Addiction in Society

Addiction--the thematic malady for our society--entails every type of psychological and societal problem.

Stanton Peele, Ph.D., J.D., has been researching and treating addiction since he wrote Love and Addiction (1975). He also wrote 7 Tools to Beat Addiction. See full bio

May 21, 2008, Sex

Comments on "Reckless Sex and Power III: The Top Seven Kennedy Sex Scandals"

Reckless Sex and Power III: The Top Seven Kennedy Sex Scandals

By Stanton Peele on May 21, 2008 in Addiction in Society

In our continuing series on how political power conveys sexual prerogatives, we review the seven most important Kennedy sex scandals. Read More

politics are personal

Submitted by Becky on May 22, 2008 - 7:48am.

It seems that no matter what Ted Kennedy proclaims politically, his personal actions dipute such claims. The best way a person can help "the little guy" is to take responsibility for thier own infractions, thus promoting a society of equal voice. Could he really be so concerned about the poor not having access to proper healthcare when he blatently promotes legal inequality? How can a poor person get a fair trial when people like Ted Kennedy rely on legal disparity, keeping it alive and well in the protection of thier own asses?

Becky, You have hit the

Submitted by Mel Carbon on December 23, 2008 - 4:22am.

Becky,

You have hit the proverbial nail on the head!

power

Submitted by Christopher Ryan on August 26, 2009 - 12:59pm.

So any whiff of hypocrisy from the powerful negates their defense of those lower than them in social status and power? Really? Thus, the fact that FDR was from one of the country's wealthiest families means that Social Security and Medicare don't "really" help anyone? What if your surgeon eats at a fancier restaurant than you can afford? Does that mean the liver transplant he did for you isn't real? Your argument may feel emotionally satisfying, but it doesn't make any sense, I'm afraid.

reply to: Power by Christopher Ryan

Submitted by Carolina Comment on August 30, 2009 - 4:09pm.

The death of Mary Jo Kopechne is more than a whiff of hypocrisy, nor should her gruesome death by slow suffocation be equated with a patient bemoaning the dining habits of a his wealthy surgeon! Ted Kennedy used his power to quash an involuntary manslaughter rap, the only "whiff" in this case emanates from the odious obstruction of justice that Kennedy successfully employed to keep himself out of prison.

No Sympathy!

Submitted by George De Silva on August 26, 2009 - 5:59pm.

I have no sympathy over the death of these guys who have been reckless with the lives of others!

The world should NOT mourn these deaths!-My feeling!!!

Sartre would say something

Submitted by David Petropoulos on August 29, 2009 - 6:04am.

Sartre would say something like- A person can be unethical and do good things.

Peter D. kramer might say -Someone can have Depression and do impressive things.

We sometimes have to acknowledge that good things aren't specific to good people.

Certainly their family is a fine example of the genetics of Depression.

Sincerely,David

Sartre wouldn't say

Submitted by Stanton Peele on August 29, 2009 - 8:49pm.

(although Kramer might) that the Kennedy's demonstrate the genetics of depression. ANTI-Sartre might.

In fact, I don't even get it - Bobby and Jack Kennedy were depressed? - two incredibly active, ambitious, popular, and successful people close to their families and communities? I mean one became the first Catholic president of the US, for God's sake. I think Ted was depressed when he met Vicki, but not so depressed that he didn't pursue and woo her so that he ceased being depressed.

This falls into the category of: identify a human problem - throw a gene - preferably depressive - up on the wall and see if it sticks.

Ridiculous - the reductio ad absurdum of psychological analysis.