Chinese have a saying: (fu bu guo san dai)
Literally: Wealth does not pass three generations
Meaning: It’s rare the wealth of a family can last for three generation (the 2nd may see the value of hard work, the 3rd, forget it)
Explanation: In business, the first generation works extremely hard, so that the second generation reaps the benefits. By the time the third generation arrives, the wealth is squandered.
Similar here. Joseph Kennedy, JFK’s father was a tough old bird and made a fortune. JFK had many worthy qualities (including being anti-communist, incredibly charismatic, and a tax cutter). The next generations had nothing (and Teddy was a monster in my opinion, both personally and politicially).
Yes, he made a fortune bootlegging whiskey. The same as Al Capone et al.
The Kennedys are not dead until all the baggage has washed up on the beach, the last air bubble has surfaced in the tide pond and the Chivas is gone.
Interesting. Growing up I heard the American saying: "Shirtsleeves to shirtsleeves in three generations." Must be something to it. The derelict status of Hickory Hill certainly speaks to the desuetude of the latterday kennedys.