Edward M. "Ted" Kennedy has died. Sincere condolences to his loved ones. God have mercy on his soul. May the Almighty be infinitely more attentive to Mr. Kennedy's eternal condition than Mr. Kennedy appears to have been to lovely, bright-eyed, blonde-haired, 28 year old Mary Jo Kopechne whom he left behind to drown in the car he had driven off an unlit bridge on the night of July 18, 1969, in Chappaquiddick, MA. Kennedy, and this (i.e. special treatment) is a fairly common tale amongst the fabled "Camelot" clan, was given a mockery of a sentence (2 months in prison - suspended, a year’s probation and a 6 month loss of driving privileges) by a Massachusetts "kangaroo court" for "leaving the scene of an accident".
As disturbing as the lack of jurisprudence was in this case, the entire milieu, charade of an "investigation", sordid scandal, cover-up, closed-mouth witnesses, and purported treatment of Ted Kennedy as royalty by then local police chief, Dominick Arena, who even gave up his office so that Kennedy could make telephone calls to advisers and lawyers in privacy, is an utter travesty.
Without citing any specifics, Bill O’Reilly stated on his August 26th broadcast, "there have been some vicious postings on the internet and they are disgraceful". While it’s difficult to evaluate the content without knowing specifically what O’Reilly was referring to the question here is, "When someone dies, their legacy notwithstanding, isn’t that a time of reflection upon the life and experiences of the departed? And conversely does this make those in the liberal media glorifying Ted Kennedy "honorable"? One Op-Ed writer even exulted Kennedy this way: "Over the months and battles to come, many in the trenches will no doubt be asking themselves WWTD? What Would Teddy Do"? A dubious juxtaposition of the senator and Jesus Christ whose "Golden Rule" teaching is often memorialized on bracelets worn by Christians with the acronym "WWJD" What Would Jesus Do? Such is the legacy of the liberal media and how it fawns all over one of its champions. 
A few years back, Boston Globe reporter Charles Pierce had the unmitigated gall to write of the drowning victim, who died that night in the cold murky waters off Dike Bridge in the inlet known as Poucha Pond - "If she had lived, Mary Jo Kopechne would be 62 years old. Through his tireless work as a legislator, Edward Kennedy would have brought comfort to her in her old age." And THAT’S the memo Bill!
While Kennedy was no doubt a stalwart figure in the Senate, having served for nearly half a century and deserving of a modicum of respect, his record can hardly be considered exemplary by those who cherish traditional American values. That is neither to imply he never did anything worthwhile nor to discount his humanity. God alone can see into the heart of any man and as O’Reilly correctly pointed out, only God decides where he spends his eternity. That is assuming this was the judgment O’Reilly was referring to, it’s difficult to say for sure. Bill O’Reilly a self-proclaimed Roman Catholic, as was Kennedy, is quite possibly the worst Bible expositor in the history of television. Given, that’s not his bailiwick, but he seems to proffer his ill-informed understanding of the Scripture quite freely for someone with so little understanding of it. Although O’Reilly feels that eternal destination, i.e. "personal judgment" is up to God alone, he violates the very principle he proclaimed when later on in his show he speculates about a hypothetical conversation between Kennedy and Saint Peter, presumably meaning that Kennedy is bound for the pearly gates. Every true Christian, this one included, hopes this is so and again, the sincere and heartfelt sentiment here is that God will be merciful to Mr. Kennedy. Nevertheless, as a matter of textual accuracy, personal judgment of actions, expressed philosophy, and yes wrongdoing, are not prohibited by the Bible. However, the final evaluation of a life is left up to the Almighty and assuming the Fox News host was referring to that, he is correct.
