Eminentoes
Birthright Senator
Being a Kennedy means never needing qualifications.
Who needs qualifications when your name is Kennedy?
Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg knows this better than most. It is no coincidence that her last name has morphed from Schlossberg back to Kennedy just as she embarks upon a career in politics. The New York Times reports that the heiress to Camelot has decided to pursue the Senate seat that Hillary Clinton will vacate upon confirmation as secretary of state. She will reportedly express her interest in the seat directly to New York Gov. David Paterson, who decides Clinton's replacement.
But what, other than nepotism and nostalgia, would prompt Paterson to seriously consider John F. Kennedy's daughter as a replacement for Hillary Clinton? Even Congressman Gary Ackerman, a liberal Democrat from Queens, pleads ignorance of her qualifications for the office beyond "that she has name recognition -- but so does JLo."
Schlossberg's résumé is not thin but confusing. It is laden with positions devoid of responsibility. Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg sits on foundation boards, places her name (as her dad did) on books, and serves as an adviser, whatever that entails, to the Harvard Institute of Politics. But one would be hard-pressed to determine, precisely, what she does for a living: With her Onassis/Kennedy fortune, she has never had to work. Other than trade her famous maiden name for honors, what has she done to earn appointment as a U.S. senator?
One could forgive Schlossberg for the sense of entitlement. It runs in the family. No qualifications, many disqualifications -- the job is yours. That is the Kennedy way.
Grandfather Joe Kennedy, who made millions in insider trading and other stock swindles, somehow greased his way into becoming the first chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Robert F. Kennedy Sr. had never tried a single case in a courtroom before President John Kennedy appointed him attorney general, and the fact that they were brothers was an obvious conflict of interest. Schlossberg's uncle Ted had never held a paying job, save for a two-year stint in the army, before election to the Senate in 1962.
So magical was the Kennedy name in postwar Massachusetts that an unrelated political neophyte who worked in a Gillette razor-blade factory's stockroom and was blessed with the name "John F. Kennedy" actually won election to several terms as state treasurer. If the high-school dropout John Francis Kennedy could crudely parlay the last name into an undeserved office, then actual relatives of the real John F. Kennedy -- his brother Ted, his nephews Joe and Pat, and now, his daughter Caroline -- certainly could too.
Save for a two-year respite upon John Kennedy's elevation from the Senate to the presidency, when the incoming president pressured the governor of Massachusetts to award his Senate seat to his Harvard roommate as a placeholder until brother Ted met the Constitution's age requirements, a Kennedy has served in the Senate for the last 56 years. In the mid-1960s, Ted and Bobby Kennedy became the first brothers to serve together in the Senate since the early 19th century. With the youngest Kennedy now becoming the family elder, and suffering from brain cancer, the appointment of the 51-year-old Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg to the Senate presumably guarantees a Kennedy seat in the upper chamber for years to come.
In Illinois, Governor Rod Blagojevich allegedly attempted to sell the Senate seat left vacant by President-Elect Barack Obama to the highest bidder. In New York, Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg makes a hereditary claim on a seat currently held by Hillary Clinton, herself the beneficiary of her famous last name. Though birthright claims upon political offices do not offend the law as monetary claims upon political offices do, the fact that they offend democratic sensibilities may be enough to jettison Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg's grab at the Senate seat once occupied by her uncle Bobby. Or, given her family's successful track record of trading the Kennedy name for high office, it might not.
Forty-six years ago, Schlossberg's uncle Ted was publicly humiliated by Edward McCormack in a debate preceding Massachusetts's 1962 Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. McCormack, a nephew of the speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives who had served two terms as the Bay State's attorney general and had presided over Boston's city council, resented the Kennedy way of starting at the top. If his opponent's name were Edward Moore, McCormack told a packed, sweaty basketball gymnasium in South Boston, instead of Edward Moore Kennedy, his candidacy would be a joke. Nearly a half-century later, New Yorkers should be saying the same thing about Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg.
