Caroline Kennedy
There are a lot of people who are unhappy with the notion that Caroline Kennedy should seek the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Hillary Clinton when she is presumably approved for Secretary of State. Much of the complaining is coming from Democrats and ostensibly liberal types who say she lacks the credentials and doesn’t deserve to jump ahead of other politicians.
Others decry the dynastic nature of her would-be candidacy. One columnist in The New York Times notes that Kennedy’s father arranged for his Massachusetts Senate seat to be filled by a place-holder for two years until his brother Edward was old enough to run for the office. And, omigod, this seat she seeks was held by her uncle until he was killed while running for president.
Puh-leeze. This isn’t about a dynasty. Ms. Kennedy has accomplished much beyond her name. She has worked hard and successfully in many positions, benefitting the common weal. She had the prescience to support Barack Obama, early and for the right reasons.
Let us also note that she raised three healthy children. That used to be considered a not insignificant accomplishment.
And what is most rankling about the objections to her candidacy for appointment is the notion that there are others who should be considered first because they have put in their time in lower offices. People in the House of Representatives and the state attorney general, for example.
This concept of political primogeniture is for the birds. It’s not like those in Congress have been effective. Indeed, that body strikingly managed to earn a lower approval rating than George Bush. It’s akin to the idea that old people deserve respect. Putting in time doesn’t always , to say the least, translate into gaining wisdom.
Caroline Kennedy would bring grace, dignity and intellect to the United States Senate – qualities that are sorely missing in that body. Perhaps she could help to accomplish what all the experienced grey-hairs have not.
©2008 SetonnoteS
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