Dear George Loper:

Arnold's election in California reflects the sad influence of media branding in our politics.

Public figures known well from Hollywood or unknowns who come from political legacy families, start with brand identity that gives them a significant advantage in political elections. Just as John Quincy Adams, the three Kennedy brothers, George Bush Sr., and Al Gore, among others, came from brand name families, so Arnold, like Ronald Reagan before him, were established brands before seeking public office.

The most troubling aspect of this development is that the children of elected public figures are no more likely to make good officeholders than the descendants of royalty were apt to make good kings. The history of Rome, Russia, and England are replete with examples of kings whose sons failed miserably upon assuming the throne.

If the American public is going to perpetuate family dynasties in high office, it might as well replace the Oval Office with the throne room. At least, the two California actors turned politicians earned over the years their own brand name identity. Their fame was not inherited. But George W. Bush rode into office on his father's image.

The result has been an administration by a despicable failure, utterly devoid of his father's better judgement, who has made the United States once again an aggressor nation.

Sherwood Ross (electronic mail, October 10, 2003)