My heart is aching and my blood is boiling. I learned today that Dennis Kucinich’s youngest brother Perry Kucinich [52] was found dead yesterday morning by another Kucinich brother. My family’s thoughts and prayers are with Dennis and his family, my Raj is hit really hard by the overheard news.
From newsnet5.com:
Perry Kucinich was an artist and some of his works have been on display at a local art gallery.
“He was an admirer of the works of Klee and Picasso, and the style and structure of his artwork derived from their influences,” Kucinich said. “He was a genius. He had extraordinary insights. Although he struggled with mental illness, with the help of his family and friends, he was able to lead a productive life.”The county coroner said that an autopsy is set to be performed to determine the exact cause of death. There were no signs of foul play.
From Associated Press:
“He [Dennis Kucinich] was very close to Perry and he’s taking this very hard,” Laber said.
Kucinich, 61, is a six-term congressman from Ohio who is making his second bid for his party’s nomination; he sought the nod in 2004. He registers in low single digits in polls and has raised little money for what is considered another long-shot run. Kucinich, who is known for his liberal views, has attracted a devoted following.
A Democratic rival, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, offered his condolences to Kucinich and his family. “Barbara and I will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers,” Richardson said in a statement.
Sfist.com provides this commentary on the news of a youngest brother’s passing:
On December 18, 1978, Mayor Kucinich, surrounded by the media, strode from City Hall to the main branch of Cleveland Trust downtown and withdrew his paltry life savings in protest. And because it was Cleveland, on the very same day, blocks away, his youngest brother, Perry Kucinich, robbed a different bank. Perry wasn’t really a criminal; he was literally insane. But it sure looked bad for Dennis. [via Esquire]
Huh. Interesting. Any Cleveland readers care to chime in about this incident? Perry and his family sound…unique.
Anyway, such a terrible loss for the Kucinich family and Dennis’ candidacy. We wish them the best during this horrific day they’re surely having.
I am disgusted that Associated Press decided to add poll figures to this news story. Why was it so necessary when all of the mainstream media continues to push a relative few polling statistics in our face. Has any one of my readers been polled this election cycle? I surely haven’t.
This Sfist is abhorrent in their callous remarks and their readers are equally disgusting for their comments not worthy of sharing here.
Bill Richardson shows common courtesy by offering his sympathies. I haven’t found any other candidate express ANYTHING. When Hillary’s campaign office in New Hampshire was threatened by a mentally instable man with flares attached to his body, EVERYONE offered their support.
I cannot imagine the depth of sorrow that Dennis is feeling, but I sincerely send my deepest sympathies to him.
on Dec 20th, 2007 at 7:33 am
Hello Danielle,
I’am very sorry to hear about Perry Kucinich’s death.
That would deveastate any family, it is made worse by hearing about this being tossed around in the media;
I know my personal experience how it is livnving with a family member that has a mental illness. So, I can relate.
Take care my friend.
barbara’s last blog post..A tiny bit of Christmas cheer
on Dec 27th, 2007 at 2:21 am
I was unaware of this story until reading it today on your blog. I’m very saddened to hear it. I lost my brother two years ago and my father two months ago. Losing a family member is devastating. I’m very sorry for the loss of Dennis Kucinich and his family.
peace, Villager
Villager’s last blog post..Black August: Movie About Black Panther George Jackson
on Dec 30th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
I found your message and had to comment….I knew Perry Kucinich personally. I met him here in Cleveland in the Seventies, and we became friends, Perry loved music, enjoyed dancing and all those small things in life that we mentally healthy (?!?) people take for granted. A number of things contributed to his sad descent into mental illness; I know Perry felt overwhelmed by life many times. It was heartbreaking to watch a happy, fun-loving and generous person change into a fearful, dissociative person in great pain.
It is also sad and shameful to see his being gay covered up - that didn’t help him either, and is disrespectful to his memory.
I considered him a Sid Barrett type; as much as Perry loved music, I believe he would appreciate that reference.
I know that Perry attempted suicide at least twice; I fear that he finally gave in to that dark impulse again and ’succeeded’.
I believe that Perry coped as best he could with life; he tried and struggled for many years. I hope his anguished soul is at peace now, and up in rock & roll heaven with Brian Jones (one of his idols).
on Jan 2nd, 2008 at 8:51 pm
Haven’t heard much from your blog since the writers went on strike…
DirkStar’s last blog post..Baby, its cold outside…
on Jan 3rd, 2008 at 6:18 am
To all:
I’ve been quite neglectful of my blog of late but you all are in my thoughts. It has been difficult to find the time but with the new year I hope to get more organized with my time.
Wishing you all the best
Danielle
on Jan 5th, 2008 at 7:39 pm
I have no idea who he is. But death is always such a shocking and devestating thing.
on Jan 11th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
I miss the days when you ran an active blog…
DirkStar’s last blog post..Electric light orchestra…
on Jan 24th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
In an effort of bipartisan blogging I have come up with a way to help stimulate our economy faster than the tax rebate program just announced on C.N.N. News.
My proposal is bold, innovative and puts cash money into the hands of the American people when they need it the most; at this very minute.
Please help me to help America in its moment of greatest need.
DirkStar’s last blog post..Cause I’m working for a living…