WE WERE WRONG
We here like to think that we are expressing a valid opinion in these commentaries. Not one everyone will agree with, but at least a well-reasoned view point. But reason all demands that we should acknowledge when one of these opinions turns out to be incorrect.
About 3 years ago we commented on the European Union and how well it was working in bringing previously warring nations together into an economically harmonious union. Well we all know how that is working out. Boy, were we wrong!
More recently we lauded Herman Cain as having good ideas and predicted that he would be on the Republican ticket as the Presidential nominee or as the choice for Vice President and some of you have written us pointing out that Mr. Cain now has as much chance of being on the Republican ticket as I do.
I suggest that a high percentage of successful dominant males have high levels of testosterone. This may explain their aggressiveness and drive, but also may explain their womanizing.
Were we wrong about Herman Cain having good ideas. I think not. Is America wrong to judge politicians by their infidelities. I think so. Men achieve power and power is an aphrodisiac. There is an old joke that 20% of men smoke after sex; and 38% get dressed and go home to their wives.
America needs strong leadership. Should a man’s infidelity to his wife, affect his chances of political office? Does it in any way diminish his ability to lead. Isn’t it a private matter between him and his wife?
Herman Cain handled this matter very badly. If I were advising him I would have said denial is a bad strategy. The better strategy, I suggest, is to take the position that “my private life is my private life. I don’t speak about it to the media. Judge my suitability for office on my platform and policies and not on slurs on my character instigated by my opponents.”
Think about it. The women who came out to state they had affairs with Herman Cain acknowledged that they knew he was married; that it was a purely sexual relationship and not a romance; and that they now felt regret that they had done wrong. Why would someone come forward with such a self-critical announcement unless it was to their benefit.
America. Weren’t some of your greatest President’s philanders - while some of your worst “only lusted in their heart. “ Isn’t it time we all accepted that, short of criminal behavior, one’s private life should be out of bounds to opponents and the media in a political campaign.