Especially disconcerting, was the Senator’s deplorable record of voting on the side of progressive liberals on social issues. Although it’s been alleged he had claimed to be "pro-life" when he was first elected to fill the seat vacated when JFK became president in 1962, political expediency soon swayed him to the pro-abortion camp. This sentiment was of sufficient consequence that Mr. Kris Mineau of the Massachusetts Family Institute said, "Kennedy was a ‘remarkable individual’, but has left a ‘sad legacy’ of opposition to pro-life values. Senator Kennedy was certainly opposed to many of our traditional value issues... he epitomized what is wrong with our leaders and their value of life."
So will this cursory assessment of the "Liberal Lion" of the United States Senate be construed as hateful speech delivered at an inappropriate time? The left will no doubt think so, just as the right rebuked liberals for their on the spot, vicious, hate mongering when moderate Democrat turned conservative Charlton Heston passed away from Alzheimer’s disease in 2008. One thing for sure, when President Obama eulogizes Kennedy this weekend, the canonization of the Senator by the so-called "anointed one", will then be absolute.
Until next time...
Your opinions are welcome any time. Leave them under comments or send them to delawarewimer@hotmail.com
For further insight:
Aug. 26 O’Reilly Factor Talking Points memo http://www.foxnews.com/oreilly/
WWTD - What Would Teddy Do? Ridiculous!! http://www.politicsdaily.com/2009/08/26/kennedys-legacy-to-always-fight-on/
Outstanding feature by Carl Cannon Politics Daily www.politicsdaily.com/2009/08/26/mary-jo-kopechne-and-chappaquiddick-americas-selective-memory/
Myrna Blyth on Mary Jo Kopechne http://www.nationalreview.com/blyth/blyth200407200944.asp
Comments
.... the so-called "anointed one", will then be absolute."
That last line says it all. The only people who call the president "The Annointed One" or the "Messiah" are ultra right wing conservatives. Why would they would risk blasphemy like that Keith?
Ollie,
Thanks for sharing your views. I might say the only ones who take particular exception to the use of said hyperbole are ultra left wing radicals, but I'm not sure that's completely true either. Blasphemy is not defined the way you've suggested here, but your thoughts do have merit and I shall take them under consideration. Thanks again sir.
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
Keith, your assessment of EMK's death and pending deification by everyone left of center in this country was right on. The only thing you left out was the deplorable flaunting of the law Teddy showed once again when his nephew, William Kennedy Smith, raped a young girl while on Teddy's Florida compound roughly 20 years back. Teddy was instrumental in that coverup and subsequently committed perjury which lead to a very questionable acquittal. This guy was truly a hypocritical scumbag. Shame on all the yellow-dog liberals who conveniently forget that!
With due respect to any human being who dies, of which Teddy is one, we say a respectful adieu.
That being said, if there truly is a Hell, Teddy is there (along with his father and numerous other Kennedys) and countless others who wrapped themselves in Christian piety while living a life that was filled with dubious and highly questionable actions which more than blurred and constantly crossed the lines of Christian morality.
Wimer strikes again! Telling it like it is and pulling no punches. Chew on that you liberal cretins who are by now already nominating Teddy for sainthood.
...... and Glenn Beck will sit at the right hand of the Father.
Walter Brister ... the name that will live on in eternity on the internet as the man who condemned Edward Kennedy to hell before he was even buried.
Nice job Walter Brister!
Jeff in PA,
Thanks for reading and for the encouragement. Believe it or not some folks might want to debate you on your views, especially on whether or not I tell it like it is, but I appreciate the sentiments just the same.
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
Ollie and Walter,
I appreciate you both sharing your thoughts. I made it very clear about how I feel about the subject of "judgment" so I can’t affirm nor annul Walter's assessment as it can only be speculation. In fairness Walter is presuming that such a life can warrant only one sentence. However, I reiterate that’s strictly beyond the purview of human knowledge, so I won’t make such a speculation myself. What I know of hell from various religious texts, it's a literal place and one wouldn't wish upon anyone. Ollie you are enigmatic. You strike me as an atheist-liberal type from your comments yet you borrow from a Christian principle of heaven and hell. Seems a tad inconsistent, but then I am making a presumption so that could explain it. I found O'Reilly's suggestion that Kennedy's Roman Catholicism “SAVED” him to be ridiculous. Thanks again gentlemen for opining.
