Rep. Patrick Kennedy: 'Won't Seek Reelection'

Rep. Patrick Kennedy released a video message saying he has decided not to seek re-election to Congress. Kennedy says his life is "taking a new direction" just months after the death of his father and mentor, Sen. Edward Kennedy. (Feb. 11)

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[bushna2007]

Patches Kennedy, As a RI voter, father, grandfather and a working man for over 41 years, I can only say how elated I am to still be alive to witness a time when a Kennedy of your family will not be misleading the people any longer. You're a hypocrit, drug addict, elitest, liar and a common moron. You could NEVER achieve what I've done in 20 of your lifetimes!! Go away, as far as possible! And if you get the urge to SERVE the people, go to South America where you get your favorite drugs.

[vcoaster]

As a RI voter I say, "It's about time!". Kennedy has always been an embarrassment to the state and a truly incompetent lawmaker. Without his father leading him, he was lost. The Dems in RI actually believed that having a Kennedy in office was all that mattered. How wrong they were! He has been a sad joke for nearly 20 years. Thankfully for RI, it's over.

[wunderdoggy]

@Dealit707 2 of them gave their lives and one served for over 40 yrs because of a belief in public service even when they had the option to be probably even lazier and more useless than you. What have you done.Probably nothing except decide one instance to be a complete INGRATE.

[ScubaSteve1974]

@PatrickWJ

I agree with you on that. It isn't until socialized medicine comes close to reality that the voices of opposition get loud enough to get the masses to think about what's going on. If Obama fails and this disappears the people will start to support it again.

What's most disturbing is the truth of the final part of your message. The gov't has succeeded in destroying education so now the people don't understand their history or their freedoms.

[PatrickWJ]

The American public has been in favor of a universal health care system for some time; that's more important than whether or not it is supported by the constitution.

[tommyfuller103]

patches you gotta quit the sauce!

[brokkenstar]

That's a good idea,  plus term limits, then we could really protect democracy.

[ScubaSteve1974]

@brokkenstar

Instead of term limits what do you think of this basic idea? A 3 strike rule for legislators. If a legislator votes to support 3 pieces of legislation that are ruled unconstitutional then they must be removed from office permanently. I think something like this would put more fear into the hearts of politicians than term limits. With term limits, you know your limit and in your final term you can vote for any asine thing. With my idea they'd always be encouraged to do their job.

[ScubaSteve1974]

@brokkenstar

I can completely see where you're coming from, and I'd certainly love to kick out anyone in office who has been there more than a decade or two, but term limits concern me.

There's a concept when it comes to safety features that says as you use more of them the user becomes lazier and thus the number of accidents remains the same or gets worse. I'm afraid term limit safety nets would have the same effect.

Plus, it also prevents legitimately qualified people from staying in.

[brokkenstar]

The t.v. and sports are the opiates of the masses, of course the public is too distracted to know who to vote for and not; in terms of a senate seat, six years is a long time, get in and get out, two terms only - that's 12 years - plenty to good.  Because if they're bad, we at least have terms limits to force them out.

[ScubaSteve1974]

@brokkenstar

Take Ted Kennedy for example. He may have been in office for decades, but the seat he held was only a 6 year seat.

No matter how corrupt the parties are or how much money the parties spend, the people can still throw them out. The fact that this sounds so absurd is because we've grown numb to just how intentionally ignorant the American public actually is. Many brag about Obama's low 40-some approval rating, but it's pretty damn scary that that many can still support him.

[brokkenstar]

How can politicians have both short durations and hold office for decades?

Term limits for sure, say 3 or 4 terms for the house, 2 for the senate, and 6 for the local dog catcher.

The parties are the cause of all this, they pick who we all vote for,  they do not search out the best and brightest, most honest and concerned amongst us, they, in short, are out for themselves, They get a big fat F. Term limits will control some of the damage of rotten apples of a rotten barrel full.