Judging others

Editor:

A guest columnist in the Sept. 21st issue of the Green Valley News, on the subject of “Judging Others,” refers to “attempts to destroy a candidate’s career and character” by disclosure of information which under some circumstances might be considered to be a private matter.

Such disclosure may indeed have an undue and adverse impact of the candidate’s reputation—but it does not in any way destroy or modify his character. A person’s character is what it is—for better or worse.

The writer further holds that a person is entitled to “have private frailties remain private unless the behavior is brought to a court of law…”.

I would suggest at least one additional exception, i.e., unless the person seeks public favor by campaigning for election to a public office.

In this event, the candidate’s total training, experience, abilities, talents, character, and past conduct are all open for each individual voter’s consideration in arriving at his decision as to which candidate he wants to hold the office.

The importance of each individual element of the record is a matter for the voter to decide for himself.

Examination of person’s past actions is the only tool available for revealing his character—and character does matter.

Ralph Cable, Green Valley