About the Author
Daniel J. Flynn is the author of Blue Collar Intellectuals: When the Enlightened and the Everyman Elevated America, forthcoming this fall from ISI Books. He blogs at www.flynnfiles.com.
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Livid| 12.16.08 @ 6:26PM
So while you are on the subject, what substantive qualifications does our new President-Elect have?
Speedbump| 12.17.08 @ 7:17AM
It's about time someone is drawing attention to the fact that our republic is decaying to the point where we now have an hereditary ruling class...this is the direct result of an uneducated, uninformed, and uninvolved electorate...Apparently a revolution is needed to get things back on track, but that will never happen in our 'bread and circuses' culture...
JAZZ| 12.17.08 @ 7:37AM
If people are so keen on qualification, why was George W Bush, exempt?.
While you're all bailing out, the banks, on the dead cat bounce, just remember the dollar is becoming more worthless by the day.
Just keep lending your selves more and more, money.
While speaking loudly about Joe Kennedy, don't forget to mention the Bush Hitler NAZI connection. 9/11 attacks who was behind it, and why. JFK 11 The Bush connection part 1. Google it.
Melvin| 12.17.08 @ 7:52AM
A reporter asked a KGB head shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall and Communism. "How was is that you were able to have total control over all those millions of people?"
The KGB head drew a long drag on his cigarette and said, "It was simple you keep the people ignorant, an ignorant man doesn't question authority, he fears it, and obeys it without question."
It's only a matter of time people, it's only a matter of time.
Anne| 12.17.08 @ 8:56AM
I don't see a big difference between IL and NY -
Blagojevich is trying to sell a seat for money and favors, and Carolyn Kenndy is trying to buy a seat with what? Influence, political favors, who knows what else?
Hopefully Gov. Paterson has enough sense to appoint somebody qualified.
Karstenm Dunstan| 12.17.08 @ 8:57AM
This all confirms one's feeling tht the Declaration of Independence and the Revolutionary War was a great mistake. Americans didn't get rid of hereditary kings and aristocrats, but saddled themselves with a set ogfhereditary robber barons whjo, unlike the British monarchy, weild real political and executive power, irrespective of any nonsense about democract or the will of the people. Mind you, the poor old Brits. aren't doing any better at present in terms of being run by political tenth-raters, placemen and crooks. Come on, get back together again and do each other a bit of good!
George Thompson| 12.17.08 @ 9:03AM
My 3rd district Missouri Congressman is Russ Carnahan. His only qualification for office is that his dad was the late Mel Carnahan. Mel was the Missouri Governor who was killed in a plane crash while campaigning for the Senate shortly before the 2000 election (October 17, 2000). For some stupid reason, it was determined that even though he was dead, Mel's name would remain on the ballot. Even more stupid, Missourians proceeded to elect a dead man to the Senate.
When it became obvious that even though no longer breathing and thus acceptable to the tree-hugger crowd, and way more qualified than many currently serving in Congress, the late governor would have difficulty cashing a check, and was, therefore, no longer eligible for the Senate, Mel’s successor in Jefferson City, Roger Wilson, appointed Mel’s wife, Jean, to fill that Senate seat. Never mind that Widow Carnahan had just lost her husband and another son, Randy, on a wooded Jefferson County hillside. Proving beyond all reasonable doubt that he is truly qualified to be a Congressman, Rusty showed up at a gas station last summer to convince people that Obama is a blithering genius for discovering that properly inflated tires improve gas mileage. No word whether he actually checked anyone’s tires or put air into any. Those skills are probably above his pay grade. Rusty’s sister Robin is currently the Missouri Secretary of State. She once accompanied her mother on a Congressional fact-finding tour of Afghanistan.
