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Lindy McDowell: How Ted Kennedy lived in the shadow of Mary Jo’s death
Saturday, 29 August 2009
The obituaries tell us that the real legacy of the late Senator Ted Kennedy who died this week was that he helped broker the Northern Ireland peace process. (Didn’t everyone? Just about any politician who has ever set foot in this place has at some point been credited with ‘brokering the peace.’)
In fairness he did get an honorary knighthood from the Queen for his contribution. A knighthood which, interestingly enough, this avowed Irish nationalist was happy to accept ?
But then Ted Kennedy never really was entirely predictable. The one-time cheerleader for Sinn Fein gradually came to assume a more critical stance where that party was concerned — in particular after the murder of Robert McCartney.
He was no big friend of unionists — but his antagonism towards them did seem to mellow with the years to the point where DUP leader Peter Robinson could pay tribute to him at the end. There was a time when that would have been unthinkable .
Other aspects of his legacy — the many pieces of legislation that he helped steer on to the statute book in the US; his battle to transform the American health care system; and his contribution as ‘kingmaker’ boosting the elections of Clinton and Obama.
But one word like a dark cloud will forever hang over the name of the man they flatteringly called the Lion of the Senate.
Chappaquiddick ?
In the aftermath of Kennedy’s death this week American television channels have been reviewing his long political career. And over and over again the same clip has been flickering on to screens ?
A sombre Kennedy speaking on national television way back in July 1969.
“I regard as indefensible the fact that I did not report the accident to the police immediately.”
Indefensible was one word for it. What Kennedy had done was to abandon to a lingering and horrific death a young woman whose life could almost certainly have been saved.
Mary Jo Kopechne was in his car when it plunged into the river near Chappaquiddick Island. While Kennedy managed to swim free, she was trapped inside. Shamefully, inexplicably, Kennedy did not raise the alarm. He waited until the next day before contacting the cops.
Mary Jo is believed to have survived for some time in an air bubble. She could have been saved ?
But Kennedy was more concerned about saving his own reputation. For hours he did nothing. What must have gone through his mind during that time? What sort of man is capable of such killer callousness? Kennedy in the end survived — not just literally, but politically. Had he not been a Kennedy would he have got away with it? He was given a mere suspended jail sentence for his role in the death of the young woman.
And while the scandal may well have scuppered his chances of making it to the White House, his political career continued nonetheless. America was willing to forgive the brother of assassinated JFK and RFK. But as this week’s obituaries have shown, it didn’t ever forget. Among callers to one US phone-in show was the pilot who flew him back to be questioned by the police after Chappaquiddick.
The pilot recalled that what struck him most about Kennedy was his absolute arrogance.
That pampered arrogance and Kennedy’s contempt for women remained in evidence down through the years.
He was a man used to getting what he wanted — a man prepared to put his own ambitions before all else. Even the life of another human being.Many of the tributes paid this week have talked in affectionate terms about how, yes, he was flawed — but even so ...
The fact was though, that Kennedy’s was a pretty fatal flaw. Especially from the perspective of the trusting young woman in the car. Chappaquiddick defined Edward Kennedy. Nothing that followed, nothing that he did ever made it right.
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Comments
29 Comments
Yes! It takes someone from Ireland to say what so many of us in America are thinking.........!
Posted by Terri Blackwelder | 04.09.09, 01:34 GMT
The most fatal flaw in this obit, which otherwise ignores a long and fruitful association with Ireland, is to claim that Ted Kennedy was a 'one-time cheerleader for Sinn Fein' who only saw the light after the death of Robert McCartney. Such a low blow has been fairly standard fare from the shrill Little Englanders of the London Telegraph all week but I really would have expected more from an Ulsterwoman, even of the darkest Unionist persuasion. Lindy, where have you been for the last thirty five years? True, Kennedy made some Brits Out statements - in the early Seventies for goodness sakes - but I hope you would agree those were fairly unusual times. From 1973 on, he strongly supported John Hume's effort to bring peaceful change to Northern Ireland and worked hard with the other Four Horsemen to counteract the influence of Sinn Fein and Noraid in Irish America. Ted Kennedy was a cheerleader for Ireland, not the IRA. What a pity so many in the Province still cannot tell the difference
Posted by Ardillaun | 02.09.09, 23:39 GMT
Teddy Kennedy was set up by the US Establishment when he - like Bobby - was going to expose the murderers of his brother Jack in Dallas. E . Howard Hunt, on his deathbed, made a statement to that effect. Hunt was a member of the CIA and he said that " Teddy Kennedy's brakes were sabotaged and when he became president he was going to publicise the names and organisation that these people belonged to."
John Kennedy junior's plane was also sabotaged, leading to the death of him, wife and her sister. He too was running for office, wanting to take - over Hillary Clinton's seat in the House of Rrepresentatives/Senate. Linda's article is far more complicated than that. ( And I don't expect this blog to be printed for obvious reasons! ).
Posted by Patrick | 02.09.09, 16:52 GMT
Good article.
We were all outraged at the time. Over the years you somehow forget but remember you don't like the man. You have no respect for his cowardly conduct and lust for fame and power.
I believe he was probably tormented over the years, always trying to get back to where he was but never quite able. He lost our respect and you can never get that back.
The truth would have set him free personally but he would have lost his position and thr power he so wanted.
It's a sad story.
Posted by ruth bare | 02.09.09, 15:52 GMT
Unionist drivel?? Forgiveness?? Penance?? He was hardly Mother Theresa now was he? He went on to live a high old life.
