Kennedy's exit from Congress leaves a family void

[The Straight Story]

Kennedy's exit from Congress leaves a family void

WASHINGTON – The Kennedys have held congressional seats, the presidency and the public's imagination for more than 60 years. That era ends when Patrick Kennedy of Rhode Island vacates his U.S. House seat next month, leaving a city council post in California as Camelot's sole remaining political holding.

The son of the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy said he has no qualms about walking away from politics. His departure marks the first time in 63 years there won't be a Kennedy serving in elected office in Washington.
< For complete coverage of politics and policy, go to Yahoo! Politics >

"In my family, the legacy was always public service, and that didn't necessarily mean public office," Kennedy, 43, said in a recent interview on Capitol Hill with The Associated Press.

He recited a long list of Kennedy family members who have spurned politics and chosen lives as activists promoting issues such as the environment, human rights and women's issues.

http://tinyurl.com/2bms6jv

[Name removed]

1. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[egoclothes]

3. Addiction is a serious medical problem and should

be treated as such and not with labels such as pill popping and boozing.

I wish ALL Americans had the resources for treatment.

[Lucinda]

2. Eunice Shriver is certainly proof of that.

:hi:

[BrklynLiberal]

4. Politics has brought the family tragedy and sadness.

Not a bad idea for them to retire to a more private form of public service.

[CTyankee]

5. His brother, Ted Jr., "may" run for Senate in 2012 for you know who's seat.

I hope he does, particularly since ole Joe now is sounding out the support of the DSSC to try to run as a Dem again. Rotsa ruck, Joe. You really think we'd have your vile ass back inour party after we kicked you out in 06? Ya gotta be kiddin' me...

If Teddy Jr. runs against that horror, Linda McMahon, expect a HUGE loss for the repukes in our state...

[Book Lover]

6. A ruling class family stepping out of public view?

Hrm. On the one hand, good. Dynastic government never does the people any good. On the other hand, maybe it'd be better to have these people in the public spotlight. Look at the amount of evil the Koch family does under cloak of secrecy.