But a Missouri monarchy also exists in Missouri’s 2nd District. Their representative is William “Lacy” Clay, Jr. His father was the late William Lacy "Bill" Clay, Sr. who was a noted civil rights activist back in the 60s. According to Wikipedia the elder “Clay faced ethics charges in the 1970s for billing the government on auto trips while flying on airlines, and the House banking scandal revealed that Clay had 328 overdrafts.” Let’s see, fraud and unable to balance a check book. Overqualified for Congress if you ask me. I guess Junior learned his Father’s teachings well.
But minor Missouri monarchies are not limited to the Dumb-ocrats. Missouri’s current Republi-con governor, Matt Blunt, is the son of Missouri’s 7th District Congressman, Roy Blunt. Matt did not run for a 2nd term. And our 8th District Representative, Jo Ann Emerson, inherited that job from her husband Bill Emerson after he succumbed to cancer in 1996.
Unimpressed by Jean’s foreign policy credentials, Missouri voters returned her to her Rolla farm in 2002. Both Rusty and Lacy are set for life. Rusty was unopposed this year in his heavily gerrymandered district, while Lacy rules another. Jo Ann will probably not have to update her resumé in the foreseeable future.
Since an informed voter is our best defense against the establishment of an American royal class, we are probably doomed to become something akin to our British Cousins, a mere caricature of the greatness that was once the United States of America, but which can now be called the Union of American Socialist States or the People's Republic of America.
Billy. B Hill Billy| 12.17.08 @ 9:34AM
Stub.b.con.
Stub, how can you say that Jazz,, Bob, and Jeremiah have nothing to say, they have a lot to say these folks are the best and most intertaining here.
What's your problem man, look at it this way, you got an Empire, you think is a democracy, when was an Empire based on a democracy?. It's based on dictatorship and control.
The problem is the ones in control you don't know who they are.
That's why you had Bush part one, then Bush part 2. The kennedy's is a part of the mix, education is not the issue, the issue is the players.
Speedbump, said it best, uninformed uneducated uninvolved electorate, who have been brainwashed. For example some people goes mad if anyone says anthing about the Moron George W Bush, why? what has this drunk ever done for his country, except having the right name, the right connection, the same as the Clintons, right name right connections is all you need, what's education got to do with it?.
The Dark forces created the (EEC) (NAFTA) (APEC), (OAF). What does it mean to you, how does it affect you? what is the purpose of it.
These are things we need to know, to make informed choices when we vote. What we have now is what we voted for and now complain about, get my drift?.
Do you know what the (IMF) does away from lending money? Very important, especially at the moment.
Ever heard about the Bilderberg Group, do you know what they do? Do you know their aim?.
When you find out, you can critize the names above, because I bet you one thing they all know the answers.
bluecollarbytes| 12.17.08 @ 9:42AM
The only thing that matters is that C. Kennedy would be reliably LEFT. ...as far as B.H. Obama wants to take it.
stu.b.con| 12.17.08 @ 10:00AM
Billy.etc
Thanks for making my point
Norfolkbarry| 12.17.08 @ 10:38AM
Her father's looks and her mother's brains are all the qualifications she needs/has-- just like her late brother, the ace pilot.
JAZZ| 12.17.08 @ 11:16AM
Politics in America, the correct name is Politricks.
You can only vote for those running, the one's running had already hand picked, vetted, and thrown out, it matters not which one wins.
The policies remain the same.
Google Adam weishaupt. And look up Dr James W Wardner, author of the Book planned destruction of America.
TexasMale| 12.17.08 @ 11:28AM
Speedbump is absolutely correct. Our republic is decaying to the point where we will very soon become something completely different and worse. It's almost inevitable.
What can save us is if those of us who chose to stay informed, somewhat educated, and actually care about our country, start all over. Create a third party or piggy back on one not already in power like the Constitution Party or one similar.
