Ideas are legitimate, people let you down.
That’s what I have to believe today, as I accept the news that John Edwards—my presidential choice—is full of shit. Edwards’ ideas and stances—two Americas; helping lift people out of poverty; better division of equity—are righteous. The man, clearly, is not.
To say I am disappointed in John Edwards is a tremendous understatement. I am mad. Outraged. Hurt. I feel as if I’ve been hit in the gut by Evander Holyfield. What sort of person does this stuff? Who cheats on his cancer-stricken wife? Who thinks he’s so untouchable that he can lie about this crap as he makes a run for the presidency? Did Edwards not think he owed his followers the truth? Did he not realize how many people believed in him? Not his message, but him—the man?
This is not a Democratic or Republican issue. What it is, to me, is a gender-power issue. Why is it that men—usually powerful men—can’t ignore the urges stemming from their penises and focus on the issues at hand? If Edwards was having problems with his marriage, he should have worked them out. If he wanted a divorce, he should have filed for one. But to lie … to bullshit—well, it’s wrong, times 1,000,000. The whole episode reminds me of the whole Priest abuse scandal, when too many people mistakingly confused their religious leaders with their religion. Believe in the ideals—not in the people peddling them.
I was a John Edwards supporter. Now, I am thrilled he is not the Democratic candidate. We need leadership—not liars.
