[JWBear]

There was no indication that he was drunk; that's complete hearsay. People who spoke to him immediately after the accident did report that he was disoriented, but this is consistent with the concussion that he suffered.
Yes, there is no proof that he wasn't drunk; but that doesn't automatically prove he was. The only thing he was convicted of was leaving the scene of an accident.

Second point... What abuse of power? He submitted to a criminal trial and, by all accounts, was completely cooperative with the authorities. He offered to resign his seat but was convinced otherwise by the overwhelming support he received from the residents of Massachusetts. If you are referring to the suit brought by the Kopechne family that was settled out of court... well, most lawsuits are. It proves nothing.

Yes, ultimately he was responsible for the death of Miss Kopechne. And he paid a steep price, both politically and personally for it. He wasn't the drunken, evil, rampaging, irresponsible monster that the right wing likes to portray him as. His long and distinguished career in the Senate proves that. The accident is ancient history. Honor the great service the man has given to this country, and let the past go.

The man just died. Have the decency to give him (and his loved ones) just that little bit of respect.