Letter: Holding elective office should not be a birthright

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Friday, Sept. 17, 2004 | 5:16 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

September 18 - 19, 2004

One problem facing our country is the lack of highly intelligent political leaders imbued with common sense. I believe this shortfall stems directly from political nepotism. Our system of government is infected with people whose political and financial influence derives from previous generations of their family.

This is very alarming, especially since America is not only at war but is also attempting to navigate through a major shift in world economic power.

Examining how well the descendants of highly successful corporate leaders have done clearly illustrates that the apple falls much farther from the tree than originally thought. Why should politicians be any different? Being elected to office, any office, should not be a birthright or someone's reward for faithful political party service.

RICHARD RYCHTARIK