I understand why many will not forgive Ted Kennedy for what he did to Mary Jo Kopechne, but he had many admirable qualities. I don't think it is any accident that his office had a reputation for the very best constituent service of any Senator. He did not seek office to get power. Nor did he use his seniority in the Senate for the purpose of making himself more powerful, although he did become very powerful. Perhaps some of you who know more about him can tell me why I am wrong, but I believe he was there to serve. He constantly did good deeds without seeking publicity for it. He seemed like an uncommonly decent person.

Perhaps it is my Catholic upbringing, but I believe in redemption. I think Ted Kennedy did a lot to redeem himself after the terrible thing he did to Ms. Kopechne.