In a sudden outbreak of common sense, a Brown University professor relayed this thought to the Rhode Island public yesterday, “Patrick Kennedy should consider resigning.” When the matter was discussed with Congressman Kennedy, he immediately took offense, exception, umbrage  and an Ambien.  “This is an insult to all Americans struggling with the disease of addiction,” Kennedy said, “I think if you suddenly asked all Americans recovering from addition to step down you’d be surprised at all the leaders, businessmen and people of influence you’d be missing.”

There are so many ways to go with this, I may have to use the outdated and hackish unordered list. Since Patrick Kennedy is the topic of discussion, outdated and hackish is more than appropriate.

• This is not an insult, it is a statement. An insult would be “To lower healthcare costs Americans will soon get the chance to import drugs from Canada, Mexico, and the floor of Patrick Kennedy’s Mercedes. ” or “To better serve our Clients, CVS will be opening a new branch in Patrick Kennedy’s living room.” See the difference?
• This statement was not directed at people with disabilities, addicts or any other group. This statement was directed at one person- Patrick Kennedy. He is using the millions of Americans who battle their addictions with self respect and dignity as human shields to protect his own image.
• Lastly, did Kennedy just admit that the majority of political, industrial, and cultural leaders were all drug addicts. I guess if its true it makes sense, but that is quite the claim to be making.

You may, though if you are reading this will not likely, ask yourself, “Is this cruel and unfair to attack a man battling addiction?” If he wanted to be out of the public eye, he could have retired from the high stress job he is in. If Kennedy didn’t want people commenting on his drug addiction, he should stop using the story of his so-called recovery as a badge of medical honor in the US House.

But then again, what would he do if he stepped down? After all, from his own lips,  “I have never worked a [bleeping] day in my life.”