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
By the way Walter, I felt the comment I included in the body of the column about the special treatment the "Camelot Clan" routinely receives was sufficient. But I did have the William Kennedy Smith rape trial in mind, as well as the Martha Moxley case and the whole Marilyn Monroe atavism with JFK and Bobby, though that's far more speculative in nature. Of course old Joe was a rum runner during prohibition, which is fairly common knowledge. Makes me wonder about the constituents in MA.
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
Who is Michael Douglas Dutton & who killed him?
You mean who killed Michael Dutton Douglas?
John,
Limp argument, shoddy analogy. The facts in each case are singularly dissimilar. There's certainly NO evidence that THIS driver fled the scene of the accident and failed to report it for - how many hours? For those who don't know, the person to whom John referred was killed in a car accident when Laura Bush, then 17 and still bearing her maiden name "Welch" supposedly ran a stop sign and caused the death of Michael Douglas Dutton, misidentified by one liberal writer as Michael Jospeph Dutton. But then this story had nothing whatever to do with Laura Bush did it John? Unbelievable the tactics you liberals use to smokescreen the actions of your own!!
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
Good point BlameObamaFirst. I've seen the kids name written three different ways. The Laura Bush Bio information lists it the way you have as Michael Dutton Douglas, all the other internet sources are liberal smear sites with a major axe to grind against the Bush family and list it the other way(s). In any case, my article never mentions anything about the Bush's or makes any claim that they received any less preferential treatment than other high profile political families. John just assumes that since I've written some things he doesn't like about Ted Kennedy that I am a big Bush supporter. Typical liberal, assuming facts not in evidence. Whatever the young man's name, one would be hard pressed to claim that the two situations are really analogous.
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
Geez I just asked a little question! With only eight words! I didn't know I was making analogies, much less "typical liberal" assumptions about your Bush support and "smokescreens"! Huh!
But Thanks for your speedy answer, Keith!
<LOL>
I was just checking in to see if Keith or Walter Brister had made any new pronouncements on who was going to hell. I am happy to see that I'm not on the list yet. This is a great resource for real time Judgement. Edward Kennedy has yet to be laid to rest and the tough assessments have already been made here on the internet. God must be very happy with his two helpers.
John,
You're little "feign innocence" muse is exceedingly disingenuous...
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
bible study,
As per usual you're "talking" out the wrong end. If you'll notice, I refused to make such judgment, but truth doesn't really seem to concern you in the least - EVER. No doubt the Almighty is infinitely pleased with His little angel of derision and sarcasm, YOU! Now state your REAL beef here or privately as I've politely invited you to over and over, or SHOVE OFF! Because frankly, you're boring me and others with your perpetual innuendo. You're like a really bad stand up comic with one joke in the repertoire..
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
Just to be clear folks, I don't delude myself into believing that I have the singular power to condemn ANYone to Hell. As far as Teddy goes, his "life's work" speaks for itself. So if and only if Hell exists, Teddy and others like him would be prime candidates as prospective permanent tennants...IMHO.
That being said, I will bow with all in a moment of silence to mourn the passing of a fellow human being.
Walter,
I admire the passion of your beliefs. I don't agree wholesale, but you are NOT wishy-washy. I could say the same for others here, although I strongly disagree with a good many of their views too.
I am grateful for everyone's readership. It's folks like y'all that have made this amongst the most read columns on Examiner.com and I appreciate it immensely.
Two thoughts in summation of the issue. I take the Christian Bible seriously, hence I believe hell is literal and eternal and it’s something no one would wish upon another - ever. I realize you were speculating about the dubious works of a man with a debatable past. I meant only to demonstrate my belief eternal judgment is beyond the human purview in every way, so I personally choose not to cogitate. That attitude began in me when I heard a youth preacher tell a bunch of impressionable kids that Elvis went to hell. I thought that was way over the top. Take care my friend...
