Yesterday morning’s San Francisco Chronicle reported that the mayor of the city had an adulterous relationship with his campaign manager’s wife. The campaign manager, quite justifiably, resigned after finding out about the affair, which took place a couple of years ago. The pastor of our church said that he felt sorry for the mayor. I think the more appropriate reaction is controlled anger.
As in the case of Bill Clinton a decade ago, this adultery will erode both public morality and confidence in government. Marriage at its base is a covenant between two people to be faithful to and supportive of one another. Any adultery is scandalous as it gives tacit encouragement to others to break these marriage promises. But it is more harmful if the people involved are well-known since more people will be nudged toward infidelity. Also, public officials are elected partly because of their character, i.e., the conformity of their actions to their beliefs. When they act contrary to their oaths in private matters, they may be suspected of infringing upon their commitments in public matters. Thus, people will lose trust in government to look judiciously after the common good.
We sometimes use the term “die of shame,” but the words have lost their meaning. Of course, one does not literally die of shame, but in better times when people were caught acting irresponsibly, they might have removed themselves from public view. We can expect an apology from the mayor. He will mean, of course, that he is sorry to have been found out. He will not die of shame and, who knows, might even seek re-election after claiming the affair an indiscretion that won’t happen again. But this stance is hardly sufficient. It would be much more helpful if the mayor resign from office immediately. Such humility would signify to everyone not only the importance of keeping one’s word but also a respect for public service. It would also indicate that the mayor retains at least a modicum of character.
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