On Jan. 5, I watched a C-Span segment discussing national health care. The primary speaker was U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D.-R.I.).

I’m sure all of us have witnessed a situation so embarrassing to individuals involved that we began to squirm in our seats. Such chagrin was caused by the presentation given by Mr. Kennedy. I’m searching for an adjective that would be the extreme opposite of eloquent. But his oratorical skills defy description.

His presentation and the follow-up answers to questions by the press were littered with inane statements, redundancies and a plethora of malapropisms. I realize he may be showing the effects of his alcohol and drug abuse, and I suppose that may be the cause of his incoherent ramblings. I am somewhat familiar with Mr. Kennedy’s intellectual capacity since I am acquainted with several of his professors at Providence College.

Among the million or so residents of this destitute state, certainly there is someone with greater leadership potential we could have elected. Is it any wonder that the state has hit rock bottom?

JOHN LYNCH

North Providence