This tendency to go after candidates for high office hammer and tongs, not allowing them any sort of a personal life, has got to stop. We let our corporate officers, professionals and workers of all types escape the strobe lights and work for us based on qualifications and performance. Why can't we choose leaders the same way?

All we have done with the so-called "character test" is drive away those with a reluctance to relive their past lives in public under a microscope. How many fine, intelligent, discreet, courageous people have we turned away?

And before anyone cries Clinton, I ask you: did the microscope work? He walked out of office after 8 years, bloodied but unbowed. Hounding people only works when the person being hounded gives a rat's ass.

Regards--
Mary Anne