The NYT, based on a hasty read, has missed the core of the book and much of the news in it. Their coverage comes from about 15 pages of a 500 page book. It is a family story. A story of tragedy. A story of persistence. A story of love. The story of 70 years of American history. An American story. It is a book to be read, not to be summarized.

The New York Times review of Teddy Kennedy's biography, out in about two weeks, points out that Kennedy was regretful of his alcohol use after Jack's death, and was devastated at the death of Mary Jo Kopechne.

It's a shame that the family didn't take a step back and inhale before lambasting the New York Times. First of all, it is the job of a reviewer to point out what is exceptional about what is being reviewed. A restaurant review doesn't mention that the glasses were transparent, and that the water within the glasses was fluid. One expects that to be true.

A Long, Interesting Life

Kennedy lived a long life, filled with events. It was an interesting life, and we're reminded of the Chinese curse of, 'May you have an interesting life! Autobiographies generally are written to give the best possible impression of the author, and it is unusual for an author to be as candid, perhaps even as cruel, as Kennedy was to himself. And it's laudable.

We're currently seeing Dick Cheney trying to rewrite history, to cover over his gross excesses, to perhaps avoid criminal prosecution for the damage he inflicted on so many thousands of families. Kennedy, on the other hand, isn't hiding behind a tree, acting all sweet and innocent. "Yes," he is saying, "I've made mistakes. And I've made some big mistakes." His honesty reflects well on him, and makes him stand a little higher in my eyes.

The Loyal Opposition

I'm an independent, registered as a Republican, because I lean towards Barry Goldwater's version of conservatism. As such, I've opposed much of what Kennedy has accomplished, not necessarily kicking and screaming, but not serving as a cheerleader, either. Kennedy has served the GOP well, as a reasonable member of the loyal opposition. Everyone needs a little help staying in bounds, avoiding excesses, and he's been helpful.

We're going to see books telling how Kennedy was all things to all people. We're going to have book telling us how Kennedy was the devil incarnate. Kennedy's book will suppress sales of both because it's serving the reader, rather than serving Kennedy.

It's a nice finish to a long career, and the Kennedy family is not well served by carping at what appears to be an excellent critique of the book.

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autobiography - Mary Jo Kopechne - New York Times - Teddy Kennedy - True Compass