Ted Kennedy-Hero or Hindrance?

By Deborah Martin

Edited by Crystal Laramore



WARNING: If you are a tried and true Kennedy lover to the exclusion of all reason, just set this article aside or give it to one of your more reality-based friends.

Ted Kennedy, senator from Massachusetts died last week and since then there has been a virtually endless deluge of praise from family, friends, colleagues and our “state run” media. He has been praised as the Lion of the Senate, the rock and anchor of his family, the most influential and accomplished legislator of our time. Really? He was?

Perhaps he was those things and to tell the truth, when someone dies it is customary to leave out their faults and remember their virtues. We all tend to forget the infinite ways deceased relatives drove us crazy. When it’s our leaders, we want to remember the good stuff. We want to count up all their accomplishments. It’s natural. No one wants to be critical of the dead. After all, they can’t defend themselves. Right, Mary Jo?

And when it’s a Kennedy, well this country goes into overdrive. After all, they’re the closest thing we have to royalty; they are a dynasty. They certainly have all the qualities of royalty. Money, looks, power, tragedy, glamour, romance. We have been watching this family since the 1940’s or earlier. We hang on their every accomplishment like they invented water or something.

I don’t really want this article to be all about Ted Kennedy and his shortcomings, though they were many. It’s really about who we hold up as our heroes. Who do we respect? How many flaws and what sorts of flaws do we tolerate in our leaders? Is drunkenness okay, or negligent homicide? How about cheating? Lying? How about rape or attempted rape? And why does the Kennedy family seem to get a pass on the same kinds of things which have destroyed the lives and careers of the rest of us mere mortals?

Flaws aside and to be fair (which as a conservative I am compelled to be) - in at least one way the Kennedy dynasty was and is quite remarkable. Whether or not you agree with their politics you have to agree that they all seem to have a strong bent toward public service. Jack, Bobby and Ted were all senators. Jack was even elected President, which in 1960 was amazing seeing that he was an Irish Catholic back when people still thought those things mattered. Various nephews have served in Congress. The Shriver branch of the family started The Peace Corps AND the Special Olympics!

Well, that’s the family as a whole, but what about Ted since he’s the one who died this week and effectively ended an era. It doesn’t look like younger Kennedy’s have the drive the original group had. They’re branching out, getting out of politics. And good for them, but I digress.

Does Ted Kennedy deserve the praise being heaped on him since his death? What about the other side of his life. I’ve learned some interesting things lately. A lot I already knew, all of it pretty twisted and yes, I did my research. Everything in this article is true. Did you know that he was kicked out of Harvard the first time around for cheating? He had someone else take a test for him. Yes, it’s true. And I have to add that as a parent I am certain that this wasn’t the first time he did it, just the first time he got caught!

The Kennedy family seems to be plagued by plane crashes. Ted lost two siblings that way and a nephew. He survived his own crash by flying while intoxicated. Only his two passengers were killed in that crash. Seems like he couldn’t learn his lesson because in 1969 the most famous incident happened – Chappaquiddick.

After a night of partying he drove a car carrying his 28 year old companion, Mary Jo Kopechne off a bridge and into a pond. He escaped. She did not. However, he waited nine hours before reporting the accident. In the meantime, he walked back to his motel, complained to the manager about a noisy party, took a shower, went to sleep, ordered newspapers when he woke up and spoke to a friend and two lawyers before finally calling the police. This is when the phrase, “the Kennedy curse” was coined, and guess who coined it? Ted. Why? Perhaps to take attention from what he did and make him a victim instead of a perpetrator.

You know what the worst part is? Mary Jo did not drown. She survived for several hours in an air pocket before succumbing to a lack of oxygen. Had he gone straight to the authorities she likely would have lived but you’ll rarely read about that. Wonder why he waited? Could it be – let me think – maybe – just possibly – he was drinking? Did he feel entitled? Was he a spoiled rich kid? Oh, and another thing – he never spent a day in jail for this crime. His family arranged for money to be given to the Kopechne family as if that would make a difference. Apparently, for them, it made some difference because they took the money.

After that, his political ambitions for President were effectively DOA even though he did try. Only a Kennedy would have the nerve to try that with so much of his bad behavior public. Ted Kennedy, like his brothers and father, was a notorious drunk and womanizer. He was known to proposition virtually any reasonably attractive female when he was drinking and there were several incidents at his favorite restaurant where he would bodily try (and sometimes succeed) in forcing himself on the unlucky waitress who had to wait on him and his companion (by the name of Dodd) in a private dining room. I assume they were tipped VERY well.

