"All I ask with regard to our readiness to condemn or forgive Ted Kennedy for Chappaquiddick is that we use the same 'moral yardstick' that's used for appraising other rich and/or powerful public figures, including politicians."

I cannot believe you said that, Genie.

As a matter of fact, those of us who take Chappaquiddick into account as part of that measurement ARE using the same moral yardstick we use fot those other powerful public figures who have their misdeeds plastered over with money and shellacked by consultants and slick lawyers. Those figures all come up short against that yardstick. Are you saying Ted was no worse than the rest of 'em? I'm saying he was no better... but I'm also saying that, in some ways, he was worse than some of the rest of 'em.