○  edward m. kennedy: chappaquiddick  ○

it has been seven years since my first election to the senate. you and i share many memories -- some of them have been glorious, some have been very sad. the opportunity to work with you and serve massachusetts has made my life worthwhile.

and so i ask you tonight, the people of massachusetts, to think this through with me. in facing this decision, i seek your advice and opinion. in making it, i seek your prayers -- for this is a decision that i will have finally to make on my own.

it has been written a man does what he must in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles, and dangers, and pressures, and that is the basis of human morality. whatever may be the sacrifices he faces, if he follows his conscience -- the loss of his friends, his fortune, his contentment, even the esteem of his fellow man -- each man must decide for himself the course he will follow. the stories of the past courage cannot supply courage itself. for this, each man must look into his own soul.

i pray that i can have the courage to make the right decision. whatever is decided and whatever the future holds for me, i hope that i shall have been able to put this most recent tragedy behind me and make some further contribution to our state and mankind, whether it be in public or private life.

thank you and good night.

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