Does Character Matter?

Recently the headlines have been full of political figures falling from grace. Senator Ensign from my home state of NV admitted to an almost year long affair with a staffer. Governor Mark Sanford disappears for a tryst with his mistress in Argentina. Ahhhh how the mighty seem to always fall. News of people in politics having affairs is not new or particularly newsworthy, so then why are we all so fascinated? The saga of former President Bill Clinton, Monica Lewinsky, and the now infamous blue dress kept the nation captivated for months. Does anyone know where that blue dress is now?? It divided the country between those who thought it was none of the public's business and those who wanted every last lurid detail. We are a country of voyeurs by nature. Scandals and drama make us squeal in delight and keep magazines like People in business. We secretly know that we would never stoop to such levels and are morally superior to them.

The truth is these people are much different than the rest of us. I will tell you why. Most of us have no desire to sacrifice our families, our livelihood and everything we believe in to become a politician. But wait, you say, didn't they start out with the intention to run on principles and ideals? Don't these people truly think they will make a difference when they get elected? Maybe some of them do believe that in the beginning. However, power corrupts and that is a fact. It can and has been known to ruin some of the most idealistic people. People who get into politics have an almost insatiable need for love and approval. They seek the spotlight. They need the adoration and affection that can come from a mistress. The approval of their family and colleagues becomes not enough. In truth no amount of kudos from anyone would satisfy them. Now, I know I sound extremely cynical and I guess I am. I would venture to say that politicians who are faithful to their spouses are the exception rather than the rule. The cheaters are present on both sides of the aisle. The party of ethics and morals? Who would that be? I do not have an answer to that.

So now we come to the question of does all of this bad behavior in their personal lives really matter? YES!! Of course it does. Why? Because people in the public eye live in a fishbowl. They should be held to a certain standard. If they cannot keep their marriage vows sacred what does that say about their ethical standards? Do they take their oath of office as seriously and their vows? If so, then we have a problem. Where do they stand on taking bribes and fast tracking bad legislation? Having a dalliance on the side would certaily be a distraction from what is an extremely demanding job. A job that we as voters elected them to do. It all ties together. It speaks to their character and character matters to me as it should to all of you. Think about all this and post a comment. I would love to hear from some of you.