Edwards's affair is everyone's business

THE COMING appearance of Senator John Edwards and his wife at Salem State College evokes some disturbing reactions on how to deal with a ticket sellout, and some students who feel that his "personal life" is not "anyone else's business" ("Edwards event draws scrutiny," City & Region, Aug. 11).

When will the public be able to read that the vows that one takes on entering either marriage - or public service - are sworn obligations, and that violation of either oath reflects heavily on one's ability to fulfill the other?

Our leaders must be able to make hard decisions based on principles derived from a strong moral compass, rather than from superficial expediency.

The electorate needs to show that it cares about whether a candidate will put our country before - or after - himself.

GRANT HANSEL
Hingham