Poltiical dynasties like the Bushes, Clintons and Kennedys certainly seem wrong and un-American. Why should someone be able to inherit a political office?

But consider that money is also power. Political power, even. And it can be inherited, and usually is. Consider two talented people -- one becomes a gazillionaire, and the other foresakes the big paydays to become a senator. Both are powerful and influential, but only one can pass that power on to his/her offspring?

Chelsea Clinton could probably have a seat in the House somewhere for the asking. She's also going to inherit tens, maybe hundreds of millions of dollars some day (assuming Hillary doesn't blow it all on Presidential campaigns). Is it really any different?

"Why should someone be able to inherit a political office?"

Due to death or some other form of incapacitation. There are many examples of Senator's and even Governor's wives stepping in and officially taking on the role for the remainder of the term. The rules for this vary from state to state. I don't see a problem with it, especially since they are often the ones that have been by that person's side and know best how to carry out their initiatives.

Note that I say for the remainder of the term. After that, the spouse should run on their own merit ofcourse, if they choose to seek the office.

Which basically has nothing to do with the article, or my post.

Ted Kennedy - yet another example of "Do as I say, not as I do...."

Do you really think Kennedy supports Obama because he is so inspired by him - or is it more likely that he wants to marginalize the competition....

Kennedy dynasty - Good; Clinton dynasty - Bad. Though how the Clintons make up a dynasty is beyond me - dynasties require more than one generation.

"Which basically has nothing to do with the article, or my post."

Well, you asked why should people be able to inherit a political post, and that's the answer...when they can't serve out their term. Besides, they're not really inheriting it anyway.

The good people of Massachusetts could have voted out the Kennedy's when their terms were up (it's not a truly inherited office). Kinda makes your question moot, anyway.

Female Engineer is correct.

Ted Kennedy supports Obama not because he thinks he's a great candidate but because he can control Obama but not Hillary Clinton. Obama needs Kennedy, Clinton does not "need" Kennedy. She's her own powerhouse.

Read with sarcasm:

Yeah, Obama will bring a "new kind of politics" to DC with Kennedy, Kerry and company on board. They are real innovators! Definately not your fathers Democrat. Right...

Go back to drinking your Kool Aid now.

It wears off when he loses the election for us in November.