Tobin wrote that Kennedy invited the critique by asserting, in a letter to the bishop, that his positions on controversial issues do not "make me any less of a Catholic." And perhaps he did.
Kennedy, for that matter, inflamed the situation in recent days by speaking publicly of the bishop's private request, in 2007, that he not seek communion because of his views on abortion.
But Tobin is father of the flock. And he should not be issuing public pronouncements on the private faith of a Catholic, whatever his sins.
CHARLES LOMBARDI
North Providence, like many of its neighbors, encountered some serious financial trouble this summer. But with Mayor Charles A. Lombardi's administration in charge, a solution was at hand.
The plan: sell an old trailer on eBay.
The portable office fetched $1825. A nice little pile of cash. But there was one problem. North Providence didn't actually own the trailer.
The town, it turned out, was renting it from leasing company Williams Scotsman — its name and phone number emblazoned on at least two sides of the portable.
Messrs. Williams and Scotsman, of course, demanded some money from the town. Net loss on the deal? $4000. Only in Rhode Island.
Gobble, gobble.
