May 05 2006
Breaking news: Kennedy Going to Rehab
This just in: Kennedy to enter rehab for addiction.
Just my 2¢ here, but while I applaud him for getting help with his problem, that shouldn’t wipe out his actions with an "I couldn’t help it excuse.
By claiming addiction and going to rehab, does he no longer have to face the consequences of his criminal actions? It seems that when we regard behavior as a medical condition, it suddenly makes it all better.
And I am not sure that really helps all facets of the problem. This just seems like another aspect of the excuse mentality that permeates our society.
AP: Text: Statements From Rep. Patrick Kennedy
Rep. Patrick Kennedy to Enter Drug Rehab
Rep. Patrick Kennedy said Friday he was entering treatment for addiction to prescription pain medication, a decision made after a highly publicized car crash near the Capitol that he said he cannot recall.
Kennedy, D-R.I., said he plans to seek treatment at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., immediately.
He announced his decision to reporters at a Capitol Hill news conference. He walked in alone, gripped the lectern, cleared his throat and began haltingly.
Kennedy, who has struggled with addiction and depression, said he had checked into the Mayo Clinic over the Christmas holidays and returned to Congress "reinvigorated and healthy."
"Of course, in every recovery, each day has its ups and downs, but I have been strong, focused and productive since my return," Kennedy said in a statement obtained by The Associated Press.
The congressman said he became concerned about his condition after the Thursday morning car accident.
"I simply do not remember getting out of bed, being pulled over by the police, or being cited for three driving infractions," Kennedy said. "That’s not how I want to live my life. And that’s not how I want to represent the people of Rhode Island."
As he was leaving the room, Kennedy was asked whether he might resign, and he shook his head no. "I need to stay in the fight," he said.
The congressman’s father, Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass., issued a supportive statement in which he said he’s proud of his son for admitting his problem and taking steps to correct it.
"He has taken full responsibility for events that occurred … and he will continue to cooperate fully with any investigation," the elder Kennedy said.
Video of press conference: ETL.
Previously:
Others:
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The Media Crunch: Kennedy Press Conference: “I Don’t Remember Car Incident At All” (VIDEO)
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Right Voices: Privilege and Power
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Super Fun Power Hour: Patches Presser - Live Blogging…
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Michelle Malkin: KENNEDY PRESS CONFERENCE…
5 Responses to “Breaking news: Kennedy Going to Rehab”
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
As I’ve pointed out elsewhere, 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.
hmmm..why did he lie..that’s what addicts do.
shame on the Kennedy name…each n every one of them.
PAT KENNEDY UPDATES: Heads To Cinco De Mayo Clinic After Changing Story… Again…
***If you’re behind on the Pat Kennedy controversy, see my original Thursday post that includes many updates, details, and twists in this matter. So as I give you a quick update and link round-up with brief commentary, know that……
qurozekacn…
nice post…
Not scientifically proven, but interesting