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
Pro-abortion is not a term. Pro-Choice.
My side doesn't call you people anti-choice.
I am not pro-abortion. If anything I am pro-contraceptive education, but I do believe a woman has the right the choose.
Also, "The Anointed One"?!? I have NEVER heard a liberal utter those words about Obama. Maybe you're confused: by "anointed", could you possibly mean "elected"?
Be respectful of the opposition.
It will help you grow as a "journalist".
FYI: You are sort of understating the Senatorial legacy of Kennedy: Civil Rights Act, Voting Rights Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, heck he even helped push through No Child Left Behind (and later complained that it was underfunded -- which it was).
I would consider that pretty darn "exemplary". If you don't, Mr. Wimer, who, exactly, DO you consider good enough?
Kerry Martin
TheFBM.com
Oops, too late to take it back Walter Brister! Funny thing about the internet.
When did the word Liberal become a four letter word? It seems conservatives toss it about their arguments for the shock value, and I am at a loss for why this is.
Here are a few definitions I for the term liberal:
1. favorable to progress or reform, as in political or religious affairs.
2. favorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, esp. as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties.
3. favoring or permitting freedom of action, esp. with respect to matters of personal belief or expression: a liberal policy toward dissident artists and writers.
4. free from prejudice or bigotry; tolerant: a liberal attitude toward foreigners.
5. open-minded or tolerant
6. characterized by generosity and willingness to give in large amounts
7. given freely or abundantly; generous
I'll spare you the rest of this extremely positive sounding list.
Don't a whole lot of the words used to describe what liberal mean also describe a C
Sorry, i got cut off by word length and it makes the end hard to understand. The point was:
Don't a whole lot of the same definitions for the word liberal describe what it means to truly be a Christian?
Proud to be a liberal,
Kerry Martin
theFBM.com
Kerry,
I know, comment boxes here leave much to be desired. Sorry. Thanks for reading/opining. The euphemism "pro-choice" is offensive to those who acknowledge the barbarity of killing an infant whose only crime is waiting to be born. Respect must be earned. I’ll give it when it’s deserved.
The "anointed one” is hyperbole for liberal media and socialists fawning all over a man who’s unqualified to be a community organizer, let alone occupy the oval office.
You’re not a careful reader. I indicated, for his service to the public Mr. Kennedy was worthy of a modicum of respect. Don’t expect someone with my moral worldview to champion a leftist, pro-death (yeah that’s the result “abortion” produces) coward, if not out-right murderer, in Ted Kennedy.
Your sunny list of liberal attributes is as disingenuous as y’all referring to abortion as “choice”. I appreciate your polite demeanor but I’m not buying what you’re selling...
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
Incidentally lest anyone wonder just how liberal this FBM.com that Kerry referred to is, a statement from their "diversity policy":
"Generous benefits policies that apply equally to spouses, SAME-SEX or opposite-sex domestic PARTNERS and dependent children"
It's the same old anti-family, anti-traditional values twaddle wrapped up with a bright pink bow! “Diversity” is just another way of saying that the only morals that are absolutely wrong are those who believe that there ARE "absolutes”. The irony is that it’s Christians who love people enough to tell the truth to those who are entrapped by the gravity of transgression. A true believer, which I do consider myself, does so without being hateful to the individual and caring enough to gently admonish. Conversely, to enable and condone is not an act of love...
I believe that was the third time you have used "disingenuous" in a reply, and it makes you look, in fact, disingenuous.
I think what my leftist, baby killing mind is incapable of understanding is, what makes you the "Oval Office Qualifications" expert?
I was under the liberal opinion that all it takes is 270 electoral college votes for any natural born citizen aged 35 and up to assume the title.
Heck, Obama got 365 AND the popular vote!
Not ALL of those voters could have been Socialists. Actually, those numbers were so strong, not even all of them could have been Democrats.
I wonder who could have done such an exceedingly terrible job in office that his own party jumped ship?
