I brought people to his office — he was the best

HOW easy it is for columnists like Steven King (September 2) to render a harsh judgement on the likes of Senator Ted Kennedy while their own personal stuff isn’t on the front pages. Cute.

Mr King’s remarks showed a lack of maturity, depth of insight, compassion ... and that’s putting it mildly.

He’s right that Kennedy “was not a serial killer”. So why even make any such comparison?

Ted Kennedy, like all of us, was human and what is remarkable to me is that he persevered despite his weaknesses, grave mistakes and family and personal tragedies.

He lacked the bitterness and hatred that consume many of his critics. Few will ever achieve what Senator Kennedy did as a legislator. He worked for the less well off. He did not have to; it was his passion.

As a union steward at the Boston post office, I brought people to his office because he was the best. And I am glad I grew up in Massachusetts.

It is true that “not reporting a fatal traffic accident is a crime”.

Fortunately, writing columns that are superficial or thoughtless is not a crime.

Paul Meuse

Imaal Court

The Glen

Cork