The Republican and Democratic Party are beyond reform. The country burns while they fiddle. The renaissance of our nation will need to be completely grassroots. It will need to be a tough and uncompromising movement. Unfortunately, a Soviet type collapse might be in order. Something must give as we are on the road to ruin. How can ANYONE with their eyes open disagree with that fact.
www.constitutionparty.com/party_platform
Stu Pidaso| 12.17.08 @ 11:55AM
JAZZ - their are black helicopters over your house now!!!! GET OUT WHILE YOU CAN!!!!
I love conspiracy theorists........
I guess if you can "Google" it it has to be true.....
JAZZ| 12.17.08 @ 12:05PM
TexasMale & Speedbump.
You have both earned my respect, because America has reached a cross road, and if she keeps fighting the wrong wars she will be lossed forever. Brothers if you want it you're going to have to fight for it, I said it a few months ago some will have to die for it.
Americans have been to Iraq fighting an illegal war when the real war was at home. That was the only war that needed fighting.
If nothing else, to take your country back from these crooked families who run the CIA the FBI, the White house and the MAFIA gang behind the seen who is bankrupting your country and the world, and the hard working families in America.
People don't hate America what they hate is the stupidity of the people, who are suckered in by lies while the government murder your people.
You have been fighting the wrong battles my friends. This is the second time you should have had a war worth fighting for, 1963 when an organised criminal gang murdered a President elected by the people, my friends you lost your liberty and your democracy because you did nothing about it.
That day no one did anything about it, that was the start of it, and the same criminal bar one has been running America since and people play a blind eye. Remember people don't hate America, they hate the fact you people refuse to stand up, and speak up.
This time my friends you are fighting for your Freedom, and I tell you this if you don't fight for it you will lose it for ever. The Arms dealers and the Crooks that control America also control the world.
Check out, Jim Garrison's (Kevin Cosner) final speech.
Sulaco| 12.17.08 @ 12:13PM
What pray tell is the real difference between The Her and The One? Answer: in their minds they own us and everything we have or ever will have. Only one way this can end, and it will not be pretty or bloodless.
JAZZ| 12.17.08 @ 12:24PM
Stu -Pidoso.
You would be wise to look out side your own house.
TexasMale. I had a look at the web site it's a long read. The bit I am going to read first is Bring the government back home.
Too right.
Have a nice day.
Stu Pidaso| 12.17.08 @ 12:28PM
JAZZ - Oh my God!!! You were wooed by Kevin Costner's closing speech in "JFK??" LMMFAO!!!! You are cerntainly of sound mind my friend, no question. Please then, since I am lazy and do not want to search Google, the engine of the ultimate truth, explain to us who really killed Kennedy.............pretty please as I would love to know what really happened......
JAZZ| 12.17.08 @ 1:13PM
Stu Pidaso.
It's all about the message. And I am afraid the message is wasted on people like you.
Stu Pidaso| 12.17.08 @ 1:26PM
I called your bluff JAZZ and you lost. Goodbye.
Louis Jenkins| 12.17.08 @ 1:42PM
The State of the Government is far removed from the vision of our forefathers. Our Federal Government is anything but what it was originally intended to be. Seems that its the same names that keep popping up as leaders in this "great experiment." Thomas Jefferson envisioned yoeman farmers-planters as elected to govern. When their hitch as servants of the nation was concluded they would return to their previous labors. Now its the same individuals, and their heirs, that continually return to the "trough" and feed. They have become fat, lazy, and all the while claim they know what is best for the nation. The underlying direction and efforts of our government has become most linear. Same ole same ole if you will. These named repeats must spend hours dreaming up ways to tax and spend, and when the funds run short, tax some more. If that's not enough, then the printing presses are cranked up to print more worthless paper. They are no longer the true servants of government, its the tax payers who are the servants. Government is no longer an experiment, no longer does it protect the "common good" of the people it is meant to serve. It is business as usual. Fair, innovative ideas or political solutions are cast aside by this incestious environment. How did these people become the absolute authorities on what is best for nation? Obviously it ain't working. Most folks in this blog have answered the question.
