Biden response

Dear Editor,

My friend Kay and I know a gentleman when we see one. Former Senator and Vice president Joe Biden is a gentleman.

We are also Democratic caucus goers who rarely miss a candidate's visit to our town. We met Joe Biden at well-attended public events in the lead-up to the 2008 election. A Senator then, Joe was courteous, dignified and warmly welcoming to all.

Yes, in the energized crowded room there was touching of hands, shoulders and modest hugs and expressions shown as kindness and affection.

The Senator conveyed a public presence that each and every contact was important to him.

We did not consider this 'inappropriate touching.” Instead we found it a proper greeting. Some say Kay, the Senator and I are out of step. They say we are in the midst of a 'cultural shift.”

If there is a shift it is a downward shift. We do not find it difficult to distinguish a courteous act of greeting and affection from a sexual advance. A woman should know the difference.

Must we now be guarded and suspicious of every courteous act, every proper greeting? Is there to be no genuine expression of kindness, concern or affection? We surely hope that answer is ‘no!'

Mary Beth Young of Mt. Pleasant