Alabama’s Shame Is Our Shame

Roy Moore, Alabama’s Republican candidate for Senate, has been accused of pedophilia in relation to sexual assault and unwanted sexual advances towards teenagers. The youngest accuser, Leigh Corfman, was 14-years-old. Prominent Republicans (John McCain, Paul Ryan, Mitt Romney) called for Moore to abandon the Senatorial race following the allegations, but President Donald Trump expressed support. Also, Alabama Republicans largely act as apologists for the accusations against Moore. As recent as today, polls predict Moore’s victory over the Democratic candidate Doug Jones. 

The defense of Moore remains inexcusable, and the lack of condemnation speaks volumes about the state of Alabama and the country as a whole. A state, let alone a country, should never think deciding between an accused pedophile and a Democratic candidate is a difficult choice; a pedophile should immediately be ruled out as a candidate, and the fact that Moore has not after a multitude of accusations is not only disgusting but extremely shameful. An implicit message is being sent both to victims of sexual violence (their pain does not matter) and to the political elite (they are untouchable and pedophilia is a crime which does not disqualify candidacy for national office). If Moore is elected Senator, the entire country should be ashamed for our complacent support of someone who committed vile sexual crimes against teenagers.