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Letter: Conduct unbecoming shared by many

The Columbian
Published: June 20, 2011, 5:00pm

Chris Hill’s June 17 letter, “Raise the bar for appropriate conduct,” pegged progressive liberalism as the cause of U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner’s bad behavior, as well as Bill Clinton’s. No doubt Weiner is a liberal progressive, but does that have anything to do with his virtual sex life, or sexual misconduct in general? Bad behavior is universal among all occupations and political philosophies. Let’s not forget the epidemic of Catholic priests who prey on male and female children. And who could forget the televangelists from the inaptly named “moral” majority — they’ve had many sex scandals. It happens in all walks of life.

Conservative politicians are not immune. A 2009 NBC analysis of political sex scandals over a 10-year period showed 13 of 23 scandals involved Republicans. Consider these examples:

Sen. David Vitter, R-La., still a sitting senator after admitting use of prostitutes.

Sen. John Ensign, R-Nev., finally forced to leave office after an illicit affair and payoff scandal.

Sen. Larry Craig, R-Nev., served out his term after arrest for soliciting gay sex in a restroom.

Rep. Newt Gingrich, R-Ga., an extramarital affair.

Rep. Mark Foley, R-Fla., texted a Congressional page soliciting gay sex.

Mayor James West of Spokane was recalled after an Internet gay sex scandal.

There are many more from all political persuasions.

Kenneth Campbell

Vancouver

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