Posted on 05/10/2006 10:25:58 AM PDT by SkyPilot
During a briefing with reporters yesterday, Majority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said he was aware of Rep. Patrick Kennedy’s (D-R.I,) substance-abuse problem and had “noticed it before.”
In response to a question about the handling of Kennedy’s early-morning car accident by the Capitol Police, Boehner indicated that it would be easier to make a judgment when all of the facts are released. He then elaborated on the question, saying he had known of Kennedy’s problem.
“For those who have been around here, worked here, he has been fighting this disease for a long time, as has been testified to by the articles that are out there,” Boehner said. “And it is a shame, but I am glad he is seeking treatment.”
Robin Costello, a spokeswoman for Kennedy, said she did not know of a specific incident that Boehner could be referring to.
“I’d like to think it’s his way of saying he wishes the congressman well,” she said.
A Boehner spokesman did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Kennedy checked himself into the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., on Friday evening to seek treatment for a prescription-drug addiction.
Drug and alcohol addiction is a disease.
He might be an addict, but he doesn't have a disease.
“For those who have been around here, worked here, he has been fighting this disease
Not disease and ADDICTION
Life on the edge. Talk about a job as a javelin catcher.
His previous escapades are well publicized.
Why doesn't the media demand to know why Patrick's father chose to ignore the man's continued downward spiral.
Did he prefer to wait to see if his son ended up killing someone when he drove impaired.
Don't ingest the drugs or alcohol, and voila! The "disease" is miraculously cured. People get addicted to substances and need to beat said addictions. They didn't contract a disease.
And what hole disgorged your sweet self?
Howie Carr was reporting on something he heard from the late Mort Downey, a Kennedy friend, on Monday. Evidently Old Joe Kennedy decided that Jack would get the Senate seat from MA., Bobby from N.Y. and the runt of the litter, Ted, would get "Little Rhodey". With the deaths of Jack and Bobby, MA was left to Ted and ,his "runt of the litter", Patches, inherited Rhode Island.
None dare call it SIN.
If it's "disease" one doesn't have as much control over it, and is viewed as more of a victim. If it's sin one must be held accountable, and must ultimately take responsibility for repentance and change.
[...been fighting this disease]
Are you kidding? The kennedys revel in the effect of booze like Cruise doing a couch jump.
Did he prefer to wait to see if his son ended up killing someone when he drove impaired.
Actually it would seem that Teddy has been mentoring the lad to take over the family business. Car accidents, boat accidents, the wearing of the Kennedy Family neck brace; and the kid goes and wastes all that training and experience on a traffic barrier?
Right. Let's not forget that the esteemed and honorable Barney Franks allowed his male lover to run a male 'escort' service out of his Capotal Hill home. I was a college student in DC 25 years ago when the Dodd/Kennedy duet were busy making waitress sandwiches. A paragon of virtue our Congress is not.
My cousin was a page in the Senate when that story broke. My aunt down here in NC almost had a nervous breakdown!
That is true but there are genetic links to addiction, so some people are born predisposed to it. Brain chemistry and personality have a lot to do with it too.
Another "genetlemen" in the poop-shovelers guild. If the roles were switched, it would have been 24/7 on the alphabet channels.
...and don't forget. We haven't yet had anybody charged in the murder of Chandra Levy.
We never will, IMO. Justice for her murderer will have to come in the next life, not this one.
Alcoholics and addicts are both victims and responsible.
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