What if Stevens is re-elected?

First, I have to respond to “Evensen vs. free agency,” who asked what I meant by saying Libertarianism was amoral. It’s a legitimate question.

I meant no disrespect. I also don’t come to the discussion as a novice. When he led the party as its presidential candidate, Harry Browne visited my office more than once. I’ve had long discussion with Libertarians and have studied the philosophy, agreeing with it on many points.

Libertarianism is neutral on questions of morality. I think that is absurd. I agree with Dr. Robert George, a Princeton professor I happened to meet with this week. He said that laws shape culture, and culture shapes conduct. We can’t ignore morals in designing government.

Now to today’s topic. Two years ago, Utah lawmakers made it illegal for anyone convicted of a crime to hold public office in the state. At the time, I thought this prohibition was both ridiculous and un-American. I haven’t changed. The concept of a person reforming himself or herself and being given a second chance is as American as it gets.

More importantly, voters aren’t stupid, and the media isn’t blind. I think you can trust voters to know if a candidate is a convict, and to take that into account. If, as with former Washington Mayor Marion Barry, they re-elect him, they get what they deserve.

Now Alaska Sen. Ted Stevens has just been convicted of seven corruption charges. He’s still running for re-election. The Constitution lists qualifications for serving in the Senate. Being out of prison or having a clean criminal record isn’t one of them.

I’m fine with that. Are you?