So what's with the big deal with Kennedy?

I agree.

With all due respect to his family. IMO, the media is making much too big a deal out of his death.

Also, his father Joe Kennedy is implicated in helping to cause the stock market crash of the 20s through market manipulations and short sales.

Joe Kennedy made himself and his family rich in the aftermath of the market crash with apparent little regard for all the people who were hurt in the market crash.

In addition, I wonder how Mary Jo Kopechne's family feels?

Ted left the poor woman in the car, even though she was still alive, and only unconscious. Also There was, by all news accounts, an air pocket in the car that may have kept her alive long enough to be rescued.

Ted Kennedy likely waited three hours to report the crash because he was drunk and over the legal alcohol limit.

If someone dies in an accident and the driver is DUI, the charge is then DUI homicide.

Ted Kennedy likely waited to report the crash so that he could sober up.

It is sad when anyone dies. And, wish the family well, but Kennedy does not deserve some of the praise he is receiving.

Senator Kennedy spent forty-seven years in the Senate and his hands were in every civil rights piece of legislation ever passed. He fought for the middle class, despite having no need to do so. He even read to children weekly at a D.C. elementary school. The list goes on. His list of accomplishments are far longer than either of his brothers as he had a lifetime to achieve them. No doubt, he can stand with them side by side with his head held high. Yes, there have always been unanswered questions about Chappaquiddick, but I am sure it isn't as simple as you suggest.

I think everyone deserves a chance to redeem himself. Kennedy took advantage of his chance many times over. He died a decent, compassionate and accomplished man. May he rest in peace.

I am no fan of Edward Kennedy, but let him rest in peace.

let all smoke peace pipe

one mistake has been hammered too much

I agree wholeheartedly.