Dirty Laundry

When I was younger, George Washington embodied the spirit of America. Lincoln stood for freedom. FDR stood for resolve. Kennedy was hope. Nixon was the only black spot I knew of when it came to presidents. Now, I know Washington never cut down an apple tree. Lincoln had slaves, and Kennedy had a mistress. (although a very hot one) Although 'mudslinging' is an old word, this last ten years has really shown me the dark side of politics. I had been educated on politicians to the point of disillusionment. But somewhere in the midst of this last election I changed. Despite all of the faults in all of the Presidents that we will always know, I believe in democracy. I believe that behind every president's selfish reasons for wanting to be the Commander in Chief (power, prestige, fame, a corporate agenda, or BJs in the Oval Office) lies a desire to serve our nation's best interests. I believe the magnitude of the office washes any dirty laundry.