Politicians’ Confessions Make Us Feel Like Fools

I do not know from what planet Peter Wolson hails, but his analysis of the public’s interest in the sexual transgressions and required confessions of politicians is completely off base (Opinion, Sept. 2). The public is not interested in knowing the details of politicians’ bedroom activities; it is interested in knowing if they are law-abiding and reasonably moral representatives. In the cases of Bill Clinton, Rep. Gary Condit (D-Ceres) and the Kennedys, for that matter, the men have proved both disrespectful of the law, as well as their own wives, families and staffs. This is what angers constituents, not that we haven’t learned salacious details or heard empty apologies.

Wolson has perhaps overanalyzed what is a fairly simple fact of American culture: We are a uniquely tolerant and forgiving population, but we hate cads. We don’t want to know them or know about them, so it is maddening when we discover we have elected them to represent us. Clinton, Condit, Ted Kennedy, Newt Gingrich and probably numerous others are indeed cads who make those of us who voted for them feel like fools. That is where the canker gnaws.

Patricia McCarthy

Burbank