Candidates’ health important to know

Mitt Romney and Barack Obama will be called upon to release their medical records for life threatening or office-related issues. Each should be compelled to disclose this information if it affects their performance in office.

Past presidents have not been so forthcoming. John F. Kennedy had such a huge list of illnesses, had he released and not hid the information from the public, it really is doubtful he could have been elected. His use of speed and barbiturates to offset his health problems and to give the appearance of vigor and ease his pain was reckless and a cover-up.

Woodrow Wilson had three strokes before taking office. His wife took over for him when he fell ill to a massive stroke. He was unable to function the rest of his term and was ineffectual for more than a year. Warren Harding was so misdiagnosed by his homeopathic doctor that he suffered from congestive heart failure. Truly bizarre is how James Garfield was handled after the assassination attempt with doctors probing his wounds with dirty hands and non-sterile instruments. He died as a result of these infections.

One would hope Obama and Romney have no issues of note, but if they do, the public has a right to know before the election.

Cort Stapleton

Cedar Rapids