"How can Patrick be in control of his alcoholic poor soul Mother Joan, when he cannot be in control of himself?"
I've always felt sorry for Joan - she seemed like a nice lady. If I had to put up w the Kennedy family and was married to the Swimmer (YUCK!) I probably would have been an alcoholic, too!
Many books have been written about how classless the Kennedy Family was/is. Most of these Books have said that Jackie took JFK where he finally ended up in the Presidency by making him clean up and get away from his trashy upbringing. She was classy,cultured (no taste in men I guess), and made a difference in his career. I believe Joan Kennedy was good for "The Swimmer",but could not handle all the disgrace and pain he put her through. Patrick was only maybe two when The Mary Jo Chappaquiddick incident happened. What a horrible thing to do to another woman,let alone your wife with a toddler.