My two cents on an embattled mayor

In terms of Portland-area news, I may be weighing in on this debate a tad late but for those of you who aren't aware of our current political "scandal", here's a rundown: Sam Adams, Portland's newly elected mayor, has recently come under fire for his short-lived relationship with an eighteen-year-old legislative intern in the summer of 2007. Until two weeks ago, Adams had repeatedly stated that his relationship with the intern was only one of friendship and professional mentoring. But after a particularly in-depth report by a local alternative newspaper, Adams admitted that he had lied about the nature of the relationship. It had been, he admitted, consensually sexual and he first lied about it because he thought it would create an unwelcome focal point in the mayoral race. Some Portland residents have been outspoken about their desire to see Adams resign, while others have staunchly supported his decision to remain in office. The most prevalent ammunition hurled by detractors is not the relationship itself but Adams' act of lying.

I may be stealing a response from incoming U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, but in regards to the query of whether or not it's wrong that Adams lied, I believe it's impossible to answer the question without questioning the premise. Adams relationship with the intern may have not have been commendable but, nevertheless, it was perfectly legal. Their contact was consensual and the intern was over eighteen and did not work for him. So, it must be asked, why the initial questions about the relationship? Couldn't Adams simply have said that the matter was personal and, thus, not open for discussion? I understand that there are other issues at play here (e.g. questions of unethical reciprocity) but in terms of the first lie, I can't condemn Adams any more than I can someone who lies about a past infidelity to a nosy neighbor. If we demand more government transparency, and expect politicians to answer increasingly personal questions, we shouldn't be surprised to discover very typical, very human flaws.