IT HAPPENED TONIGHT, 41-YEARS-AGO--RIP MARY JO

At the beginning of the 1960's, John Kennedy set a goal of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely. At the end of the 1960's, Ted Kennedy got drunk, drove his car off a bridge, killing Mary Jo Kopechne. At the very same time, Apollo 11 was nearing the moon, preparing for a July 20 landing, thus fulfilling half of John Kennedy's goal. You could write the script but Hollywood wouldn't believe it. Too much "suspension of belief" required. Audiences wouldn't buy it. Yet, they did.

Here's one of those parts that's not believable: 3 lawyers know of the accident, return to the scene, return home... and during that time not one of these lawyers picks up a phone to notify the authorities that there's a person trapped underwater in a car. These men--two of them anyway--are officers of the court.

"The details of the evening vary, depending on whose version of the facts one reads. The basic facts are these: Ted Kennedy and Mary Jo Kopechne left the Lawrence Cottage together. Ted Kennedy was the only one to return. According to Ted, he failed to negotiate the sharp right hand turn onto Main Street (Chappaquiddick Rd) and instead headed left onto Dike Road, then off the bridge. He dove into the water to try to rescue her, but failed in his numerous attempts to extract her from the car. He walked 15 minutes back to Lawrence Cottage to fetch Gargan and former US Attorney, Paul Markham. The three of them returned to the site of the crash and Markham and Gargan tried to rescue Mary Jo, but found the currents too strong.

"According to Gargan, Kennedy and Kopechne left together and when Kennedy returned to Lawrence Cottage, told Gargan that he had an accident and told him of the car going over the side of the bridge. Kennedy directed Gargan and Markham to the location and waited while they attempted to rescue Kopechne. When they discovered rescue would be impossible, Gargan insisted, repeatedly, to Kennedy to contact the police. After about 20 minutes of Gargan’s insistence, Kennedy bolted from the car and swam the channel (approximately 500 yards) from Chappaquiddick to Edgartown where he had a room at the Inn. Gargan assumed that Kennedy would contact the police from that location."--link.

Why do I think that Gargan and Markham went on to wonderful careers, raised wonderful families, enjoyed wonderful retirements and grandchildren? All the things Mary Jo would never have.

Tonight, 41-years-ago, Mary Jo Kopechne would prepare for a party on Martha's Vineyard that would end very badly for her... and her family. Ted would be ok.

"CHAPPY DAYS" PART 2

Ted Kennedy, in my opinion, is a dangerous man. In my day to day discussions with people, I have noticed that many don't really know much about his past, or any of the details of the incident at Chappaquiddick. To know and understand Chappaquiddick is to know Ted Kennedy.

Since Ted likes to take shots at our Nation, I feel it's my duty, my responsibility, to take a shot at him whenever I can. Don't get me wrong, Ted has every right to voice his objections concerning any mistakes we as a nation have made and the policies we put forth. However, when we have troops in harm's way, our young men and women, his ventings should be from behind closed doors and outside the media's attention. Attempting to do damage to any administration at the cost of troop morale and lives is unacceptable and unamerican.

After being released from the Army in the late '70s, I attended college and had a magnificent poli-sci professor, Dr. David Yamada. He exposed me to "critical thinking" and once had a retired CIA agent come to class to discuss JFK's assassination. It was an eye opening experience and one that would encourage me to do research on my own to understand the Kennedy family and what happened to them in the '60s. What the CIA agent said in class caused many of the older students to become upset. At the time I didn't understand why this was the case, but later it made sense. The agent was required to have a tape recorder running while he talked so there would be a record of everything he extended to us. I was amazed at what he said and it made me want to know more.

In this class we learned many things about the Kennedys, Chappaquiddick was part of the discussion, so I took the time to find my notes from class and found a website with the same information I received. To know and understand Ted Kennedy, you must read the information at this site. Afterwards, you will wonder, as I do, why his state feels that he's the best they can come up with to serve them in the Senate.

Chappy Days begins on July 18th.

"CHAPPY DAYS" ARE HERE AGAIN--PART 1

Just when you thought it was impossible for Teddy Kennedy to get any lower, he comes through with yet another embarrassment for him, his family, and, sadly, our Nation.

Ted felt so deeply about panty clad terrorists at Abu Ghraib, he made a speech yesterday marking the anniversary of the scandal. It's a long, blistering speech, detailing the events at the prison. However long it is, you are compelled to read the entire text simply to see if his next paragraph is more outrageous than the previous one. And, they are.

