Ted Kennedy and the fear of drowning

Ted Kennedy: the terrifying fear of drowning

Senator Ted Kennedy thinks waterboarding smacks of torture. (I say, so, what?) He should know. From the Rush Limbaugh radio show, the hero of Chappaquiddick on tape:

My concerns began with Judge Mukasey's answers to our questions about waterboarding. Waterboarding is a barbaric practice in which water is poured down the mouth and nose of a detainee, to simulate drowning. It's an ancient technique of tyrants. The prisoner is bound to an inclined board, feet raised and head slightly below the feet. Cellophane is wrapped over the prisoner's face and water is poured over him. Unavoidably, the gag reflex kicks in, and a terrifying fear of drowning leads to an almost instant plea to bring the treatment to a halt. If it goes wrong, it can lead straight to terminal hypoxia. When done right, it is controlled death.

Click the Limbaugh link above to read Rush's response.

Young Teddy Kennedy - 1969

Ted's first experience with the agonies of drowning has haunted him ever since that shameful night when he drove off Dyke Bridge. He saved himself and left his companion, a young lady campaign worker, to die, trapped underwater in the car. He lied as only a Magic Kennedy could lie, got the Camelot treatment and copped a walk, but Chappaquiddick had sapped his Kennedy mojo. His life went into a self destructive spiral. Excessive drinking, womanizing and self-loathing liberalism, while perhaps partly genetic, were exacerbated by his tormenting memories of Mary Jo Kopechne's last horrible minutes of life.

On the other hand, Ted might just be a large, well-funded, alcoholic sociopath.