by Charles Ray

Created on: July 15, 2009   Last Updated: July 18, 2009

For all our attitude of superiority when we approach other governments, encouraging them to adhere to practices of good government and rule of law, we in the United States are not without smudges on the hems of our choir robes. Little time usually passes in this country that we are not amused, entertained and, on occasion outraged, at the financial chicanery or sexual peccadillo of some member of the political establishment.

What amuses foreign observers is the relative priority we assign to these two classes of misbehavior. While financial chicanery upsets us, sexual misbehavior of our politicians often sends us into paroxysms of rage and righteous indignation.

Columnists kill many trees and electronic media fills the airwaves with blow-by-blow descriptions of the act; treating it as if it might topple the Republic if left unpunished. Stories of sexual misconduct continue to resonate long after misuse of public money is forgotten - unless it rises to the scale of Enron or Bernie Madoff.

This situation is as topsy turvy as the Queen of Hearts in "Alice in Wonderland." While the sexual peccadillo of a politician is bad; indicating weak self-control and immaturity, they threaten the body politic far less than does financial misbehavior. Politicians who 'stray' sexually hurt themselves, their families, and the 'other' party involved. Quite often, they are doing a satisfactory job in other respects. A politician who steals, takes bribes, or steers public money to cronies, though, is "reaching out and touching" us where we live - in our wallets.

Sexual misconduct leads to broken homes and shattered personal relationships. Financial improprieties can lead to collapsed bridges and bankrupt economies. Anyone who doubts this fact should talk to the employees and investors of Enron.

It would be far better if all of our politicians conducted themselves in a proper manner in all aspects of their lives; but, if they must stray, let them stray from the sanctity of their personal relationships, and keep the nation's financial house in order.

Sexual misbehavior is inappropriate, but when it is between consenting adults, it is really only the concern of the parties involved. When this misbehavior crosses the line to assault and pedophilia, it is less about sex and more about violation of the law, and should be properly condemned and punished. Other than clear violations of the law, sexual conduct should be left in the personal realm and off the agenda of our political discussion.

Financial chicanery, on the other hand, hurts us all, and is properly dealt with in a public forum.

Learn more about this author, Charles Ray.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.