Character counts

John Edwards is the lowest of human beings.

I am shocked and appalled at the Union Board’s decision to have former Sen. John Edwards speak to IU students. I am offended, disappointed and livid at the poor judgment exercised by the UB, College Democrats, Residence Halls Association and Provost Karen Hanson in this decision, which is encouraging, perpetuating and rewarding bad behavior.

The facts: In 2006, Edwards had an affair while his wife was mothering three children and recovering from breast cancer. In early 2008, Edwards ran an unsuccessful campaign for president. In August 2008, Edwards disclosed the news of his affair. The UB, funded by IU student fees, is paying Edwards $35,000 to speak for probably less than one hour on Nov. 11.

Edwards campaigned under a national lie.

Campaigning as someone in whom we should put our trust, to count as honest and to maintain integrity and character, Edwards neither exercised nor possesses any of these qualities. Because he didn’t tell us of his affair earlier this year prior to running for president, he is a liar.

We’re giving Edwards credibility and legitimacy. By paying Edwards $35,000, we’re embracing him with respect and a check – neither of which he deserves. The Democrat Party has distanced itself from Edwards, and IU should too.

It comes as no surprise that our country continues to embrace moral relativism. Now we know where it’s harbored: student and administration leaders such as these at Indiana University.

Andrew Dahlen, lectures director of UB, apparently thinks analyzing someone’s personal life “sets a dangerous precedent” for considering who’s qualified to speak here. Mr. Dahlen, when a presidential candidate blatantly lies to the country, it’s personal. When a presidential candidate disrespects his wife and women like this, it’s personal.

Mr. Dahlen, this is not a “hands-down win for IU students,” this is a hands-down loss for the University, which has apparently decided not to recognize character, integrity and honesty.

What a damning, embarrassing image this gives the University. What an opportunity to question the respect our University is due with poor judgment such as this.

The poor judgment exercised by UB members Liz Retana (ubpres@indiana.edu) and Andrew Dahlen (lecture@indiana.edu), IU College Democrats President Anna Strand (iudems@indiana.edu), the Residence Halls Association and Provost Karen Hanson (provost@indiana.edu) should be confronted. To all of you who made this decision, you are better than this.

What can we learn about character and judgment from Edwards? Why is the Democratic Party distancing itself from Edwards while IU is embracing him with a $35,000 check in hand?

I propose that Edwards donate his money to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America or a local non-profit poverty program he claims to represent like the Shalom Community Center.

Democrats, Republicans and Independents should agree that rejecting Edwards to speak is a commitment to holding ourselves accountable to great life values like integrity, honesty and character.

Please immediately contact those who were involved in this decision. Edwards speaking here is a grave mistake.