Kennedy is entirely insulated from Chappaquiddick at this stage of his life and at this distance from the event. Just my opinion, but it strikes me that at this point it reflects more poorly on those who bring this up than on Kennedy himself.

Kennedy is a deeply flawed man, and a dangerous liberal ... but using Chappaquiddick is simply counterproductive now.

I read the Wikipedia link that you provided. It didn't say anything about Kennedy breaking, or showing any disrespect for, any state law, or any law at all. I don't like Kennedy and can't see myself ever voting for him, but it seems that anyone who interprets the Chappaquiddick incident with that sort of skepticism should have done the same with Cheney's "peppering" of Whittington when they were hunting. If you think that Kennedy murdered Kopechne, okay fine, but at least show some consistent skepticism when your favorite politicians are involved in questionable incidents.

Ms. Gordalli said: "I read the Wikipedia link that you provided. It didn't say anything about Kennedy breaking, or showing any disrespect for, any state law, or any law at all." I would recommend a more careful reading. From the Wiki post:

"Kennedy entered a plea of guilty to a charge of leaving the scene of an accident after causing injury. He received a sentence of two months in jail, which was suspended. The sentence was notable in that the statute for the crime provided only for mandatory jail time and not the discretion of a suspended sentence."

Accordingly, there is no question that he broke the law. Strong claims could also be made based upon the fact that he consulted with counsel before notifying the police of the accident--an important fact given that the investigations revealed she did not die instantly, but rather significantly later, when she was no longer able to breathe. And so, it is good to compare this incident to Cheney's hunting accident. Both were accidents (although Cheney's was not alcohol induced). Cheney contacted the police and sought medical attention for the person he injured in a timely fashion. Kennedy sought counsel first, and delayed contacting the police even when the means were easily available and when he had a legal duty to do so, likely to his passenger's peril. So I thank you for bringing up the comparison. It was very helpful in pointing out Kennedy's malfeasance.

To Don: I offered it mainly for humor, but I don't think that there is a statute of limitations on shaming a politician who caused an innocent woman's death.

Kennedy is a notorious drunk. Cheney was just a bad shot.

Mr. Alt, a model of replying. Much appreciated.

Paul, good critique of Alt's reply to Gordali's comment.

Welcome back, Fung.

Fung, nice assessment of Paul's critique of Alt's reply to Gordalli's comment.

Gordalli, even Kennedy's version of the facts meets the standard for manslaughter. Get a grip.

Thank you, Paul. I'm way too busy to engage in protracted discussion, but I have been tuning in from time to time!

not dain, thank you for acknowledging my assessment of Paul's critique of Alt's reply to Gordalli's comment.