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"What would you say to the Kennedy and Bessette families?"
(asked at Crossroads Shopping Center on 07-22-99; published in the EJ on 07-25-99)

Carleen Plodinec, Realtor, Seattle

"Of course, to a family that suffered a tragedy like that, I feel compassion for them and sorry for their loss. But I have real mixed feelings about all of the media coverage. It's kind of chicken-and-egg -- I understand the media ratings went way high, but if that's all you can watch..."

Ernie Velton, Commercial real estate broker, Bellevue

"That's not an easy question. I'd probably say the same thing I'd say to anyone -- I'm sorry for their loss. The more you say, the worse everyone feels. After that, you let them have their peace and privacy. Especially in this situation."

Rose Mwangi, Telecommunications customer service, Bellevue

"I'd like to send my condolences to the Kennedy family, and the Bessette family in Connecticut. I don't know why this happens -- every five years, every four, something happens to the Kennedys. John was a good person, very nice, fun. And his wife was a nice person. And they were a good-looking couple. It's so sad. And now his sister is the only one left in the family. It feels very sad."

Keely McClure, Telecommunications customer service, Newcastle

"I guess I wouldn't have that much to say except that I was sorry. It's sad, but personally, I don't care all that much about it -- he was JFK's son, that's all. From my standpoint, it's not that important to me."

Bulent Aki, Mediterranean grill owner, Renton

"I would say I'm really sorry that this happened. I knew him just through the media. I feel bad for the families. It's unfortunate that this happened."

Charles Hesler, Retired sales executive, Bellevue

"I would say that I am terribly sorry for the tragedy that has befallen the families. Two of my heroes are the Kennedy brothers, John and Bobby, so this hurts. I remember when John-John was saluting his father's coffin. I just think it's a national tragedy."

[See the Nov. 25, 1963 "Kennedy Family with John Jr. Saluting His Father's Casket" photograph
via the Corbis Coroporation's Web site ( Image ID: BE001147) -- links will open in new windows]

© 1999 by the Bellevue, WA-based Eastside Journal newspaper.

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