I read that you are well versed in many a holy book. Where in any of them does it say that you are allowed to pass the judgments of "coward", "murderer", and "pro-death"?
You are not a careful reader, sir:
I said you understated, not omitted.
Kerry Martin
TheFBM.com
Please answe
Also, as is typical of this kind of journalist, Wilmer is taking me out of context. The article he quoted from TheFBM.com is a "letter to the editor" written by a reader.
And, he is conveniently skirting the question about the definition of liberal as it relates to the tenets of Christianity.
AND he skirted the question of what senator HE believes is more respectable.
AND he continues to use inappropriate descriptions, such as "the anointed one" that serve nothing but divisiveness.
Kerry Martin
See for yourself: TheFBM.com
He needs to be held accountable for the content he produces and publishes.
Calling me disingenuous is not, by any means, an answer.
Keith A. Wimer says:
Good point BlameObamaFirst. I've seen the kids name written three different ways. The Laura Bush Bio information lists it the way you have as Michael Dutton Douglas, all the other internet sources are liberal smear sites with a major axe to grind against the Bush family and list it the other way(s)... ...Whatever the young man's name, one would be hard pressed to claim that the two situations are really analogous.
>>Definitely not analogous! This shows us that nobody knows that poor boy's name, literally! Unfortunately this was not Miss Kopechne's fate. Now that Teddy's dead Dear G_d let this article be the last to use her name as a political plaything!
Hey Frankly,
I told you to apologize to Danielle, you never did, so it's the "DELETE" button for you, again! What'd you think I was kidding mooncalf?
Kerry,
I respect your right to your opinions but I do not agree. And whether the word “disingenuous” or any of it’s synonyms - insincere, crooked, cunning, deceitful, designing, dishonest, duplicitous, false, feigned, guileful, indirect, insidious, mendacious, oblique, shifty, sly, tricky, two-faced, uncandid, underhanded, unfair, unfrank, wily - are used by me or anyone else, all point to the true heart of “Liberalism“, no matter how leftists attempt the subterfuge of redefining it. Yes I’ve used “subterfuge before, beg pardon, I’m sure. One may call a mouse an elephant but it’s still tiny and squeaks! I don’t mean to be unpleasant but neither of us will ever sway the other so I’ll concede it’s a draw!
Thanks again for reading and commenting...
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
By the way, I do not claim to be a “journalist”. I write an Op-Ed column.
I asked you questions. How could you possibly infer that I cannot be swayed?
You are afraid to answer.
There is no draw because there was no contest.
You made statements in your blog that required clarification, and I pointed that out.
The fact that you refuse to participate in the debates you create is very predictable.
You can accuse, but can't be held accountable for anything!
Good job, very ethical on your part.
Kerry Martin
TheFBM.com
P.S. The page views I've given you probably earned you 20 cents or so...pretty fair, I'd say.
Sorry, I posted duplicates.
Don't forget about how he raped + impregnated a young teenage girl... err... wait, that was Strom Thurmond.
oops
Kerry Martin (thefbm.com), you are a breath of sanity in a column of judgment and ignorance. God bless you for speaking the TRUTH!
Keith, I'm no longer buying what your selling. Horsecrap! I thought you were an honorable man but you fooled me. Kerry called you out, didn't she. She pinned you on the ropes and your revealed your racial prejudice. Go to GB.com and buy your hood. You've been exposed!
By the way, someone who writes an Op-Ed is still considered a journalist and is expected to abide by an ethical code of conduct.
