On dynasty in politics and Caroline Kennedy...

As Hillary Clinton is set to become Secretary of State, she's vacating her Senate seat for New York. Media and politico are used to analyze to death of what Clinton can and should do. She was called many (nasty) names, including the infamous "carpetbagger" when she ran for the senate seat in 1999. As it turns out, she ran a memory campaign, won the race and the seat, and went on to honestly and fairly represent her district, to winning the hearts and minds of many of her constituents.

Now, as Clinton is moving on, Caroline Kennedy, who-else but the daughter of JFK, niece of Ted Kennedy and Bobby Kennedy, cousin of Patrick Kennedy, all fellow senators, etc etc etc. By jove, just going through her long line of dynasty in politics in US exhausts me.

Admittedly, I know nothing about her except her last name. Sure, there are tons of stories about how she grew up in the White House during her father's short stay there, and how Jackie O would protect her privacy while she's growing up. But they don't really tell much about her as a person, and more to the point, her ability in public office.

I would not discount her desire to serve, or some of the (minor) charitable work she's done, like sitting on boards of charities. But a senator takes more than a last name, and occasional experience from a few boards, to serve the constituency.

It's entirely possible that she could end up being a very deserving senator, like Hillary Clinton has accomplished for her NY district. But right from the get-go, I have instant dislike of dynasty and pedigree that would open doors and buy one's way in. My sentiment is mirrored by some of the Letters To Editors to NY Times, of the fact that Kennedy has not paid her dues. If she is to earn her keep, she should do so in a proper election. That would surely avoid the kind of potential scandal and conflict of interests, as reflected in the political scandal in Chicago, in which the Dem governor, Rod Blagojevich, is alleged to want to sell the vacating seat of Obama for political and financial gains.

For those who take the instant mistrust and dislike of Hillary Clinton, for her ascent on the account that it's only due to Bill Clinton, they should have reflected that in the likes of the Bush family (but I don't hear anyone saying that to George W Bush, the incompetent and very mediocre son of Bush Sr). The level of double-talk and double-standards by voters and media alike is simply disgustingly astounding.