I also heard this week that he actually enjoyed Chappaquiddick jokes. If I didn’t already have a bad opinion of him that certainly did it for me. It was said by his defenders that he finds the ridiculous in any situation. What??!! The only things ridiculous about that situation is that he felt no remorse, never apologized to her family and never did a day’s jail time over it. What kind of twisted person finds humor in any situation where a person loses their life?

Speaking of his title “Lion of the Senate” I once saw him on live HDTV speaking loudly with spittle spewing forth, fist shaking, standing up for “the little people” saying “And we’re gonna raise minimum wage, and raise it, and raise it and raise it”! Really, how does that help “the little people”? How does that encourage the small business owner (who drives 85% of the GDP) to hire more people and give them more hours? Why didn’t Ted give some of HIS money away? Why didn’t he lower his salary? I’m betting because it’s easier to give away other people’s money. Doesn’t hurt quite so bad. Careful people who ya follow.

Did you notice how pleasant his last days were? He was on the sail boat. He was pampered by wait staff. He had the very best health care our country has to offer. He had NO end-of-life counseling. His brain tumor was incurable yet he received enough care and medicine to live comfortably for an additional year. I do not begrudge him this. I’m just curious why he begrudges his constituents and the rest of the country the same care. Maybe he’s just entitled…

And I’m sorry but am I the only one who thinks the good DOESN’T outweigh the bad? It seems pretty significant to me that the Catholic Church, which Ted professed to put so much faith in, completely ignored his passing. His lionization says a lot about our society and what drives us these days. Crystal always says follow the money and I guess, unfortunately, that’s right. Any lesser mortal would have been (and IS) driven from society for such consistently abhorrent behavior.

It makes me sad and angry that we tolerate this stuff. Is it so wrong to expect our public officials and our heroes to be circumspect in their private lives? This isn’t just a problem with politics or with folks like the Kennedy’s. Look at the people we hold up as role models. We have football players who break every rule, yet are still allowed to play. We tolerate bad attitudes and immoral behavior. I believe in redemption. You do the crime, do the time and you’re done. If you stay clean you deserve another chance. Did Ted Kennedy deserve another chance at Harvard? How about after the drunken plane crash? Or the drive into the pond? And it’s a little scary that these are the things we KNOW about?

Call me a prude, or a throwback. I want men and women in politics, in court, in my doctor’s office, teaching my kids and running my bank to have some character, some backbone. Stand up for what’s right – ALL the time, not just when it’s convenient or a camera is shining on you or a microphone is in your face; in the little ways, behind the scenes, when no one knows but you. Unlike much of Ted Kennedy’s life – do the right thing, just because it’s right.

Wake Up Congress-We Are

By Crystal Laramore
Edited by Deborah Martin and Cheryl Laramore

Ever heard the old saying “I’m so mad I could chew up nails and spit out tacks”? Well that is how I felt when I heard a congressman say something like: The American people need to rediscover the republican agenda. They need to rediscover the core values of the Republican Party. Is he kidding? Seriously? I’m pretty sure it was the American people who organized the tea parties. Right? It certainly wasn’t congress! And they, the American people, were right and left. I’m pretty sure, congressman, it is the American people and ONLY the American people who are pretty damned sure what our conservative core values are! And we’re pretty damned sure you congressman, and your colleagues are the only ones who have forgotten what our core values are. Clearly, there is a difference between the American people’s core values and those of congress. Clearly.

But never fear; we the American people are here to remind you, sir, and your colleagues. Hence, the tea parties, you sap. Ever since the AIG bailout all I could think about was tea and Boston . I told everyone who would listen, “People are going to start throwing tea over the side of the boat any day now”. So, it was no surprise to me, you sap, when tea parties started popping up all over the United States of America.

And now you have the audacity to stand there on national television in your designer suit and tell us, via Fox News, that WE need to re-connect with OUR values???? You did not. Oh, yes you did. Jesus said “What a man thinketh in his heart, so is he”. I was a hater today, sir. You made me want to hate you. Jesus says it’s a bad thing to cause someone to stumble, and I was stumbling all over the place today, sir. Again, I wanted to hate you or hit you. But instead, I’m going to pray for you. I’m going to pray that you learn to whom YOU are speaking. God forbid that we the American people REALLY get together and tell you how connected WE are. And make no mistake about it, sir, we are connected; in thought if not in action. But, the thought does come first doesn’t it. Look out, sir.