K| 12.17.08 @ 1:53PM
The issue on Kennedy is not experience. Every time a woman steps up for office people start throwing around that slop on cue. Sure, Kennedy has qualifications.
Nor is the real issue the political dynasty thing. Appointed seats almost always go to people who have some strategic advantage such as attachment to a powerful political machine. How many men have gotten their posts that way?
The real issue about Caroline Kennedy is this: the traitor did not support Hillary Clinton for President. Thus, she has no right to Hillary's seat. Posting her to the position would be a TOTAL SLAP IN THE FACE to Hillary. There is no way that a traitor who can't support one of her own should be the heir apparent to fill the shoes of the greatest female politician of our time. Would anyone even so much as think about filling Obama's seat with a known Hillary supporter?
There will be hell to pay if that traitor gets Hillary's seat. She can kiss her future political career goodbye if she tries it. People remember things, you know. The nerve, the absolute nerve of that mediocre windbag to think she is so untouchable that she can go and endorse someone other than Hillary, then step up and fill her seat.
The only thing that Caroline can do for herself to show any decency is go out and take the punches in the electoral world like anyone else. She'd still be a traitor, but at least she'd earn something for herself. Nothing changes the fact that she should not target Hillary's seat. Who wants someone like Caroline Kennedy stinking up Hillary's office like that?
Jim Stoll| 12.17.08 @ 2:16PM
I am a pround native of New York State (Westchester County - 18 years). I wonder what has happened to my former neighbors and home staters.
The 2006 estimated census for New York State was approximately 19,300,000, For ease of computation, let's round that up to 20 million people. Let us assume that 60 percent of those 20 millinon are Democrats (12 million) and also arbitrarilly assume that 50% of that number are over 30 years of age (the minimum age to be a U.S. Senator. We are talking approximately 6 million people old enough to be a U. S. Senator.
Is there NO ONE of those 6 million people more qualified, experienced and capable more qualified to be a Senator from New York than Caroline Kennedy.
New Yorkers have allowed carpet-baggers to parachute into the U.S. Senate twice, a Kennedy and a Clinton. There must be a Dem in NY who has the political experience and leadership who has served the people of NY state from the ground up. Why must we have another qualification-less celebrity parachute into the U.S. Senate simply because they are "entitled"?
Thank you.
Todd| 12.17.08 @ 2:45PM
I got a good laugh from your post K, apparently your definition of a traitor is anyone who didn't support Hillary for President. Setting the bar a bit low don't you think? You might forget that Hillary had no experience to speak of herself and carpetbagged when she got elected but at least she got elected and not just get it handed to her like Caroline wants.
Having said that, it does take some chutzpah to ask for Hillary's seat when she was on Obama's campaign staff doing who knows what. But the Kennedy family specializes in chutzpah due to a gullible public who bought into the whole Camelot creation of the press. Being from new York, we are used to this kind of thing and frankly I don't think Illinois has much on this State when it comes to corrupt politics.
Big Jim| 12.17.08 @ 2:50PM
Just moments ago I was ruminating about the absurdity of an unqualified senator being replaced by a less qualified appointee because the unqualified senator has been appointed as a completely and grossly unqualified sec. of state by a president elect whose qualifications consist soley of a deep baritone and a calm demeanor. Then along came K. She informs us that the appointment of Sweet Caroline would be a slap in the face to the hilldabeast. If K is correct, I'm all for Caroline. Since I doubt I'll ever have the opportuity to slap any of them myself, I'll take my pleasures where I can.
Jack Mahoggoff| 12.17.08 @ 2:57PM
"But the Kennedy family specializes in chutzpah.."
Yes, the ONE thing that I can give the Kennedy's credit for is having a set of balls the size of church bells.......
Jazz| 12.17.08 @ 2:59PM
Jim Stoll.
You have a very valid point, why don't you organise and put yourself forward next time?.