Teddy is marking the day for one reason and one reason only: To score points against Bush in a game of political one-upsmanship. Hurting our Nation is not a concern for Ted; hurting Bush is.

I'm convinced if Ted's brothers were alive today to witness what he's done to the family name, they'd slap him so hard that Rose would buy a new black dress.

Since Ted is in an anniversary mood, I think July 18th would be a perfect day to remember: The anniversary of Chappaquiddick. We'll call it "Chappy Days." It could be a week long celebration in remembrance of Mary Jo Kopechne. Ted could give one of his long speeches to open the weeklong festivities celebrating Mary Jo's short life.

If you've ever wondered why Ted is the way he is, an insider to the Kennedy family once put it this way:

Cleo O'Donnell, wife of a former Kennedy campaign aide, had this to say about Kennedy:

"Teddy Kennedy was the weak kitten in the litter, never able to measure up to his brothers. The accident at Chappaquiddick displayed his chronic immaturity. One problem Teddy has always had was keeping it in his pants - even when other people are around."

Weak kitten, indeed.

(HAT TIP: DRUDGE)

TED KENNEDY COULDN'T BE REACHED FOR COMMENT

Another chapter in the life of the "Distinguished Senator from Chappaquiddick" has come to an end. Death has been a frequent visitor to the Kennedy family. This time, however, it's from outside the Kennedy compound but within a family that will forever be connected to the name Kennedy.

Gwen L. Kopechne, mother of Mary Jo, passed away last month. From her Obit:

"Family photographs pasted on a board were placed near the altar, and two pictures showing Gwen, her late husband, Joseph, and their only daughter, Mary Jo, were placed on a table beneath a Pastoral candle.

Gwen was laid to rest in St. Vincent’s Cemetery in Larksville next to her husband and Mary Jo, whose life immortalized the family when she was killed in the accident on Chappaquiddick Island on July 19, 1969."

Their only daughter snatched away from them because a drunken Ted was hoping to get lucky--again. I could live to be 150 years old and still never understand how the people of Massachusetts could ever think of returning this piece of crap back to the U.S. Senate. Possibly, you have some insight.

For the best comprehensive look at what happened that night on Chappaquiddick Island in 1969, click here. BBC news article here. And a most interesting NYT article from 1989, click here.--(HT Radio Patriot)

In his own words, Ted tells us what "really happened" that night--YouTube, for whatever reason, won't allow an embed.

Below is a photo of Ted wearing his "photo-op" neck brace as he and his wife, Joan, leave a funeral mass for Mary Jo.

TED "WALKS" RUMMY

Rumsfeld is one cool customer. He took Ted's best pitches yesterday and didn't swing at one of them. Ball four, take your base, Mr. Rumsfeld. Kennedy tried to call him out on strikes but you have to actually be in the game to do that. I think it's clear Teddy's not in the game.

Teddy isn't the only one not in the game; his party isn't either. Kennedy and the democrats, at best, are reduced to sitting in the cheap seats booing those on the field making plays. Spectators. After all, John Kerry made a career out of spectating from the Senate bleachers.

Kennedy thought it was time for Rummy to resign as SECDEF, but I thought a better idea would be for Kennedy to resign, thus making room at the table for someone with an idea, a solution, and a plan of action. In other words, someone who supports America and its service men and women. Other than a scotch and soda, Kennedy doesn't bring much to the table.

But, you have to understand that Teddy is at his grumpiest this time of year. His political career officially ended 36 years ago next month. It was in all the papers along with Neil and Buzz. Not a good time for the "weak kitten in the litter." 36 years? Time does fly. Don't you think it's time, Mr. Kennedy?

And I noticed the reporting of Rummy's appearance with Kennedy in the New York Times. The Times just can't bring itself to call a terrorist a terrorist. Their headline reads:

"Timeline for Iraq Pullout Would Aid Insurgents, Rumsfeld Says"

But what Rumsfeld actually said was:

"It would throw a lifeline to terrorists who in recent months have suffered significant losses and casualties, been denied havens and suffered weakened popular support," said Mr. Rumsfeld. "Timing in war is never predictable. There are no guarantees. And any who say we've lost this war or that we're losing this war are wrong. We are not."

Ya got no game, Ted, so don't you think it's time?