And for full disclosure let me state that I did vote for GW. Also for full disclosure let me state that I did NOT vote for GW to bail out AIG. That did not line up with my core values, sir. It did not line up with a free-market, sir. They were NOT too big to fail, sir. Nor are you. Careful how you speak to us. We are the American people. When we’ve had enough we will fight back. Can’t you feel the earth move under your feet?

California is certainly feeling the earth move and by no fault of the fault lines. No, this time their government is causing the movement. California , liberal California, is voting NO to higher taxes. But Barney Frank wants to bail them out. Listen Barney, you need to let California fail if that is what it takes. Oh wait; I have a better idea-let Texas govern them. Tee hee hee. Hey, it’s a good idea. In 2008 Texas produced more jobs than the other 49 states combined! Oh yes we did. And, Texas also produced more new businesses and cut taxes and we’re cutting taxes again. People WANT to do business in Texas because we are “The Friendly State”. We are friendly to strangers, entrepreneurs and gun owners.

And while we, the gun-toting, Bible-thumping, Jesus-loving people of America are holding onto our guns and our religion you had best hold onto your tongue. Do not speak down to us. We put you up there - on that pedestal and, with the help of our buddy Toby Keith, we can knock you off of it! I’m beginning to understand why you guys want to take away our guns!

Can anyone spell TERM LIMITS? These careerist politicians have no inkling what the founders meant when they intended ordinary people to “serve” their districts by going to DC. Instead, narcissism now exists in the place of service to others – by both parties!! Narcissism has never been more evident than in Arlen Specter – vote for me all you dumb PA democrats. I’ve turned my back on my friends, colleagues, those who helped me win elections and not to mention my own principles, if I ever had any. And why you ask? Because at 76 years old I need to be sure I win another election…Because…well, because it is ALL ABOUT ME and only ME!!! I just can’t give up the POWER, the POWER…..THE POWER!! I am too important. My opinions, my votes and my influence – it’s all TOO IMPORTANT!! But, don’t worry, I’d never sell you Dems down the river to pad my own nest or ensure my pedestal is secure….HA!!! I hope he gets his A$$ kicked by Pat Toome!!!!!

68% of Americans do NOT want to pay higher taxes in order to provide health care to all.

76% of Americans OPPOSE a federal bailout of ailing insurance companies. That 76% is made up of Republicans and Democrats; libs and repubs; blacks and whites; pro and anti abortionists; Christians and atheists. Oh! Which equals THE AMERICAN PEOPLE!!!!!!!

And the leader of the most unfavorable pack? You guessed it; CONGRESS.
Yep, over 90% of Americans do NOT TRUST CONGRESS.

The Supreme Court happens to be the branch of govt. we trust the most and that is a tenuous relationship, at best.

Wake up Congress-we are!

Waits and Measures

Crystal Laramore

Special editing by Deborah Martin and Cheryl Laramore

Waits and Measures(Ok, I meant to spell it that way…)

Do you ever get the feeling that finding that special someone is like voting for the right person for President? Is that person really out there?

Is it possible to really get to know someone before you cast that vote? (Hey, this is the only way I could figure out how to tie this article to dating. Sorry. It’s all I got.)

Lately I’ve been watching a lot of press coverage on Obama. Why? Well, I think I can honestly say that I already know what McCain stands for. So, before I cast a vote I also need to know what Obama stands for. How can one make an educated decision unless they know ALL the facts about EVERY candidate?

Sidebar: While I was in the Green Zone working at the U.S. Embassy I was fortunate enough to help run congressional delegations in and out of the Green Zone. One such delegation was the McCain/Clinton Delegation. McCain’s name was first b/c he is a Sr. Senator; having said that, McCain was essentially her peer. Snicker.

We (The Ambassador {John Negroponte}), The Chief of Protocol and myself along with some Iraqi staff members were standing ready to receive our distinguished guests when they arrived in their up-armored vehicles with plenty of pomp and stance. It was always such a thrill for me when dignitaries arrived. It was everything you’ve ever seen on television and then some (it was a war zone you know). Patriotic doesn’t begin to describe…

Anyway, Clinton came through the door first (McCain was a gentleman and let the lady go ahead of him-sexist or chivalrous?) and immediately began shaking hands. Layla was first then me. I begrudgingly un-clenched my hands from behind my back and gave her the politicians handshake. McCain was in an awful hurry and ignored us, all of us, and headed straight to the press room.

