In the recent Miss California Pageant a decision was made to maintain Carrie Prejean’s title based on her beauty and all other considerations of commitment, truth and honor were cast aside. The fact that Miss California holds beliefs that may be incongruous with some other citizens in her state and perhaps the country is not the issue. This should not have been relevant at all even in the Miss Universe decision. However, if she signed a contract stating that nothing of any serious consequences were part of her history, i.e. sensual or questionable photos, language and/or behaviors to undermine the integrity and values of what the contest stands for, then is discovered to have lied or fudged in her response, an automatic loss of title should have resulted. Anything less is an insult to the standards of the contest, the young women of our country and the state of California.

Think about what message we are sending to the young women of our country. Are we telling them that good looks matter more than decent values? Are we subscribing to beauty over brains, integrity, commitment, honesty and truth? Are we telling our young women that beauty is more important than even our religious beliefs, moral standards and values? Are we giving the message that as long as you have a pretty face, gorgeous body and know how to seduce an audience, you have what it takes to matter in this world and to be a “winner”? Is not believing in same sex marriages a higher value that honesty?

I believe that Mr. Trump needs to look at his decision with a new conscience and consciousness. I believe that if he stands for the principles he has written about in his book and has boasted about on national television shows, he is sending a double message to the young women of our country. His message goes a long way. When Trump talks, people listen. He has status and prestige and has an obligation to send a message that is more meaningful and hopeful to our young women. He really botched this one. But consistent to his character, his ambiguity is pervasive.

I applaud Shanna Moakler , the pageant’s director for her conscience and conviction to uphold the standards that she believes are inherent in the Miss California contest. She represents and honors what is key to this event. She stands up and speaks with affect that matches her convictions, giving up her position for what she believes is right. Now that’s integrity and the message we want our young women to hear. I hope that in this case her voice rings louder than Mr. Trump’s.