Patrick Kennedy should resign

The only right thing for this Congressman to do, now that he has checked himself into a rehabilitation program but not for the first time, is resign from office. It's his duty to his constituents, who are ill served because of his absences, and to his party, who must bear the burden of his reputation, and to his country.

The only right thing for the Democratic Party and its leaders to do is persuade him -- publicly if privately doesn't do it -- to resign. Now.