> I don't think we want to live in a world where absolute moral purity (as determined by the most vocal, biased critics of a given person) is required to hold public office.
Well lucky you, we have the exact 100% polar opposite of that system currently. I think it would be fine to move toward it a little.
> Well lucky you, we have the exact 100% polar opposite of that system currently. I think it would be fine to move toward it a little.
I'm skeptical of the notion that outing public officials (when the blackmail material is personal in nature as posited by the GP) would move toward that goal.
I don't even think an exception should be made for material that would expose hypocrisy in policy-making (eg. 'pro-life' lawmakers that have had or facilitated an abortion).
Straight-up crimes though (bribery, corruption, theft, insider trading, etc.), sure.
Well lucky you, we have the exact 100% polar opposite of that system currently. I think it would be fine to move toward it a little.