Not a Good Rule

A candidate for governor of Mississippi has ignited a firestorm by saying he won’t allow a female reporter to join him on a campaign ride without a male chaperone. He cites the so-called “Billy Graham rule” that you should never be alone with a person of the opposite sex who is not your spouse.

The candidate seems to think that this is a high moral stance. He says it protects the sanctity of his marriage, and also protects him from false accusations.

I call it moral cowardice.

The rule does not honor his wife. It simply calls his own integrity into question. Look, fella, if you’re afraid you can’t keep your pants on, you should just stay at home. Period. Because you sure don’t belong in any public office, or any public place, for that matter.