In the real world there are very few saints. As a matter of fact, there are probably more "devils", and I don't mean hockey players. For us to expect that we can find a "pure" candidate for any office is unrealistic. If anyone believes that someone out there never made a mistake they regretted, or changed a point of view, I'll show you a child.
We all would hope that those we reward with any office of public trust, whatever faults and history they may have, would act competently in the interest of those they serve. We might desire more, but I don't know where we'd find that. Unless someone has committed criminal acts, not those of human frailty, they should not be disqualified from public service. Bill Clinton, Jack, Robert and Ted Kennedy and others who served us in high office are examples of what I'm talking about. They were all "charming creeps". I can accept someone with personal problems before those who corrupt our political system.
While character does count very much, it cannot be the sole consideration when selecting leaders. Knowledge, competence and sincerity are equally important. I'm certain in my mind that many of those who condemn others for immoral behavior are as guilty in their own lives. That's, as they say, "the nature of the beast". Critical attacks upon a person's policies, political views, experience and knowledge are legitimate but personal attacks serve no useful purpose.
The question is, would you rather have a competent scoundrel or a good guy who knows nothing?.
We all would hope that those we reward with any office of public trust, whatever faults and history they may have, would act competently in the interest of those they serve. We might desire more, but I don't know where we'd find that. Unless someone has committed criminal acts, not those of human frailty, they should not be disqualified from public service. Bill Clinton, Jack, Robert and Ted Kennedy and others who served us in high office are examples of what I'm talking about. They were all "charming creeps". I can accept someone with personal problems before those who corrupt our political system.
While character does count very much, it cannot be the sole consideration when selecting leaders. Knowledge, competence and sincerity are equally important. I'm certain in my mind that many of those who condemn others for immoral behavior are as guilty in their own lives. That's, as they say, "the nature of the beast". Critical attacks upon a person's policies, political views, experience and knowledge are legitimate but personal attacks serve no useful purpose.
The question is, would you rather have a competent scoundrel or a good guy who knows nothing?.
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