The Great Divide

The true hypocrite is the one
who ceases to perceive his deception,
the one who lies with sincerity
--Andre Gide

Hypocrisy is a fashionable vice,
and all fashionable vices pass for virtue
--Moliere

I'm not a prude
I just want some respect
So close the door if you want me to respond
'Cause privacy is my middle name
--Nasty Boys, Janet Jackson

Democrats have strong moral values
--Howard Dean
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Rep. Anthony Weiner's sort-of affair is a case of just another elected official acting in an inappropriate manner (les affaires sont les affaires); sometimes we are in the forgivin' mood (see Clinton/Lewinsky), sometimes not. But what if an active duty military officer performed the same activity?

In our opinion, Soldiers and civilians should be treated equivalently on the moral meter since Article 1, Section 8, Clause 14 of the Constitution empowers Congress to make rules for the government and regulations for Land and Naval forces. The rules should not show preferential treatment for either body of citizens. Nowhere in the Constitution is there any evidence that the Founding Fathers envisioned two separate systems of rules and regulations governing appropriate behavior.

Article 133 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) defines conduct unbecoming an officer and a gentleman. Elements of proof include: "Actions or behavior in an unofficial or private capacity ... [which] compromises a person's standing ...certain moral attributes ... indecency ... public association with prostitutes." If war fighters are held to this standard of conduct, then surely those that have the power to declare war should comply, as well.

The world is a strange place when Soldiers are held to a higher code of moral conduct than are our national leaders. It is further ironic that segments of both societies bemoan the perceived moral laxity of repealing Don't ask, Don't Tell (DADT), yet never question moral turpitude among our national leaders.