Defending Kennedy

To the Editors of the Crimson:

Your November 8 dissent-opinion article, "No More Joe," implied that Joseph Kennedy was unsuitable for public office because, on a visit to the North of Ireland, he "heckled and harangued young British soldiers like an irresponsible adolescent." In fact, when Kennedy was himself heckled and harangued by the British soldiers, he spoke his mind in declaring that the oppressive British presence has no place in Ireland. Unlike most American politicians, who kowtow to Margaret Thatcher and her imperialist crew, Kennedy openly criticized Britain's role in keeping Ireland divided and at war. In declaring a nation's right to sovreignty and self-determination, and condemning tyranny, Kennedy showed not immaturity or a lack of responsibility, but strength and conviction, qualities which many of our elected officials sorely lack. Patricia McCormick '92