Letter to the Editor: Beneath His Dignity

To the Editor:

I wonder how supporters of U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid would feel and respond if Mitt Romney or someone with a prominent position in his campaign stated that "an extremely credible source" told them that Reid is cheating on his wife with nothing to back up the charge.

Naturally, then, the Romney camp has responded with outrage over Reid's allegation, apparently based on mere hearsay, that the GOP nominee has failed to pay federal taxes for a period of years.

Instead of making accusations based on what someone has allegedly said, Reid should know that one must put up or shut up. How can an attorney like Reid not recognize that hearsay is generally not admissible in most legal proceedings? Why should it be a viable means of smearing an opponent? To attempt to tar someone based on innuendo should be beneath the dignity of a Senator, particularly the leader of the body.

At a time that the candidates should be engaged in a debate on issues of importance to the American people, it would appear that Reid is attempting to erect a smokescreen, another means for President Obama to say, "Vote for me because the other guy is a dirty, rotten scoundrel."

Gov. Romney is not an entirely innocent party in this matter, as he has fed speculation about his earnings and tax payments by refusing to share multiple years of his tax returns. Nevertheless, unless and until there is evidence to back Leader Reid's scurrilous accusations, he shall be at the top of the list of those who have poisoned the political environment and caused both major political parties to be reviled.

Oren Spiegler
Upper St. Clair