If People had used a bit of common sense, Bush would not have been elected at all. People should demand change, and stop electing these Politicans relatives.
You have to remember it's the people who keep electing these crooks to public office. Organise and elect people of your choice.
K.
People have rights to cloose who ever they like even if it's Carolin Kennedy.
If people don't get involved in the selecting process, go out and protest and demand a choice, then you have to take what you get.
Todd| 12.17.08 @ 3:04PM
Let's be fair to Bob and not lump him in with someone like Jazz. Bob is not a conspiracy theorist, just your typical secular elitist Ivy Leaguer who thinks he knows better than everyone else on every subject. Just thought I would point out to Jazz that it was Joe Kennedy who was a Nazi supporter and not the Bush family so put that in your pipe and smoke it.
TexasMale| 12.17.08 @ 3:10PM
John Adams:
"The people have a right, an indisputable, unalienable, indefeasible, divine right to that most dreaded and envied kind of knowledge - I mean of the character and conduct of their rulers." Our very Constitution is threatened when we permit immoral conduct by our leaders.
Public respect and esteem toward public officials has fallen to a shameful level. The Constitution Party finds that a cause of this national state of disgrace is the deterioration of personal character among government leaders, exacerbated by the lack of public outcry against immoral conduct by public office holders. Our party leaders and public officials must display exemplary qualities of honesty, integrity, reliability, moral uprightness, fidelity, prudence, temperance, justice, fortitude, self-restraint, courage, kindness, and compassion. If they cannot be trusted in private life, neither can they be trusted in public life.
It is imperative the members and nominated candidates representing the Constitution Party and its state affiliates recognize the importance of demonstrating good character in their own lives.
TexasMale| 12.17.08 @ 3:14PM
The 10th Amendment states:
"The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
The Constitution assigns all powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people.
Domestic federal "aid" not authorized by the Constitution is not only illegal, it is immoral.
We call upon the states, therefore, to decline to accept all monies from the federal government for any purpose not specifically and clearly articulated in the Constitution, and reject all federal mandates and regulations which are unconstitutional, thus restoring the intended balance of power between the states and their creation, the U.S. Government.
Billy B Hill Billy| 12.17.08 @ 3:26PM
Todd.
What are you talking about, you obviously did'nt know about the Bush Family, they come form the biggest family of crooks in the United States.
Bush granfather helped and funded Hitler, how can you be an American and not know that.
The Kennedy's they were involved in Boot legging. they were also involved with the Mafia.
But I still think the Bush family were more involved in crimes.
I don't even know how the American people vote for these crooks, politics need cleaning up.
Obama Rules| 12.17.08 @ 3:41PM
Republicans are idiots! Period.
Todd| 12.17.08 @ 3:43PM
Hey Hill Billy, you don't exactly inspire confidence for your comments by your chosen name. I will take you at your word that you are an uneducated moron who buys into any conspiracy theory that fits your crazy view of the World. If Bush's grandfather had anything to do with the Nazi's, I am sure Dan Rather and co. would make sure I knew every detail about it. Joe Kennedy was a known anti-semite and was fond of Hitler before the War, that is a fact and not one of your crazy conspiracy theories.
JAZZ| 12.17.08 @ 3:44PM
TaxasMale.
Am I right in what you're saying, that these Bailouts is illegal, under the 10th Amendments.
How many Americans do you think is aware of that then?.
This is serious, because today I heard on the News that Paulson and Bernanki wanted to make sure that they could not be charged for an illegal act, later before the Bailouts. So they have taken steps to cover themselves.
Billy B Hill Billy| 12.17.08 @ 3:46PM
Todd.
Try to find some one else to write to.
Roscoe Mendago| 12.17.08 @ 4:04PM
Tell me, what does it matter------
We now have the most unqualified president elect in history, he's okay, possesses all the needed experience. His "community organizing" somehow saw to it that maybe the command of the next space shuttle flight was in order. Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg isn't qualified either, but who among the piss ants occupying senate seats are?
