The list of politicians who have struggled with bouts of infidelity seems to be endless. Unfortunately, a Florida A&M University alumnus has been added to that reprehensible catalog.
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who has long been accused of sexual misconduct while in office, was caught lying under oath about his relationship with a top aide, Christine Beatty.
Kilpatrick testified last summer that he and Beatty had never been intimate. A year later the claim proved to be false.
As Kilpatrick will soon discover in the coming months, a lie in a court of law – be it for personal protection or professional ambition – can be detrimental to a career. He could face up to 15 years in prison. The mayor is also a lawyer. If charges are filed and he is found guilty of lying, Kilpatrick could also be disbarred.
The mayor is now placed with the unenviable task of explaining his affair and the lies that emanated from it.
The mayor’s infidelity was discovered through text messages. The explicit nature of the messages may solidify Kilpatrick’s fate.
He should have exercised more discretion in and out of court. He made a poor decision to engage in such behavior. The scrutinizing eye of the public is attached to such a high profile position, and any dishonesty that comes from that leader violates public trust.
Kilpatrick would benefit from a revival of morality and discretion.
Akeem Anderson for the Editorial Board.