|
|
Article: America's Top Dynasty? Not the Kennedys
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- September 19, 2009
CopyrightCopyright 2009 The Washington Post. This material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
|
Stephen Hess's Sept. 13 Outlook piece, "America's Top Dynasty,"
was interesting but far too front-loaded. To rate the modest
accomplishments of the Kennedy family nearly 30 points ahead of
those of the Adamses is simply ahistorical.
The Adamses had a profound impact on American foreign policy and
politics for a century. Mr. Hess passed over John Quincy Adams's
post-presidential service in the House of Representatives with the
comment, "an important role as an abolitionist spokesman." This is
true as far as it goes, but does not mention his almost single-
handed defense of the constitutional right of petition during the
"gag rule" controversy. Mr. Hess does not even mention John Quincy ...