Sarah Palin has signed workers pay checks, knows what it means to hold down a job, did it on her own,with no help from mobbed-up politicos, but she's not qualified, and I can't get this through my head, Barack is!!!!
Derek P| 12.17.08 @ 4:05PM
"Bush granfather helped and funded Hitler" Soooo we are to believe that he did this at the same time that his son (H.W.) was risking his life in the Pacific fighting the Japanese? What the hey, makes sense to me!!!
Todd| 12.17.08 @ 4:06PM
Hill Billy,
I believe you are the one who wrote to me first, sorry I had to point out the obvious about you being an uneducated moron. Also, someone is one word not two which you would know if you had stayed in school beyond the 5th grade.
ddc| 12.17.08 @ 4:07PM
The only solution is the one proposed by Jefferson to destroy the dynastic wealth of the native aristocrats. Confiscatory inheritance taxes will put an end to the Kennedy problem.
JeffT| 12.17.08 @ 4:19PM
I'd like her to be my next senator, with the following proviso. Make her PAY for it. She has the Kennedy name, lots of money, no doubt. Why not have her BUY the seat openly, instead of doing it behind closed doors. As a New Yorker being asked by my governor to fork over more of my hard earned dollars to pay for the ineptitude of state officlials, we could use the money!
Anthony| 12.17.08 @ 4:26PM
What's the big deal here? Ms. Kennedy, Schlossberg, Kennedy, is as qualified as Sir Edmund Hillary Rodham, Rodman, Clinton. Both have done nothing to distinguish themselves, both have ridden family name and reputation as far as the brain dead Democrats have allowed them to go. Hell, if those frozen corpses in MN can send Al Franken to join the greatest show on earth, Circus Senate, why not Caroline? Besides, if NY doesn't do it, MASS will, when uncle Ted finally deprives the world of his greatness. It's part of the Yankee/Red Sox rivalry thing, most folks wouldn't get. I read that Caroline was taking a tour of upstate NY, ( hope she has map quest to find it) the same place Madam Hillary started her quest, and the same place that remains the financial wreck it was and has been, despite all of Madam Hillary's promised relief. The only way to stop this maddness is to knock some sense into braindead Americans. If NY Gov. Patterson can now tax non-diet soda, to help pay for slippery Spitzer's, aka #9 john, $25 billion deficit, I say, get really creative gov, impose an idiot tax on Democrats. That should raise big $$!!
NoKennedy| 12.17.08 @ 4:50PM
As a New Yorker, if Patterson appoints her, I will be voting against both of them. Kennedy's done NOTHING to deserve a senate seat.
Alice Moore| 12.17.08 @ 5:44PM
Would a Soviet Style collapse be such a bad thing? After the Ussr collapsed, the Baltic nations were instantly better off. The Ukraine is improving. In my part of the country people are not enamoured of Kennedys, Clintons, or Obama. Good riddance to the NE.
I love the idea of the US, you know the Constitution, Bill of Rights, etc. I do not love the idea of dynasty families or celebrity politicians.
DaveS| 12.17.08 @ 6:31PM
Gumption, steamrolling, whatever it takes. The rep who said, "what are we? chopped liver?" had it exactly right. Career democrats: get out of the way!!! Carpetbagging has a precedent in NY- of a reverse kind. This is lateral.
DJK| 12.17.08 @ 6:36PM
"Hillary Clinton, herself the beneficiary of her famous last name."
Please stop suggesting that Hillary, like Kennedy, has merely traded on a famous name to get to where she is. Read her biography plase. She had a political career BEFORE Bill Clinton. She left D.C. to marry him, and she continued her independent work in politics, child advocacy, and family law while married.
She did NOT want to be a Clinton, but the Arkansas public wouldn't let her keep her maiden name. Please remember that without her, Bill Clinton would still be a backwoods Arkansas lawyer!
