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« Big Dig dedication to recall 'Tip' O'Neill | Today | Gas prices up again » June 5, 2006Update: Patrick Kennedy out of rehab, speaks at BrownPROVIDENCE - Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy was greeted with a standing ovation when he was introduced at Brown University this morning, his first public appearance since a car crash near the U.S. Capitol drove him to enter an alcohol and drug abuse treatment center on May 5. The congressman arrived at the seminar on mental illness shortly after 10 a.m. -- tracked by a horde of photographers and television cameras -- wearing a navy suit with a royal blue shirt, and a red tie with yellow stripes. "This year, more than any other, has special personal importance to me," Kennedy said of the conference to a partly-filled auditorium this morning. Rep. James R. Langevin and U.S. Senate candidate Sheldon Whitehouse were among his supporters in the audience. Kennedy, who still may face police charges in connection with the pre-dawn accident, was discharged late Friday from the addiction center at the Mayo Clinic. A self-described pain pill abuser and binge drinker for most of his adult life, Kennedy completed a four-week course of rehabilitation at the Minnesota clinic, according to his office. Kennedy has said he took a prescription sleeping drug and other medication before the predawn accident. The congressman spent most of the weekend at the home of his sister, Kara Kennedy Allen, and her family in suburban Washington. He returned to Rhode Island last night. Today, the Rhode Island Democrat addressed an annual conference that he helped found at Brown Medical School. He is scheduled to introduce one of the key-note speakers. He was greeted this morning by a full-page advertisement in The Providence Journal that expressed support from members of the state's medical, mental-health and drug-abuse treatment communities. Several politicians were also among the 50 signers of the ad. "Substance abuse treatment is available and effective, but not enough people seek it,'' the advertisement said in part. "Patrick Kennedy's entry into intensive treatment provides an excellent model for others who are dealing with an addiction.'' Meanwhile, in a statement released by Kennedy's office, the Mayo Clinic said: ``Congressman Kennedy's doctors are encouraged by his progress and have worked with him to put in place a stringent system of after care that may include periodic visits to Mayo Clinic for continued health care consultation.'' At the podium this morning, Kennedy addressed the seriousness of his situation. "I recognize that 'concluded' is not a word that I’ll ever be able to use when it comes to my aftercare," he said. -- Journal Washington Bureau John E. Mulligan Posted by Jack Perry CommentsAl Gagne | June 5, 2006 1:45 PM link I wish Patrick well but would suggest that he pledge to the voters he will not consume any alcohol while he is a member of the US Congress. I would also expect that he loose his drivers licence for admitting that he did not remember anything about the automobile accident.
jay | June 5, 2006 1:59 PM link I think the world of Patrick Kennedy and I am elated that he is doing so well,he faced this Illness and got treatment right away, it makes him better able to do good for other people, I admire the Kennedy Family and we are all God's children and more people should remember that. Judy Leddy | June 5, 2006 2:10 PM link In 2003, Patrick jokingly said that "I have never worked a [bleeping] day in my life." Mr.Rehab | August 14, 2006 2:14 PM link Can some people deal with alcohol and other drugs better than others? WBR LeoP Leo | January 19, 2007 4:08 PM link Post a commentPlease be civil. Vicious comments, personal attacks and profanity won't be published. Name and email are required; email address will not publish. |
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ProJo 9 to 5 News Blog
Oct 2005 - March 2006
Patches Kennedy is toast. He should do his constituants a great favor and give it up politically. Any other person in his position would be crucified by the media and the public. But only in RI and Mass. the Kennedy's are Royalty. In a few more years, very soon, I will also be making an exit from New England to Florida. Ahhhhh Florida, the land of the level headed conservatives. Where guns are not outlawed, where your home is your castle, self defense is your constitutional right and the Kennedy's cannot rule the land. No State income TAX, NO Auto TAX, cheaper home and auto insurance and NO KENNEDY'S. That is HEAVEN on Earth.