In 1 Corinthians 13:13 the following phrase is heard at countless weddings, “So these three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.” I counter that there is an even greater character trait, which is missing over and over again in the lives of men in our country with power. Before all else, there must be trust.

You may/can love someone, but if you do not trust him or her, then the relationship is founded on the same pillars that “protected” homes during Hurricane Sandy. If we cannot trust the men who are in positions of great power and authority to respect, honor, and be committed to their own families, why would we trust them to make decisions which impact not only the lives of Americans but affect every corner of this Earth?

Why are we tolerating such behavior? And finally, why are women (especially in free and democratic countries) allowing/accepting these acts of recklessness?

There has never been a more important time than now, to stand up for the values which make us human. Connect with yourself — your heart, your soul, your conscious and demand integrity, candor, and then, only then, love.

Kelle Kolkmeier

Cedar Rapids