Today's Providence Journal reports that Patrick Kennedy, the Democrat Senator from Rhode Island, will not seek reelection. In the video message Senator Kennedy released, he alludes not only to his father's example of public service but also to that of his aunt, Eunice Shriver. Her creation of the Special Olympics for disabled children gave her more of a private life than elective office allowed to her brothers, Ted, Robert and John F. Kennedy."
I probably agree with very little of Senator Kennedy's politics, and I am not sorry to see him step down from public office. However, based on his recent personal history, I hope that he will seek help for himself in the areas where he has repeatedly had problems. This is a man who has endured some very difficult moments in his life, and my sympathies go out to him. Possibly the recent death of his father will cause him to reevaluate his life so far and find the things that will truly bring him peace. I wish him the best in whatever he chooses to do in private life.
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