Former Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards is currently being investigated by federal authorities to determine whether he spent campaign contributions appropriately. Being investigated is more than $100,000 in payments made to the firm of Rielle Hunter, the woman with whom Edwards had an affair. For those not familiar with the story, John Edwards cheated on his wife and admitted it to her, but not the public, in 2006. During his run for the Democratic nomination for president in 2007, it was reported by tabloids that Edwards was having an extramarital affair with Hunter which he initially denied. Last August, Edwards admitted to the affair and dropped out of the public eye. Normally I would not delve into the personal nor moral issues affecting people’s lives unless they affect the public, but this serves as an important lesson for voters, especially in light of Edwards’ politics.

Edwards and Hunter

Edwards ran on a platform that was excessively radical and leftist. By simply reading his stand on the issues without much analysis one can immediately understand the type of America he envisions: a Marxist one. This is a direct quote of Edwards’ goal from his campaign website: “Creating a Working Society… In the Working Society, everyone who is able to work hard will be expected to work and, in turn, be rewarded for it.” This quote is eerily similar to the popular slogan first expressed by Karl Marx that summarizes communism: “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” The Democratic party has become the party of the radical Left and the fact that Edwards had a chance at becoming vice-president in 2004 makes me very nervous for the future of this country. This federal investigation into Edwards possible corrupt conduct by funneling more than $100k to a girlfriend’s company, including suspicions that he illegally used thousands in funds for personal use, shows us that to give the federal government more power over our lives will lead to abuse motivated by self-interest. I am not implying that Edwards did in fact behave corruptly, but rather pointing out the risks of believing in a charismatic leader who promises a Utopia in exchange for excessive power.

The founding fathers of this nation understood that human vices needed to be kept in check and that any government with excessively concentrated power might turn tyrannical. Human moral failings and ambitions coupled with an all-powerful central government will almost inevitably lead to dictatorship and the end of American freedom, Edwards is a prime example of this. The reason I do not like to delve into people’s personal lives is because the current American political system makes personal vices relatively irrelevant… but if we continue down the road of strengthening and growing government, like Edwards campaigned for and like Obama has been doing it will be these very personal vices that will lead to tyranny. I expect the mainstream media to make a big deal about Edwards’ personal life, I hope they do not turn it into a circus for his family’s sake, but the least they could do is turn it into a positive lesson for the American people… about how his wife was able to forgive… about the fact that no one on this Earth is perfect… about how our political system should not be concentrated in the hands of fewer and fewer imperfect people. The whims of the few should never be given absolute control over the fate of hundreds of millions… to lose sight of this maxim is to lose our freedom.

-AG