Unfortunately, scandal surrounding elected officials in this country is nothing new. Of course, with midterm elections quickly drawing near, we can be sure that more scandals will come to light.
Recently, Pennsylvania Republican Don Sherwood created a campaign ad confessing his sin to his constituents. The ad was an apology for cheating on his wife. The mistress also accused him of abuse, but no probable cause was found by police to bring any charges. Still, his opponent is running an ad that not only discusses the affair, but also while referencing “values,” flashes words from the unfounded accusations across the screen.
The man has admitted his transgressions, and we always claim that we want honesty from our politicians. Isn’t his admission enough? Can we now give his family a chance to heal, or do we have to continue the onslaught of mudslinging?
Wouldn’t it be bad enough if your spouse had an affair? Would it be worse if it became a public spectacle? I wonder how many of us would stand by our man (or woman) if presented with such a situation. Unfortunately, it will probably get worse before it gets better, since it makes perfect fodder for campaigns these days.
I personally think it reeks of hypocrisy after many have defended other officials, who didn’t even admit what they’d done wrong. I think we can all agree that both sides of the aisle have their share of scandal and corruption, and neither side is immune to mudslinging. I just hope that people like the Sherwood family, who want to work past such problems, will be able to despite all the sensationalism, the win at all costs mentality, and families are fair game tactics.
While voters have every right to question the integrity, and therefore the ability to lead, when someone does not keep his or her vows, I still think it is important to shun activities that destroy families in the name of campaigning. It would be difficult enough to work past an affair, without having the world watching.