Alan Brooks| 12.17.08 @ 7:09PM
someone better than Nixon could have run against Kennedy in '60
And thanks to Nixon, Jimmuh was elected in '76
thanks alot, tricky
bucksta schotte| 12.17.08 @ 7:46PM
You get the government you deserve. Just ask the folks from the great state of West Virginia.
I cannot think of a group of folks who deserve her more than the ones still in the Empire State.
Alan Brooks| 12.17.08 @ 7:59PM
at least Michael and Ronnie Reagan had the sense not to go into politics. And how many Eisenhowers have been run for office since 1956?
SOME people are decent.
Alan Brooks| 12.17.08 @ 8:02PM
oh God! What if Amy Carter decides to go into politics!
Then we'd be done for.
Lois| 12.17.08 @ 9:13PM
If your name is Kennedy you can get anything, anywhere, at anytime. Before Caroline and Ted walked up to the podium to endorse Obama, this was a fixed deal. Surely the citizens of New York will rise up and demand a voice in this decision.
Alan Brooks| 12.17.08 @ 11:12PM
Bushes did it, so can kennedys
monkey see, monkey do.
George Hanshaw| 12.18.08 @ 1:16AM
I really don't understand this. I remember JFK well. He was a mediocre President. Perhaps had he not been assassinated, he would have grown in the job, but he was assassinated. After that it really didn't matter that he was a mediocre President. As a Martyr, he became a legend.
RFK wasn't a particularly nice guy either, but as another Martyr (perhaps the first American politician to fall victim of the international jihad) he too has become hallowed by history where the reality certainly didn't justify it.
Ted Kennedy - well, what can you say about Ted Kennedy. World-class carouser, a better swimmer than lifeguard, and definitely not the guy you want your 2o year old son to party with.
As far as JFK Jr - certainly not the guy you'd want to fly you to Martha's Vineyard for the weekend.
You know, if it wasn't for the fact that Ms. Schlossberg will be voting on things that affect ME, I'd have no objection to New York making Caroline a senator - or Madonna either, for that matter.
Looks like it's amateur hour in Washington DC. Wonder how it will work?
Felix335| 12.18.08 @ 5:52AM
Joe Kennedy and his still current family trusts also made tons of $$$$ on summgling booze into the U.S. during the Prohibition. As I understand it, they still get $$ cut on each bottle of J&B;Scotch (maybe Cutty Sark?) sold in the U.S.
Caroline has done some public spirited things in a noblesse oblige kinda way, but her beloved Pony named Macaroni knows more about public policy than her. The U.S. Senate is definately NOT the UK House of Lords, people.
The POPE| 12.19.08 @ 1:54PM
We will not flinch we will not waver, we will acheive our dictatorship in the United States of America Under a NAZI power.
We will acheive power, we have the money and the resources provided by the un assuming American public. We will acheive ultimate dominance.
We have acheived, Bush the 1st Bush the 2nd, and we will acheive Bush the 3rd, Heil Hitler.
Our concentration camps will be admired world wide. We will acheive what Prescot Bush failed to do, right here in The United States of America.
Maveric marine General Smedley D Butler stopped us the last time but this time we will not flinch we will not fail, Heil Hitler.
Presoct Bush had his operation in Nazi Banking rumbled. Brown Brothers Banking Union Assets seized.
According to John Buchanan investigative journalish and writer for over 100 News Paper and Magazine state in his findings Bush family was the 1st family that came close to TREASON.
Listed in the in US National Archives and Library of Congress proved beyons a shadow of a doubt, that the Bushes were TRAITORS to their country.
Headline in the Gaurdian News paper read How Bush Granfather helped Hitlers rise to power.
Duncan Camble reporter flew to Washington to visit the Archive Library of Congress to view these explosive documents.
No more Bush, or else you will end up with more than you expected for. The plan is to set up a NZAI styled government in America.
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