[AmericanInTokyo]

I dont know. Call me a cynic or an anti-monarchist, but something disgusts me over the fact that someone in America simply inherits publicity and support because they are the son or nephew of so-and-so.

Sheesh, didn't we break away from that crap some 227 years ago tomorrow?

[ConstitutionLover]

No we never did break away from it. Just look at the Kennedy's.

[smith288]

I dont view it as monarchial for folks to be interested in the going ons in a particular popular family...happens all the time in small towns to huge cities.

Example:
Star athlete's sister in a big family becomes the focus and gossip of the town when she starts dating a guy from the rival school...

Its just how it goes...

[egarvue]

Sheesh, didn't we break away from that crap some 227 years ago tomorrow?

Unfortunately, we've got about 6,000 years of recorded human history working against that; each society has had its royalty, the people that are lifted up to be socially "above" the rest of us. Look at the cult of celebrity worship here in America. Are celebrities "better" than us ordinary people? Nope, but I dare any FReeper to not get all excited when [insert your favorite conservative celebrity] walks into the room, and you're right there. Its human nature. Why do we manufacture "royalty"? I don't know, maybe some of the psychologists here can answer that.

[ewing]

Yea, but this kid has star quality in spades..

[SpinyNorman]

Unlike the Kennedys though, it doesn't appear that he is seeking this attention, and his aspirations seem to be higher than that of the Kennedy clan, i.e. he seems to be a decent fellow intent on pursuing a law career vs. a presumed "right" to a lifetime position in government. He doesn't appear to be a social leper like most of the Kennedys either, on a course for self destruction, usually behind the wheel of some sort of transportation device.

Of course, this could change, but until I see him abusing women, taking illegal pharmaceuticals, and paying others to take the bar exams for him, I will give him the benefit of the doubt and not put him in a (low) class with the Kennedys.

[Solson]

We are, always have been, and always will be an aristocratic society. We have always focused on the family, direct and extended of those we deem important.

What's the big deal?

[rogerthedodger]

One might even say that by the third generation removed, the genes have become so watered down that the family ties mean nothing. One might even say this is not a man we want in high public office, say if someone actually knew this man.

[Empire_of_Liberty]

I'm with you, Tokyo. Does anyone else out there ask themselves who's going to run for the GOP in 2008 and have a little voice in the back of their mind reply, "Not Jeb Bush???"

I like W a lot. I think he is looking like a much better president than his father. But there will be something seriously wrong with us as a country and a party if we have to go back to this same family to find another one.

[fishtank]

Believe it or not, there are a few monarchists here in FR.

Yours truly is NOT one of them.

[GoMonster]

Chill! Good Genes Bro...

[NH Liberty]

"I dont know. Call me a cynic or an anti-monarchist, but something disgusts me over the fact that someone in America simply inherits publicity and support because they are the son or nephew of so-and-so."....."Sheesh, didn't we break away from that crap some 227 years ago tomorrow?"

From one anti-Monarchist to another: This popular interest in George Prescott is nothing to worry about. Popularity -- including the popularity of certain individuals in the same families -- is entirely different from the inheritance of political power.

George Prescott Bush made a huge splash onto the political scene (especially among the ladies his age) during the 2000 presidential election. In fact, it would be more monarchical/totalitarian to stifle news and/or the popularity of someone who generates interest and excitement in his own right.

So we can all celebrate our Liberty and Independence with a clear conscience tomorrow :+)

[Cacique]

It should be remembered that Rome's decline and corruption began when it went from republic to empire.