have lived above the law for some time now. Their sense of entitlement makes me sick. The list of incidents go on and on and on and on....."

Please substitute the name Bush for Kennedy. Kennedys were rum runners at the same time the Bushs were profiting from Nazi war profits. Addiction, drugs, alcohol.... get real JD

[annie]

Do you think you all might have been a tad sidetracked here??

Could it be that he was just drunk!!

But of course, now we will never know!!!

[strayze]

Over the years Kennedy, after the numerous stays at fancy addiction hospitals, still doesn't get it!!! Mr Kennedy, treatment is not something that is given to you- - - YOU have to participate in your treatment. You will not get well (newly envigorated) by simply putting then time in. Don't you know that the treatment is for substance ADDICTION; It makes no difference if your drug of choice is prescribed for you or whether you get it on the street. You are nicing this up by claiming addiction to prescription medicine, as if it's his/her fault. That smacks of naivity and and dishonesty, with your so-called education in treatment centers. Didn't you pick up on the idea that anxiolytics and sleeping medicines are a no-no and something you have to level with your doctor about? So are certain "normal" drugs. This is not a new concept. Something is not right. I hope Mr. Kennedy someday takes the time to focus upon his honesty, puts EFFORT into his stay, makes a daily effort to be with program people after he is "envigorated", and finally gets with the program. It's not only the countless stays in hospitals that count, but the post-hospital DAILY EFFORT, for this disease without a cure.

[Stella]

It's not only the countless stays in hospitals that count, but the post-hospital DAILY EFFORT, for this disease without a cure.
Posted by: strayze | Saturday, May 06, 2006 at 11:36 AM

A "dry drunk" is still a drunk. Not until Kennedy understands and accepts this will he be able to start progressing toward being sober.

[Stella]

We progressives are laughing at your banality.
Posted by: Left of Center | Saturday, May 06, 2006 at 10:37 AM

You dumbass - why don't you progress to the top story this morning ("Dana Priest on Crack") - it pertains to Goss. Then go read the headlines of the many blogs left, right, and center that do find this story worthy of discussion. Many of "us" who read RWV are neither Republican nor conservative; "we" however, don't tend to speak for the rest of "us." If I wanted homogenized topics and content, I'd turn to MSM.

[Elmo]

Not a disgrace to humanity. Merely a train wreck. So far ..... no one has died. Yep, he's got almost zero chance of staying clean, a few months down the road. Though I wish him luck. An oh so cushy spot to land, no stint in the hoosegow, and he gets to keep his job. Almost guarantees he'll be on a return mission.

Patrick my man ..... one word. TAXI! Phone (202)Taxicab.

http://anechoicroom.blogspot.com/2006/05/i-am-deeply-concerned-about-my_05.html

P.S. My referrer's log shows a visit from Rochester (snicker).

[mkultra]

"That said, okoj, the difference between Rush and Pat is manifest. Rush admitted he has a problem that he can't control. He took responsibility for his addiction and for his actions as an addict. He submitted to authorities in FL and pled out a case that would never have been brought against someone not-Rush. He didn't complain about it. He is in recovery and acting responsibly."

Bullsh** Time and again Rush sent Roy Black out there to assert that he the prosecution by the State Attorney's office was politically motivated. Black went after Rush's housekeeper too. The complaining went on for years.

For instance, from the AP 12/23/03:

"Black has accused the Palm Beach County State Attorney's Office of attempting to damage Limbaugh's credibility and going after him for political reasons.

But State Attorney Barry Krischer, a Democrat, said in a statement Tuesday that Limbaugh's rights have been protected. He noted the judge's comment that prosecutors have "acted in good faith.""

Did we see Kennedy do anything similar? Did he blame his political opponents or the right-wing slime machine? No.

Hey - if Rush was not gulity, he should have gone to trial. And to this day, he is still lying. He said he wasn't arrested. But run his Florida CCH. It will say "arrest."

[nova]

If his name was Moore this would not be a story.

[strayze]

Patrick (honest US Rep),
are you there?
where?
Can I trust you?
Have you found yourself?
Where have you gone?
Still searching?
when?

[pete]

Looks like the kid is well on his way to being a gutless, lying piece of crap just like dear ol' dad.....

[Dan]

To some of the criticisms above - Don if you read the article, the headline was pointed, not sensationalistic. As regards addiction, self-revelation doesn't come from soft talk. History has proved that time and again. As for kicking Kennedy to the curb ... yep, how else is he supposed to learn to climb up, which he has to learn to do himself to survive. My statements would be the same regardless of party. Kennedy needs a recovery program. SO far all he has used over time is a PR program to survive. In the end, it'll be his doom, not his salvation.

[Danisgay]

Why Kennedy Is A Disgrace To Humanity

Give me a break.What about some of your heros like rush and tom delay.....Scumbag Rush is a disgrace to humanity eh?pill poppin fat f**k...

My statements would be the same regardless of party...

BULLSHIT!!!

Hes a Kennedy and a target for you and Fox news.whoopdi doo...he was drunk.Big friggin deal... You would never say anything really bad about one of fox news heros like hannity and falafel boy.

Listen, you are a patsy for the right and you wont get any more than 75 comments on anything besides the Natalee Holloway bullshit you spew.Dan...FUCK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[annie]

Why you keep on voting for this Kennedy lot beats me!!

At the heart of this family you will probably find people who are rich, spoilt, indulged, and still basking in the reflected glory of a dead President. How can you possibly take them seriously!!

Why not elect real people into positions of government?

Go on, all you who worship at the shrine of the Kennedy name, stone me!!

[Dan]

You would never say anything really bad about one of fox news heros like hannity

Then you obviously don't pay attention, as I posted Hannity appeared racist and xenophobic given contrasts between his coverage of the Holloway versus the Duke story. Your argument is empty and your rhetoric simply garbage. Perhaps I was wrong, maybe it's you who is the real disgrace to humanity, after all.

[okoj]

I enjoyed reading your comments/post.

Just some thoughts:

Why would an elected official be placed on a higher standard? Is not the standard for behaviour set by our creator? Everyone is judged on the same standard, nobody is special. It is this moral standard which keeps the american born to illegal immigrants in east LA, the same as the american who was raised in Kennebuck, or Cape Cod. Substance abuse can hit anyone including Dan Riehl, Pat Kennedy, G.W. Bush, Jenna Bush, Noelle Bush, Betty Ford, Whitney Houston and Rush Limbaugh.

Actually I thought the Rush case was handled properly. He was a first time offender, and was offered alternative sentencing. He kept his job as well. Does he still endorse harsh criminal treatment of substance abuse offenders like himself? I believe in the conservative message of personal responsibilty/accountability. I think Rush is more extreme in his views. We expected Rush to punish himslf to the fullest extent of the law, but it just did not happen.

The voters will get a chance to voice their concerns on Pat Kennedy soon enough. It is a matter for the people of Rhode Island, as McKinney is for Georgia.

I agree with the poster that non-Natalee Holloway threads on this board barely get 50 posts.

[helmut]

there ya go, another drunk Kennedy. wasit gonna take for them Kennedys to wake up and get their assses sobered up, bunch of closet drunks probably stay in there all night long.. seeing things and hearing whispers!!! Put down the hootch!!! drunk Kennedys!!

[LIVE-SEX]

It was really nice to see Robbie and cycle round the pubs of Oxford with him. He needs to find some mates, though, and some artistic inspiration. Any friendly humans in Oxford?