Infidelity is a public issue, Lynn Wardle reminds us ("Infidelity by elected officials rightfully is a public issue," Opinion, March 21). But his analysis does not go far enough. Marital fidelity is only one type of promise that the powerful break. Elected officials' illicit relationships too often exploit power differentials, and this is a core reason they are immoral. The more general statement regarding morality condemns the powerful taking advantage of the weak.

Sometimes exploitation and immorality happen through sex, other times through direct violence, but most often exploitation occurs by promoting structural inequity that bolsters power at the expense of the weak. Because it rarely provides lurid headlines and it happens subtly, structural violence seldom garners our attention. Nevertheless, more people are harmed and even killed by structural violence than are hurt by sexual improprieties.

Wardle urges the media to investigate sexual infidelity and exploitation by the powerful. Yes, but don't stop there. Investigate the powerful's exploitation of others, whether or not sex is involved. Morality is about more than sex!

Michael Nielsen

Brooklet, Ga.