Ted Kennedy Absent at Sister's Funeral

(AP)  Sen. Edward Kennedy, who is battling brain cancer, will not attend the funeral Mass for his sister Eunice Kennedy Shriver.

A spokesman for the senator said Kennedy's wife, Vicki, would be in his place at the invitation-only funeral service Friday morning at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in Hyannis.

Among the invited guests are Vice President Joe Biden, Oprah Winfrey, Jon Bon Jovi, Stevie Wonder and Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the church before the service for Shriver, the founder of the Special Olympics who died Tuesday at age 88.

A mother and son who were both Special Olympians led the funeral procession carrying the Special Olympics torch.

[credibility2]

Although in frail health, Kennedy managed to cart himself to vote on certain pieces of legislation, but he couldn't or wouldn't do the same for his own sister? Even if he was on oxygen support, he should have been there. Very sad and disrespectful, to say the least.

[sunlover518]

none of us is perfect. but at the least he committed manslaughter. he was drunk and drove off a bridge and killed a woman. have you ever done that, I havent. and the rest of us would have spent time in jail. think about if it was your sister or daughter morons

[sunlover518]

yes he did attend Kopechne's funeral. after all he killed her

[platteman]

Guess we should feel sorry for a killer. Too bad he didn't go to Mary Jo's funrel. His staying out of jail for DUI and killing a woman shows just what money and influence will buy in MA. Had that happened to any average person, they would have been in jail.
As far as I am concerned, he can't die fast enough. He has already had more years of life than Mary Jo had.

[woeisme1]

Ted Kennedy, in spite of Chappaquiddick, has spent his entire life as one of the most effective Senators in history. He is very well respected by politicians on BOTH sides of the aisle and has friends from all walks of life.

He has made mistakes true. But only a republican extremist, heartless and classless as they are, would post some of the hate garbage I see here.

[excoachken]

It simply amazing how people can demonize a man with brain cancer because of a 40 year old rumor. And you guys are the same people who consider yourselves to be religiously superior to the average American. Shame on you for attacking a sick person who is approching his own death. You Bible Bangers try to tell everybody else why their belief system is wrong, but you can't even follow the Golden Rule.

[HGOODGUY]

I AGREE WITH YOU AND ALSO HAPPEN TO BELIEVE THAT THE BIBLE BELONGS IN THE FICTION PART OF THE STORE!!
I AM NOT AN ATHIEST--I JUST REFUSE TO BE RULED BY ANYONE'S DOCTRINE.

IF THE BIBLE MAKES YOU HAPPY AND GIVES YOU PIECE OF MIND THEN MORE POWER TO YOU.

JUST DON'T THUMP IT ON ME!!!!

[cherokeedreamer]

40 year old rumor??? that was no rumor and there is plenty of evidence to support it. He was there and he left that girl alone to die. This story has dogged him most of his life since then and cost him the Presidency. I have compassion for him because he is dying of brain cancer, and for his family, but I have never forgotten Mary Jo Kopeckne~she missed out on the last 40 years didn't she because of his inaction?? I do think though he had tried to make that up with public service, but this will always be a stain on his honor.
That being said, the Kennedy family has paid with their dearest blood 3 times for the United States of America. Joe, Jack and Bobby. Eunice was lucky to live a long and productive life, and helped many thousands with Special Olympics.
Thank you Eunice for all you did for those kids..RIP

[noanobamalemming]

He should be in the coffin instead of his sister..

[eferrell2]

What does going to a funeral have to do with family values? That is a stupid thing to say. Showing up at a funeral is no more a show of values than sitting in the garage makes you a car!

[speakinup22]

Ted Kennedy has been mentally absent from Congress for a long time. That is to say his cancer obviously MUST be interfering with his ability to be effective.

The man won't even let someone else be the Senator in spite of being in a diminshed capacity. But, I guess that is the difference between a politician and a statesman.

[grabandgo]

f he can't function why is he still a senator?

whoops, silly question. That is why he is still alsenator.

[woeisme1]

Spell much?