According to MyDD, Republicans are now saying that if Teddy Kennedy questions Alito's ethics during his confirmation hearings, they'll bring up Chappaquiddick. Gosh, I just love the way this White House has restored civility to the public debate, don't you?
Look, I'm not here to defend Kennedy's actions (or lack of same) in the Chappaquiddick incident. I've been skeptical about it for years, and have even been known to make dark-humored jokes about it once or twice.
But here's the thing. That event has been public knowledge since 1969. Whatever mysteries remain, the people of Massachusetts have seen fit to keep sending Kennedy to the Senate. I'm not expecting him to say if it doesn't bother them, it shouldn't bother anyone else, but at least he can say that it's out there.
Kennedy has been a very public figure for over 35 years, people know who and what he is and isn't. The trouble with Alito, though, is that his supporters are trying to slide him through with a sideshow rather than allow an honest debate about his beliefs, judical or otherwise.
2 comments:
See, here's the thing that bugs me about that: Chappaquiddick was over 30 years ago, done when Kennedy was young and stupid.
Now, I'm not a big fan of people who never spit the silver spoon out of their mouth, but come on!
If we were all judged all the time by stuff we did in our early 20s, not a single person would be able to take a step in later life without being "tsked" at. No one.
What counts is your cumulative record. I'm not qualified to discuss Kennedy's (or any American politician's) record, but if it's good enough for his constituents, then this slanderous mud-slinging should cease. Stick to the issues!
Indeed-and Mr. Bush alone, by his own admission, would come in for a lot of "tsking" himself.
Post a Comment