Letters

Finally, our country has a president with a clear moral compass who speaks directly to Americans, all Americans.

In Andrew Cuomo, we have a well-respected leader who has proven, in his equivalent of fireside chats, that he is able to inspire people to follow his direction. So Cuomo is in a unique position at an opportune time in our country to help define what is appropriate social conduct with women and what is likely to cause them discomfort, and people are likely to listen.

People in leadership roles are essentially in the role of a parent. Cuomo knows that. He acts that way. He knows that those who admire him will emulate his words, actions and attitudes.

That is what most worries me about Cuomo’s past behavior. That is why it is necessary that he pro-actively remedy what has happened and not just rely on a investigation to either exonerate or punish him. It is his responsibility to use this as a teachable moment.

How can he figure out what is appropriate conduct around women when he seems to have so missed the mark until now? Simple: He can ask his three daughters — because every woman knows that creepy feeling they get when a man is being a little too friendly, a little too touchy, or looking at them in a way that is just not quite right. His sisters and his mom will also have something to add, I’m sure, so he should also listen to them.

So I propose that Cuomo hold a press conference with his mom, his sisters and his three daughters at his side, and define very clearly what he has learned from them about proper conduct around women. He should specifically explain what standards should be followed. I believe it will not be that difficult for him, because he knows how he would want the women he loves to be treated.

Such a message would speak volumes toward truly apologizing for his behavior, and he can use it as an opportunity to model new behavior for those who have been emulating his leadership. He would be speaking directly from the heart to the American people, and as Cuomo has learned in this past year, there is nothing more powerful than that.

Paula Angelone

Southampton Village