The approach of an inauguration of a new president started me thinking about presidents past and the promises they have made. Some were kept and some not. This brought me to the consideration of the promises they made of a more personal nature: the ones made at their weddings. Reflecting on the presidents that held office in my own lifetime I could only remember three that I believe were faithful to their wives; and, of course, one can never be really certain. The three are Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman and Richard Nixon. Since we have had many presidents who have served us well it is obvious to me that marital fidelity is not among the criteria that should be used in judging one's attributes in office. In other words it has nothing to do with whether a president was good or bad as a national leader.
From what we read in presidential history we quickly find that George Washington was not only our first president he was also the first to stray from home. In recent times much has been written about Thomas Jefferson and his descendants, many of whom were from the illegitimate children of his slaves. Abraham Lincoln also managed to slip away from home often. Franklin Roosevelt, our most popular president, was known to share his winter quarters with another instead of his wife Eleanor. Dwight Eisenhower had a publicised affair with his lady military driver. John Kennedy was said to have used the secret service to help conceal his dalliances with women, which included Marilyn Monroe. Lyndon Johnson was oblivious to the criticism aroused in the press by his notorious parties at his ranch which featured nude swimming and plenty of liquor. Jimmy Carter, when asked in an interview, stated "I have committed adultery in my heart." What are we to make of this confession? Is this a sly way of avoiding the subject. Sort of like saying "I did not have sex with that woman," as pronounced by Bill Clinton in congressional hearings. A professional biography and other writings have indicated that Ronald Reagan was sharing a hotel room with a woman other than his wife, who was giving birth to a daughter at the time. I don't even want to think about George Bush and his possible behavior considering his military record and his bouts with alcohol. All this could be very depressing if we dwell on it. Politicians have become the targets and the focal point of writers looking for such scandal in office. Governors, mayors, councilmen and even minor government workers have been denounced or accused in the press and media of sexual misbehavior. Many have resigned office while others fight to overcome the accusations. I am not trying to make any point here - - it really is none of my business - - -
Just sayin'
From what we read in presidential history we quickly find that George Washington was not only our first president he was also the first to stray from home. In recent times much has been written about Thomas Jefferson and his descendants, many of whom were from the illegitimate children of his slaves. Abraham Lincoln also managed to slip away from home often. Franklin Roosevelt, our most popular president, was known to share his winter quarters with another instead of his wife Eleanor. Dwight Eisenhower had a publicised affair with his lady military driver. John Kennedy was said to have used the secret service to help conceal his dalliances with women, which included Marilyn Monroe. Lyndon Johnson was oblivious to the criticism aroused in the press by his notorious parties at his ranch which featured nude swimming and plenty of liquor. Jimmy Carter, when asked in an interview, stated "I have committed adultery in my heart." What are we to make of this confession? Is this a sly way of avoiding the subject. Sort of like saying "I did not have sex with that woman," as pronounced by Bill Clinton in congressional hearings. A professional biography and other writings have indicated that Ronald Reagan was sharing a hotel room with a woman other than his wife, who was giving birth to a daughter at the time. I don't even want to think about George Bush and his possible behavior considering his military record and his bouts with alcohol. All this could be very depressing if we dwell on it. Politicians have become the targets and the focal point of writers looking for such scandal in office. Governors, mayors, councilmen and even minor government workers have been denounced or accused in the press and media of sexual misbehavior. Many have resigned office while others fight to overcome the accusations. I am not trying to make any point here - - it really is none of my business - - -
Just sayin'
