Presidential Morality

It seems that the American population definitely holds the President and presidential candidates to highter moral standards that we would our average citizen. They are, after all, role models in addition to leaders. But sometimes I wonder of that really makes a difference in whether or not someone can properly lead a country. This topic comes to mind because of the recent allegations that have come up against Republican Presidential hopeful Herman Cain. He has been accused of having affairs with several women. I am almost certain that if President Clinton's scadalous past had come to light before either of his elections into office, he would not have been victorious. And he is considered by some (me included) to be one of our greatest presidents. His moral dilemma could have kept him out of office based on his dishonest decisions made in his personal life. I mean, what if Herman Cain is the guy that could turn our economy around, and because of these allegations is not given the chance?

I aslo believe that if the internet and the numerous amounts of instantaneous news outlets were around in the past, there would have been a countless number of Presidents examined under the microscope for their moral judgement. I mean, we've all heard the JFK and Marilyn Monroe rumors, right? But in this day and age, if you want to run for president or have any sort of political career, be sure you have a sqeaky clean life.

RE: Governmental Governance: Tolerating Intolerance

My classmate, Andrea, had this to say. Here is what I think:

The concept of the separation of church and state refers to the distance in the relationship between organized religion and the nation state. The term is an offshoot of the phrase, "wall of separation between church and state," as written by Thomas Jefferson. Many early immigrant groups traveled to America to worship freely. Because we live in a country that stresses this freedom then it should be upheld.

People that disagree with homosexual relationships base it on scripture from The Bible and religious beliefs. If that is what certain individuals believe – ok, have those beliefs. But our government is not here to restrict people from having basic human rights. It is discrimination. Period. I am sure that my grandchildren will be disgusted that I grew up in a time where homosexuals do not have the same right and freedom to marry whoever they choose, just as I am appalled that my grandmother was born without the right to vote and my parents went to segregated schools. America represents freedom and equality. I do have faith that homosexuals will have all the same rights and freedoms as heterosexuals in my lifetime. Hopefully, it will be sooner than later.