JUST ANOTHER DAY FOR "WHISKEY TED"

Doesn't this picture of Ted make you feel sorry for him? He got a neck brace out of the deal and Mary Jo got a coffin. After all, Ted was facing drunk driving charges, and we couldn't have that, could we? So, Mary Jo would have to be expendable; she's just another chick in the life of "Whiskey Ted."

Ted celebrated his 73rd birthday this year; Mary Jo didn't live to see her 29th. If Teddy would've been a man, she would be celebrating her 65th birthday next week. I imagine her having a party with all her family, friends, children and grand-children around her. But, Teddy wasn't a man, so there won't be a party.

You have to be a real piece of crap to let some poor girl die so you can get out of a drunk driving charge, but, I guess, sometimes a Kennedy has got to do what a Kennedy has got to do. It baffles me as to why the people of Massachusetts feel the need to have this criminal represent them in the US Senate. Did daddy Joe leave everyone in the state some money so they'd continue voting for him? I wonder.

With each day that Ted wields power in the Senate, our Nation fights for its life the same as Mary Jo did on this day 36 years ago at Chappaquiddick.

NOTE: Kennedy's "explanation" to the people of Massachusetts after the funeral. A sickening read.

NOTE II: The comments section has taken on a life of its own, so Chris at Lucky Dawg News has dedicated a video to "People doing stupid things." Good job, Chris!!

NEXT STOP: SCANDALVILLE. POP: HILLARY

This fund-raising scheme from Hollywood that threatens to entangle the Honorable Senator from the Great State of New York, Hillary Clinton, has all the signs of a scandal.

A govt secret witness turns out to be a guy by the name of Ray Reggie, Ted Kennedy's brother-in-law. Imagine that, a scandal brewing and a Kennedy not far from the action. Anyway, Reggie was recording conversations for the authorities, so this should get even better.

The bad news: Anytime someone is about to dump on the Clinton's, they end up dead.

I wonder if Ray Reggie is depressed?

Check it out at Michelle's site.

UNBELEAVEABLE

I looked at this picture and right away thought it had to be a photoshop job. But I guess not. How does something like this get through without someone noticing? I used to have problems with "tomorrow" until I learned the trick: It's three words put together. Once you understand that, you never get it wrong.

The place where Ted Kennedy (D-Stoli) killed Mary Jo always gave me trouble, too. Hint: It's four words. Any spelling tricks you'd like to share?

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***Wizbang has more.

SCOTT BROWN TO MELANIE MORGAN AND A FEW THINGS INBETWEEN

MICHELLE MALKIN REPORTS: The battle lines have been drawn, the date has been set. Who fills Ted Kennedy's senate seat will be decided on January 19 in a special election. This affects each and every citizen of this nation. According to some, this race is going to be close--that's the good news. The bad news: SEIU/ACORN specialize in stealing close elections. The GOP's Scott Brown needs our help NOW. Prior to the election, the most important day is January 11--Malkin has all the details.

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APPOINTMENT RADIO: Tonight The Andrea Shea King Show features political writer JB Williams. Show begins at 9 pm est--The Radio Patriot has all the links. As I said, this is appointment radio. Be there.

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AMERICA RISING: That's the name of a video Brutally Honest posted. It dovetails nicely with the special election mentioned above. If you're lookin' for a little hope, this vid fills the bill.

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"MY LIFE IS GROWING SHORT": That's what Greybeard says in his personal review of 2009. GB, who posts at Pitchpull, is a veteran helicopter pilot with 40 plus years behind the stick. Recently, though, GB looked down at life's panel of gauges and saw a red warning light, and GB doesn't fly or go through life with a warning light flashing. Let's just say GB is making the necessary repairs and adjustments ASAP. Do you have a warning light flashing?

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PRAY FOR MEL: Health related issues have forced Melanie Morgan to resign from her radio program in Washington DC. She's moving back to California to work the problem. Mel has some details at her site. Pray for her, then pray some more.

THE CAUSE OF THIS CRASH IS OBVIOUS

There are two things I'm watching closely as the presidential season progresses: One, the development of Fred Thompson's campaign; two, the rise and free-fall of John McCain (D-Arizona). As of now, we're in the "free-fall" portion of his campaign, but some are figuring (hoping) he'll rebound and rise from the ashes.

