John Edwards and justice
This is in response to a Viewpoints piece by Rev. Robert Nugent (John Edwards and the stone throwers - August 17, 2008). Father Nugent lays out a convincing case for "forgiving" John Edwards of his marital infidelity and for allowing him to seek public office because of his other leadership qualities. Of course, Fr. Nugent is right. We should "forgive" Edwards just as we would hope for forgiveness for our transgressions. However, it seems to me, that to gloss over this as a minor character flaw in favor of his other positive qualities is just asking for trouble. That's not how the world works and for good reason.
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Edwards was running for the highest public office in the land. Before that, he ran with Kerry as a Vice President candidate. The oath of office must mean something to the one taking it. We, as American citizens, must be assured that those words carry weight with the one reciting them. It is a promise to the American people that they expect to be kept no matter what, unlike our current president. So if Edwards can't keep a marital vow to his wife, he may not be able to keep his vow to the nation. After eight years of an amoral, illegal, court-mandated presidency, we can't take the chance that history would repeat itself.
To put it another way, would you hire a convicted bank robber to be a bank teller? Would you allow a convicted pedophile to study for the priesthood? Would you hire a convicted heroin dealer to work in a pharmacy?
Yes, by all means, forgive John Edwards, but don't forget his track record. Trust and accountability begin at home long before they get to Washington.
James W. Brown
Shrewsbury Township
