Re: Finally, a candidate who can multitask

Dear Editor,

I am writing in response to the most recent staff editorial, entitled “Finally, a candidate who can multitask.” Due to recent allegations, the article disdainfully urges people to vote for Herman Cain because he not only “shows just what kind of moral and upstanding citizen he is,” but “no other candidate appears to…[be] singularly qualified to run the country.” First, these allegations against Cain are allegations. They may or may not be true. If they are false, then the reputation of an innocent man has been irrevocably smeared beyond repair. If they are true, should a candidate or president’s sexual indiscretions take priority over his or her policies?

The point is that several presidents, notably JFK—a known womanizer—allegedly engaged in adulterous affairs, and even FDR actually died in the presence of his mistress. However, history highly regards these presidents. Second, during the impeachment of Bill Clinton, many people insisted that his private life should be kept separate from his ability to run the country, and the majority of the Senate concurred. The nation has more pressing problems, they claimed, than delving into cases of sexual promiscuity.

In the end, for a highly regarded student newspaper, this staff editorial, albeit satirical, seems to miss the point.

Sincerely,

Isaac Amon
Class of 2012