Every week in the paper there's someone who gets into trouble trying to rescue their dog from the water and Mr Kennedy not only didn't bother to try to rescue his ladly friend, he didn't even bother to try to raise the alarm and get someone else to do it.
Anyone else would have been found guilty of manslaughter and served hard time -but not a Kennedy.
No brainer really and Lindy's right - anyone that self-obsessed didn't deserve the Presidency and certainly shouldn't have been honoured by the British Government (the Queen only dishes the awards out) Kennedy = Mary-Jo, always did and always will.
Posted by Auldoll | 31.08.09, 11:44 GMT
Ted Kennedy was born into privilege, caught cheating at Harvard and expelled, had his seat in Boston kept warm for him by a Kennedy lackey, and then Chappaquiddick. And remember the sight of his poor alcoholic wife being wheeled out and humiliated when he ran against Carter.
Michael, your accusation of bigotry perhaps reveals your own.
Posted by spud | 31.08.09, 10:39 GMT
Typical Unionist drivel. Is it any wonder N Ireland is so bigoted with People like Ms McDowell writing articles so pointedly sectarian and bitter.
Posted by Michael | 31.08.09, 09:54 GMT
Unfortunately it was something that the Kennedys know so much about - being sorry for their actions. And I would say that very few us whose "worst actions" would be judged if we were in the spot light would leave a family in deep grief which was compounded by the fact that had "Teddy" cared as much about a human as his reputation the lady could have been saved. I have faith and believe in forgiveness but also know that every life is sacred, even more than a man with at the least questionable morals.
Posted by Bisset family | 31.08.09, 07:55 GMT
Ms McDowell:
I do not know what faith you follow and it really does not matter. In my faith, forgiveness is a very important element. Ted Kennedy did make a mistake in judgement many years ago, no one doubts that, most of all Ted Kenndy himself. He has spent 50 years redeeming that mistake and in penance by lending a helping hand wherever he could.
We cannot say that of many people who make a terrible mistake.
Neerja
Posted by Neerja | 30.08.09, 19:13 GMT
Ted Kennedy learned quite a lot about N.Ireland and from the best source the non-violent peace maker John Hume. He respected the Unionist position without necessary agreeing with it.
He disowened violent Republicanism and adopted the Hume view that its much more important to unite people than territory.
Posted by maurice quinlan | 30.08.09, 15:11 GMT
HC: You may call it churlish but I think its brave. I have nothing against Ole Teddy, but he was a bit of a rouge, with a rather checkered past. Its nice to see Linda is not afraid to break from the beige reporting, and highlight some truths of Teddy's life.
Posted by Stuart | 29.08.09, 22:07 GMT
How incredibly sad that you take the occasion of an esteemed senator's death to mark out the worst in his life.y What strikes me worst of all is that you have no particular inside knowledge of what occured on that terrible night. By all indicators, Senator Kennedy took that moment and turned his life into a life that transformed America for millions of people. He gave women, African-Americans, homosexuals, and immigrants a voice. He was, in the eyes of this American, truly someone to be thankful for.
If we are all to be judged by the worst act in our lives, I daresay that no one would stand in heaven with God. His sin is no greater than yours or mine, in the eyes of God, all sins are equal.
Let he without sin cast the first stone. That isn't me, and I'm entirely certain it isn't you either.
Posted by AW | 29.08.09, 21:29 GMT
This is an excellent commentary. Thank you Lindy. I too never could see past the event that defined Ted Kennedy, no matter what he did afterwards.
Posted by Todd S. | 29.08.09, 21:07 GMT
cold hearted defines Lindy McDonald .I will not waist my time on you again. Rest in Peace, Senator
Posted by St peter | 29.08.09, 20:53 GMT
Lindy, you have got it all wrong! Senator Kennedy made significant changes to the laws of the USA that help those who were less fortunate than himself. He never denied his weaknesses,and sought forgiveness for his past deeds. You know it is easy to be critical of others especially when you know little about them. To paraphrase;let him who is without guilt cast the first stoneI have sat through some six hours listening and watching people from both sides of the US Congress talk about his character,and while they may have disagreed with him on many issues they admired and respected him. Yes, he was only human,and yes he made mistakes,but surely he deserves better than the vitriolic words that you penned.
Posted by RMS | 29.08.09, 19:17 GMT
I feel bad for senator Kennedy
may he rest in peace
Posted by galeris | 29.08.09, 18:03 GMT
My thoughts are with the Kopechne family. Because i am sure Kennedy's death will bring back the memories of that night, when Mary Jo lost her life.
Posted by sandra | 29.08.09, 17:50 GMT
Every time I read this drivel it reminds me never to actually buy the Telegraph. Total ignorance wrapped up in pompous speculation that contributes nothing.
Posted by Tomas | 29.08.09, 17:36 GMT
More blinkered poisonous bile from McDowell who never misses any opportunity to put down anyone with Irish Nationalist sympaties even one most Americans across the political spectrum consider one of the greatest and most respected statesmen of the ages,the honourable Ted Kennedy.The man tirelessly spent the last 40 years of his life championing the cause of minorities,the marganalised and most vulnerable of American society irrespective of creed or colour ,when was the last time Lindy McDowell did anything for anyone in a selfless manner?
Posted by mik | 29.08.09, 17:13 GMT
No real friend of the Unionists? Who would be, propagating injustice isn't generally the mark of a good politican/peacemaker.
And why wouldn't he accept an honour from the Queen of England, he was American not Irish.
Posted by Serge M | 29.08.09, 15:35 GMT
29 Comments