The End of the Kennedy Dynasty

The Kennedys are famous in American politics. Their dynasty started with Joseph Kennedy and was continued by his four sons: Joseph Jr., John, Robert and Edward.

The oldest son, Joseph Kennedy Jr., had a promising political future but died while serving in WWII, leaving his brothers to carry the torch. John, Robert and Edward Kennedy were extraordinary people who held prominent positions in American politics for over half a century. They occupied the offices of president, attorney general and senator. This is why the Kennedy family is considered an American political dynasty, and more precisely, a Democratic political dynasty.

The political success of the Kennedy brothers is astonishing. More incredible, however, is the tragedy surrounding them. Joseph Kennedy died at war, John and Robert were both assassinated and many other family members died due to tragic circumstances. This is called the “Kennedy Curse,” something Edward seemed to escape. He entered the U.S. Senate at the age of 30, serving 47 years. Unfortunately, although Edward did not succumb to the “Kennedy Curse,” he was unable to escape from the evil hand of disease. On August 26, Edward Kennedy died of cancer at the age of 77. Now, the political careers of the Kennedy brothers all have ended, and the political dynasty of the Kennedy family has become history.

Edward Kennedy was supposed to have less political talent than his brothers. But because he served in the Senate for 47 years, perhaps his influence on American politics has surpassed his two older brothers, John and Robert. He was dubbed the lion of the American leftists. During his Senate tenure, Edward tried, through legislation, to make American society turn left as far as possible. Edward put forth great effort to promote Democratic leftism, including high taxes, generous benefits, government-run universal medical care, gay marriage, free abortion and so on. With the pursuit of political power, Edward and his brothers also had similar personal lives. Over the years, Edward was part of many scandals. Especially when they were young, the overindulgence of the Kennedy brothers was well-known, and they were all considered real playboys. Unfortunately, as a result of this behavior, a woman died in the hands of Edward.

On July 18th, 1969, Edward went to a party with a few women. After the party, he drove a woman, named Mary, home. As he was crossing a bridge, he drove the car into the river. He then climbed up from the river and went home to sleep. He reported the accident to the police after 10 hours, and when the police pulled Mary from the river, she was already dead. If Edward Kennedy had reported the accident to the police immediately, perhaps Mary could have been saved. In the end, Edward Kennedy defended himself and miraculously escaped his legal responsibility. He apologized publicly and his constituents surprisingly let him stay in the Senate. Although he did not have to legally pay for his responsibility, Mary’s accidental death became a scandal he had to live with for his entire life. Even when the New York Times, which leans toward the leftist Democratic Party, reported Edward Kennedy’s death, they didn’t fail to mention the tragic death of Mary. Edward Kennedy, himself, felt guilty his entire life about the incident.

Additionally, Edward Kennedy’s political career also had an unusual beginning. Edward’s brother, John Kennedy, was elected president, and his Senate seat was empty. Most thought Robert Kennedy should have taken the Senate seat, but at that time, Robert was appointed Attorney General, and so the Senate seat was left to Edward. He was only 28 at the time and, according to the American Constitution, a person has to be at least 30 years old to be a senator. Therefore, the Kennedys chose one of their friends to serve until Edward was 30 and could be elected. He then began his 47-year political career and became the most influential senator in American history. He also extended the Kennedy political dynasty until today.

With the death of Edward Kennedy, American politics lost a prominent politician, and the Kennedy family dynasty is also gone. The American media has run innumerable reports and commentaries about the death of Edward Kennedy. Democrats praise his enormous achievements, and many Republicans also praise his firm political stance, as well as his desire to implement legislature through the democratic process. As a conservative Republican, I have nothing in common with Edward Kennedy, in terms of political position and ideas, yet I respect his spirit of fighting tirelessly for his beliefs. His death is a tragic story and a huge loss for the Kennedy family. I pray for them and hope that God helps them through this tough time.