It sounds like Patrick Kennedy is having some troubles again. For a man born into a famous family, an easy road into elected office, and financial comfort, he has always seemed like a particularly troubled soul. If he is indeed hitting the bottle again, I hope he gets the help he needs.

But if he does, could we be spared another glowing Washington Post Style section profile on how overcoming addiction represents “an act of political jujitsu that transformed one of the lowest moments of his life into his greatest political achievement”? Or the other glowing Washington Post Style section profile quoting his sponsor declaring, “were President Kennedy to write a sequel to ‘Profiles in Courage,’ his nephew Patrick would occupy a full chapter — no question”?

The man’s 42 now; he’s not some wayward kid. If he can get his life together, be a good man and not succumb to his demons, good for him. But millions of people do that every day without any lengthy hagiography from the national press.