Update: Rep. Kennedy's press secretary called me, and we had a great, clarifying discussion. See here. I'm not going to edit this post, because I think that would be intellectually dishonest. But I will point out that it was based on very incomplete information, and that Rep. Kennedy's staff took my concerns quite seriously and answered them most effectively.

Okay, I've been sick all week, and I'm over-reacting, but the e-mail I got today from my congresscritter Pat Kennedy just made me explode with rage:

Dear Rhode Islander,

I have long argued, that this Administration needs to focus on responsibly reducing our commitment in Iraq. This is the overwhelming consensus in both parties, in both chambers, and the overwhelming sentiment around the country. An escalation of the war in Iraq is a misguided response to a failed strategy. The United States cannot solve an Iraqi political problem and civil war by putting more U.S. service members in between the warring parties. — from Rep. Kennedy e-mail, link to his remarks on the floor.

I called his office in Providence to ask if that meant he repudiated his vote in favor of the war, but they said they'd need to refer it to his team in Washington. Which means he hasn't even created a position that he's shared with staffers in RI.

Rep Kennedy: Don't take credit for opposing the war unless you own up to your mistake in helping get us into it. And I say that as a life-long Democrat and someone who voted for you.

Update: I was so steamed after I wrote this that I called his office in DC. They referred me back to RI, where I left a message for his press secretary, Robin Costello. If she calls back with any info, I'll be sure to post it.