To the Editor:
I write in response to the letter from Ron Carlstrom about U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy’s capacity to perform his duties and carry out his responsibilities as a representative of the people (“Yes, Kennedy should get well, just not on the public’s time,” June 29). Many people face problems similar to Mr. Kennedy who are not asked to step aside because there is better understanding of the nature and causes of addiction and depression than Mr. Carlstrom holds. Simply put, these are people who still have much to contribute. And fortunately, many others recognize this fact and are not so readily dismissive.
But, I do want to focus on one aspect of Mr. Carlstrom’s letter – the high unemployment rate in Rhode Island. Does Mr. Carlstrom realize that Mr. Kennedy is regarded as one of the most effective congresspeople in Washington? Does he realize that Mr. Kennedy has exercised leadership in seeing that Rhode Island is awarded defense industry contracts that result in the employment of thousands of people, and that these companies pay property and payroll taxes, and these employees pay income, sales and property taxes?
Mr. Carlstrom’s cruel and insensitive description reflects a woeful lack of understanding of people who are challenged with problems that are most responsive to treatment. If the medical problem was cancer or heart disease, would Mr. Carlstrom be so quick to banish a worker to the sidelines.
It is well past the time when we should have a greater appreciation of a person’s talents and capabilities and not be measuring that person’s worth on the basis of a temporary setback from a medical disorder. Mr. Carlstrom’s throwback philosophy has no place in an advanced society.
I am personally most appreciative that Mr. Kennedy is representing our interests. He really cares about people, so they are foremost in everything he does. Mr. Carlstrom says “No thanks and be gone.” I say thanks and be well.
J. Clement Cicilline
Newport
