I have no strong opinion either way on the three people you mentioned- better that they "turned their lives around", than not, I suppose.

Regarding some of the other posts...
Despite some of the causes he supported, I think many people have trouble lauding him because there didn't seem to be a suitable punishent for his actions in the Chappaquiddick incident. Debating the details of when/how she died or comparing him to other people doesn't change the fact that he made inexcusable decisions in that instance and then didn't have to face the consequences like the average person would/should(for whatever reason(s).

I also agree that many of his other personality traits (excessive drinking, womanizing, etc...) don't impress me much. Our behavior coupled with the choices we make tend to give a good picture of our personal character- his personal character was not impressive, in my opinion.

I feel that we are all responsible for our actions and should pay the consequences for the choices we make (regardless of wealth, social status, etc...), it's what having character and being an adult is all about.

This doesn't mean I wish him or his family ill or that he didn't support worthy causes but when I look at the man, as a whole, I just don't see a "great man."

Luckily my opinion doesn't matter much in the grand scheme of things :-)