I am not upset that you lie to me, I’m upset that from now on I can’t believe you.

Friedrich Nietzsche

+ + +

Well, The Washington Post reports the allegations of a woman who claims that the Republican candidate for the U.S. Senate in Alabama acted improperly toward her when she was a teen and he was 32 years old.  Yes, they report allegations that are said to address something that happened 40 years ago, despite the fact that the candidate in question has stood for office and been a prominent public figure and Alabama Supreme Court Justice for a number of years.

Washington Democrats, weak-kneed Congressional Republicans and late night T.V. unfunny “funny men” have “called” for the Alabama candidate to withdraw from the upcoming election (one month away) – notwithstanding the accuser’s long silence.

Yes, without any proof that the allegations are true or can be proven true, the candidate is presumed guilty.  The accused has denied the allegations.  The whiff of character assassination is in the air.

Several things come to mine.  One: apropos to the above quote – The Washington Post has nothing to lose – credibility is not their long suit.  Two, they show an elite, Northeast, “I have a college degree from (fill in the name of a once reputable liberal college)” attitude that doesn’t know much about Alabama.  Indeed, the people of Alabama presume that the Eastern Press is not to be believed and cares not one iota about impugning the name, character, reputation of Alabama or anyone from Alabama – because they, The Press, think that they are oh so superior.

Ironically, The Washington Post (all things being equal) is likely to have helped the candidate who is under attack. 

Additionally, I am amused by this: the timing of the “allegation” – silent all these years with voice now given so close to an election of a man who has stood for election multiple times in his state and held office a number of times.  Me thinks one speaks too late.

Then there is the “free pass” given by the press to Democrat luminaries with “spotty conduct.” Jack and Teddy Kennedy come to mind, Bill Clinton, Eliot Spitzer, Anthony Weiner, Barney Frank as well.   And, then there is the press silence that covers the sexual misconduct which seems to characterize Hollywood and “showbiz.”

Finally, this particular news story has the feel and smell of the shameful attempt to destroy U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas during his Senate confirmation with a “witness” who (like the current woman) had remained silent about the Justice’s alleged conduct for a number of years as well.  Recall, by the way, that the woman making those allegation was represented by Democrat lawyers who were very partisan.

If there is anything to be gleaned from the present episode it is this: some people stoop to low levels in politics and it is always discouraging to see.

Finally, it strikes me that when we stray from religious narrative and its claim to truth, we come to discount the very value of truth.  Moments like this remind me of the importance of dignity, virtue and honor … and their absence.

Shalom.