My mother once told me a girl's reputation is worth her weight in lipstick and I believed her.
Not so much for boys, I guess.
If Donald Trump is an example, even the naughtiest of little boys can still be president - as long as he has deep pockets, a string of blond wives and a healthy hunk of mean-spirited larceny in his heart.
Little girls? Not so much.
Consider this - Mr. Trump comes to the race hauling more trash than the Manhattan creates in ten years. What if Hillary were to match his scandalous history?
A few highlights from Mr. Trump's past:
Three spouses. Yup. Lest we forget, Mr. Trump has been married three times. So far. Hillary - of course - is still married to You Know Who. There's something decent about that, in spite of - - - well, You Know What.
Four bankruptcies. Mr. Trump has, thus far, dragged his corporations through Chapter 11 four times. In so doing, Mr. Trump harmed thousands of American families employee while he secured his own personal power and wealth. Hillary's entire career has been dedicated to the law and national service.
Racist, sexist, slanderous rhetoric. Some of us were not surprised by Mr. Trump's recent screed against our immigrant population. Remember the irrational call for proof of Mr. Obama's citizenship? His college transcript? Remember his attack on Obama's presidency during the Baltimore riots? Mr. Trump's ridiculous insistence was circulated throughout the world, created an international embarrassment.
Imagine this. Ted Cruz, another Republican candidate for President, was born in Canada. Imagine Hillary calling for his birth certificate.
Can't do it, can you?
Of course you can't. The reason is simple. Mrs. Clinton is a serious stateswoman.
And here's the real tragedy. American media might do well to capitalize on this pivotal national moment.
Little girls (and women) all over America watch her campaign and ask questions with awkward, ugly answers.
Why does the media ignore her? Why don't we hear more about her policies, opinions? Why can't we learn more of this sensible, thoughtful, fearless woman making history?
Hillary is the first woman to run -- seriously run -- for President of the United States. Who cares about the many aging, balding lotharios seeking power over the rest of us?
Who wants to listen to stories of impotent business men who spit on the institution of marriage and exploit national suffering to build wealth?
Not I.
But then, I have a reputation to uphold.