Kerry,
It's rather DISINGENUOUS, for a liberal to lecture about ethics, in my view. But a journalist is one who keeps a record of facts. a commentator reviews facts and offers opinions on the nature and implications of said facts. As they are different they surely do not have the same standards beyond expounding upon what the truth actually is. I have in no way done violence to the truth therefore I must disagree with your implication that I have. Thanks again and all my best to you and yours
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
Kerry,
Don't worry about the duplicates, happens to the best (or worst as some will posit) of us! :)
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
Kerry,
FBM displays the information under Diversities Policy. In what way have I misinterpreted that? In any case are you repudiating the premise? Obama is, in my opinion, UNQUALIFIED for office. Popularity does not make a person acceptable. In regard to your likening liberal policies to Christianity my assessment of “disingenuousness” stands. They’re truly nothing alike. Example, liberals enable people to remain in mortal sin, by condoning abhorrent behavior. Christians, except for ones like Dean, exhort and reprove behavior in a loving way, encouraging repentance as per the Bible, which you presume I know nothing about. BTW conservatives charitably out give liberals by a significant margin. Kerry, I respect and hope the best for you, but I’m of a different mindset. I’m in no way saying that you are not a person of worth or that you should be disregarded. I simply see the world through a different lens than you. Apologies if I offend you at all.
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
I'm pretty positive, since my site consists of three "employees": my best friend, my girlfriend, and myself, that we don't have a diversity policy. Are you sure you're even at the right site? I'm TheFBM.com.
By definition, journalism is the craft of conveying news, descriptive material and COMMENT via a widening spectrum of media.
How dare you even assume that I am not a Christian! You know absolutely nothing about me! What you are doing is casting judgement and defying the teachings of Jesus Christ. Am I right about that, or is my disingenuous liberal brain too small to grasp concepts like ethics and religion?
Liberals aren't ethical...coming from the people who USED religion to gain political power, I find that quite odd.
Separation of Church and State protects the Church as well as the State.
Render unto Cesar......sound familiar?
Kerry,
I humbly apologize for my serious error. Apparently my browser did not pick up the word "the" when I searched for your website. In fairness if you look at FBM.com you’ll find the diversity policy statement I referred to . I made a mistake. I’m willing to atone. I’ll review our discourse and restate my opinion. For the record, I didn’t specifically say you're not a Christian. I still assert, Christianity and liberalism are fundamentally incompatible and judgment is NOT outside Christ‘s teachings. Judging hypocritically is, but not judging at all. To say so takes our Lord’s words in Matthew 7 grossly out of context. I’m willing to reopen the discussion, if you are. If not I’ll leave it alone. Thanks for your understanding. I doubt you’d get such consideration from Dean. Disagree with him and you’ll get a comment like “your existence is morbid” or “have a drink of S.T.F.U.” I still can’t figure out how I end up the “racist” in all this, but...
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
I'm so sorry, I keep accidentally refreshing my page and reposting previous comments...soorrry...
Kerry,
Please don't concern yourself. I expect it's not entirely your fault either. The comment box, as can be plainly seen, leaves a little to be desired. Thanks again for your interest and civility. It's quite commendable when folks can have divergent opinions and maitain a degree of pleasantness. I will get back to you.
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
I never said you were a racist, and don't know enough about you to make any such claim (in all honesty this is the only article of yours I've ever read). I do think you promote a bit of hate and judgement with your choice of words, and I think you understate the importance of our roles as it pertains to the influence we have. We may just be Op-Ed bloggers, but we still reach a combined network of several thousand, I would estimate. You can't know what level of import each of your followers personally bestows upon you, and must therefore live up to some form of ethical code. Just my honest opinion.
Kerry,
Obviously I feel that I'm neither hateful not unfairly judgmental. YOU didn't claim I was a racist over our discourse, Dean did. I failed to make that clear. I do take my responsibilty to produce quality work very seriously and employ, to the best of my ability, sound ethical standards in doing so. I realize the magnitude - without exaggerating my own importance - of the numbers of people I reach. I'm pushing 20,000 readers in this fairly small market in just over a month and I'm number two statistically for the entire year, despite only being published for about six weeks. So just as an FYI, I approach the task soberly and seriously. Again I thank you for the pleasant exchange and I will review all matters and reply when I've done so. Perhaps we can both benefit from swapping views. If nothing else we may come to a deeper understanding of one another's perspectives.
Keith A. Wimer
Examiner.com
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