Ms Oates writes of the "cooperative silence" of Mary Jo Kopechne's family, noting they "agreed never to speak of the tragedy" of their only child's death at Chappaquidick." While I believe that Mr Kennedy redeemed himself in his later life, to extraordinary effect on the American public, Ms Oates is incorrect in her assertions.
In 1975 as well as on 18 July 1979, to The New York Times, both parents expressed doubt about the accident's findings. The latter article was lengthy, with the couple stating their opinions about Kennedy (that he had "grown up in the last few years") and discussing various aspects of the case and its effects on their lives.
And on 18 July 1989, Mr Kopechne told The New York Times, re Kennedy, "He was worried about himself, not about Mary Jo." And his wife added, "Somebody's hiding something."
On Joyce Carol Oates On Ted Kennedy
Ms Oates writes of the "cooperative silence" of Mary Jo Kopechne's family, noting they "agreed never to speak of the tragedy" of their only child's death at Chappaquidick." While I believe that Mr Kennedy redeemed himself in his later life, to extraordinary effect on the American public, Ms Oates is incorrect in her assertions.
In 1975 as well as on 18 July 1979, to The New York Times, both parents expressed doubt about the accident's findings. The latter article was lengthy, with the couple stating their opinions about Kennedy (that he had "grown up in the last few years") and discussing various aspects of the case and its effects on their lives.
And on 18 July 1989, Mr Kopechne told The New York Times, re Kennedy, "He was worried about himself, not about Mary Jo." And his wife added, "Somebody's hiding something."
Ms Oates was incorrect.