Not that long ago, McCain had it all going for him. Leading in the polls, front-runner status, and lots of campaign cash in the bank. His background in the military, as well as his father's, made his resume fitting of a future president. However, he had one big problem: He found himself on the wrong side of one of our Nation's biggest and most important issues--illegal immigration. Partnering with the likes of Ted Kennedy (D-Stoli) on immigration reform was probably the final nail in his presidential coffin.

Had McCain stood on the other side--the right side--of the immigration issue, I think, today, he'd be the clear front-runner with tons of campaign cash to spread around the primary states. And we'd be looking forward to watching Fred Dalton Thompson on the 2007 Fall Season of "Law and Order," instead of the 2008 presidential campaign trail.

When the going got tough, and the issues tougher, the "Real McCain" stepped up to the plate and struck-out without so much as taking the bat off his shoulder. 3 pitches right down the middle--all he had to do was swing the bat. It was as if he wanted to lose. When the home team needed him the most, McCain failed. And now the voters are going to let him ride-the-pine for the rest of this game.

Here's the latest on McCain's political campaign carnage in Iowa, Florida, and South Carolina. As the saying goes: You can hope in one hand and S*** in the other; see which one fills up first. He's toast. Sad.

THROWING UP AT THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL, GOING "LIVE" FROM OHIO

When Walter Cronkite was considering retirement, Roger Mudd was on CBS' short list of replacements. I always liked Mudd but I'm not sure he would've been as entertaining as Rather turned out to be. Marathon Pundit did a post mentioning Ted Kennedy and the famous interview with Roger Mudd. I tried to find it and failed. I did find this little gem of Mudd recounting a couple stories from back in the 60s.



Follow at TWITTER.

I HAVE A POSITION ON SEN. DURBIN

Durbin should be kicked out of the Senate and brought up on charges for giving "aid and comfort" to the enemy. He's welcome to make these statements, however, they should be made behind closed doors so not to embolden our enemy. Pam at Blogmeister USA has a post with details.

I was curious what other members of the Senate had to say about Durbin's comments against our troops. I called a few Senate offices to get the staff's response.

Ted Kennedy 202-224-4543...."Not quite sure, I'll have to check on that." Not quite sure?

Joe Lieberman 202-224-4041...."Mr. Lieberman has no comment at all." Really?

John Kerry 202-224-2742...."Sen. Kerry doesn't have a position on Sen. Durbin's comments." Why doesn't this surprise me?

This is your United States Senate at work. Proud?

JULY 20, 1969: AMERICANS WALK ON THE MOON

Doesn't quite seem possible, but it's been 42 years since man first walked on the moon. A technological feat so awesome that I doubt it will ever be surpassed. It's one of those few "Where were you?" moments that happens in life.

Each year I try to honor the day. It's usually a proud and happy day but this year it feels different: It's a sad day since it marks the highest point in American manned space flight, and tomorrow the American manned space flight program comes to an end when Atlantis rolls to a stop on a Florida runway. Technically, NASA will still have a manned program, just no vehicle to carry American astronauts into space. If that's our goal, we'll be paying the Russians for a seat on one of their rockets. Like I said, it's a sad day.

The journey to have Americans walk on the moon didn't begin on July 20th, 1969, when Armstrong opened the Eagle's hatch; it began with John Kennedy setting a goal for America back in the early 1960s. JFK didn't live to see the day nor did his brother Robert. Brother Ted was otherwise preoccupied, securing a good legal defense team.

On the morning of July 16th, 1969, Apollo 11 sat atop the towering Atlas V rocket on launch pad 39-A. The Florida weather was in a cooperative mood. The goal of the mission was simply stated: send a man to the moon and return him safely. Buzz Aldrin recalls the moments just before being strapped in for launch:

"While Mike and Neil were going through the complicated business of being strapped in and connected to the spacecraft's life-support system, I waited near the elevator on the floor below. I waited alone for fifteen minutes in a sort of serene limbo. As far as I could see there were people and cars lining the beaches and highways. The surf was just beginning to rise out of an azure-blue ocean. I could see the massiveness of the Saturn V rocket below and the magnificent precision of Apollo above. I savored the wait and marked the minutes in my mind as something I would always want to remember."

Yes, we will always want to remember. God Bless America.

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A FAMILY TRADITION

The drunk doesn't fall far from the barstool.

"Whisky Ted's" son, Patrick, is following in the family tradition of how to booze your way through Washington DC and retain your job. It must be a proud day for the whole Kennedy clan, for one of their sons has done it again.

To write anything else about this would be a waste of my time.

Cheers!!