Umph. Well, that didn’t sit well with us. We were all staunch republicans standing about the place ready to shake hands with our hero and hopefully the next President of the United States and poof, just like that, the opportunity disappeared. The Chief of Protocol walked over to me later and said “Senator Clinton said she really liked my necklace”! While slapping her out of her Clinton induced semi-coma I was screaming “Snap out of it Dorothy, snap out of it Dorothy”, a thought struck me “Oh no, this is how some Americans make their decision on who to vote for”!

Thankfully, McCain recovered his hero status with us after the press conference when he shook all of our hands and snatched Clinton from her Face the Nation pedestal and yelled “It’s time to go!” She leapt up, grabbed her brief case and followed like a whipped puppy. Ahhh.

Now, back to Obama; if someone IS voting for him, I’d really like to know why. A few weeks ago I was watching Terry Moran from Nightline interview him in one of Sadam’s palaces in the Green Zone. It was like watching an interview take place in my own dining room. There he was where I sat many a time with some of the bravest men I’ve ever met. There he sat waiting and measuring. The man could barely answer a question for all the thought he put into each word. It was painful listening to him. And when he was finally capable of letting words pass through his lips: What? I was so frustrated I sent a friend of mine (former Army Ranger) a text message saying something to the effect of “What ARE the American people thinking? Are they asleep”?

The man has no clear, concise plan. No, he doesn’t. First he said “I do not believe we should use the strategic oil reserves at this time”, Then he says “We should sell 70 million barrels…from our strategic oil reserves…” now he’s saying it’s a shame to drill offshore… I’m telling you people, be astute in your voting. Know both candidates and decide wisely. Voting is a privilege, not a right. Vote responsibly.

And, before you vote for a bleeding heart liberal who has no plan other than to “provide free prescription drugs, free health care, free, free, and free; listen to me.

It is NOT free. I am paying for it. And while you may be poor and maybe even a friend of mine, I do not want to pay your way. It is not my responsibility to pay your way. Whose is it then? Well YOURS of course.

One day on the radio we were having this discussion and a caller called in and said that he needed more than the $900.00 he was getting a month from disability. I told him it was not my responsibility to pay him more. Why should I? Well, he said he was in a wheel chair; again, while I truly am sorry that he is in a wheel chair it is still not my responsibility to take care of him. And if you are in a similar situation is completely unfair for you to think the world owes you because…It is the responsibility of your family, your church, your friends and yourself to provide the necessities of life for you. Nothing is free. If we keep taxing those of us who work into a lose-win situation, we’re all gonna stop working. (See Atlas Shrugged), then where will you be? Uh?

Once upon a time my friend Richard got a divorce from Sophia. She didn’t work. Never did; drank a lot; partied a lot; slept around a lot. Well, they had two children so when he finally divorced her he got to pay child support. (That’s a WHOLE separate article…) Every year she would drag him to court to raise the child support. One day, he visited with his financial advisor and she told him that at the age of 45 he could retire; not in lavish lifestyle, but very comfortable. So he did. Now she barely gets any child support and America has lost a great mind to the technology world.

Whenever someone tells me they are voting for a liberal candidate I wonder if they have a job. I always ask them if they enjoy looking at how much they made then scrolling to how much they are actually taking home. Mostly, they say no. Then why on earth are you going to vote someone into office that is going to take more from you? What are you people thinking??????

Barack cannot spit out a complete thought based on his experience. He stutters, he thinks, he weighs every answer. That scares me. I want a leader that has so much knowledge about his subject (global economics, global peace, etc.) that he doesn’t have to rack his brain to give us an answer he thinks we are gonna like. Didn’t we already have eight years of that with the Clintons?

I am attaching a blurb I was sent that was read on the Walton & Johnson show in Houston, Texas and appeared in the Richmond Dispatch:

“Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice. On June 30, I celebrate my independence day and on July 4, I celebrate America\'s. This year is special because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.

On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba, and a few months later I was in the United States to stay. That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress.

I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there. In the late 1950\'s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.

When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said \'Praise the Lord\'. And when the young leader said, ‘I will be for change and I'll bring you change’ everyone yelled, 'Viva Fidel'!

But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was
over more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world, most fortunate Cubans. And, now, I'm back to the beginning of my story.

Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking: What change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?

Would we?”

So vote like you’re gonna be married to them for the next 8 years. You might as well be: that person is going to decide how much money you get to put in your pocket!