Edward M. "Teddy" Kennedy may have just been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to prove he's tough in the war on terror, and get him a new drinking buddy at the same time. For, in a little twenty five man jail on none other than Martha's Vineyard, a jail that has been described as more of a bed and breakfast, currently resides, for the course of a one year sentence for manslaughter, one Badr Al Saud, A Saudi national currently residing in the U.S., and a member of the House of Saud-the ruling family dynasty of Saudi Arabia.
There is some controversy as to his confinement in this particular jail, as the crime for which he was sentenced happens to have taken place in Boston. The crime? While driving drunk, and withot a license, he ran down and killed on Orlando Ramos. Evidently, the leniency of his sentence was encouraged by his plea, in addition to his legal teams assertions that the unfortunate Mr. Ramos was himself drunk, and depressed, and may have intentionally walked in front of Al Saud's vehicle. Hell of a way to kill yourself, if you ask me, right up there with dousing yourself with gasoline and setting yourself on fire.
But far be it from me to even hint at the unmentionable possibility that the House of Saud's connection with yet another dynasty-the Bush one from this country-may have played no small role in granting him this cozy sentence at this comfortable retreat.
This is after all a chance for Teddy boy to play hero yet again. He is well on his way to establishing his heroic credentials, after all. He recently rescued five fishermen from drowning when their fishing boat overturned. Teddy just happened along and saved all five of them.
He is, therefore, four to the good. But why stop there? A drunken relapse, one cleverly orchestrated, could well land him within the confines of the Martha Vineyards Bed And Breakfast. He could well find, through yet more careful planning, that he has been designated Mr. Saud's, if not roommante, then at least his next door neighbor. Since Al Saud seems to have no problems with forgetting the Islamic prohibitions agaisnt alcohol, he would surely be delighted to note Teddy removing from his inner vest pocket a flask of Scotch. Teddy with a wink could offer him a drink, with the suggestion that he doesn't mind, he has a whole fifth on the way.
A good conversation could ensue, and in the course of teaching this young scion of the house of Saud such rousing drinking songs as "row row row your boat", the light hearted camaraderie that would surely follow would or should lead to a quick friendship, a fast bonding betwen these two powerful and influential men. Teddy, I hear, is a person that is easily confided in, so it shouldn't take an experienced pro like himself long to have Al Saud singing like a canary.
The House of Saud. The House Of Bush. What stories I bet he could tell.
