Democracy

When someone in office dies and their spouse steps up to fill the position, that makes sense to me.  People elected someone and the spouse can continue that person's legacy and then if they want, when the time comes they can run for election as their own person next go-around.

I don't really get (actually, I get it, I just don't like it) why random people can be appointed during this government turnover/transition phase.  Senator Hillary Clinton becoming Secretary of State?  New York Governor gets to pick someone/anyone he wants to fill her place.  Does that seem right in a democracy?  I would actually prefer that more people have to lay their neck on the lines during these elections.  Obama and McCain both want to be President?  OK, then since you can't be President and a Senator you should step down from your Senate role ahead of time and risk not being a politician if you really want a run.  None of this "backup plan" bull shit.

There are so many cases of political nepotism that nobody even bothers to point them out but it's frustrating that the barriers of entry to outsiders are so tall.

(Note, the person that may be appointed is Caroline Kennedy... yes, one of the Kennedy's.  Qualifications?  Attorney and Author, only surviving child of JFK... I rest my case.)