Ok, I’d be the first to admit that a gentleman ain’t supposed to kiss and tell. But I’ve gotten kinda tired of all the folks – mostly Republicans – rushing to the defense of S.C. gubernatorial candidate Nikki Haley.

In case you’ve been on Mars, Haley is the married mother of two who’s running to win the GOP nomination to succeed Gov. Mark “Appalachian Trail” Sandford. Most notably, perhaps, two men stepped forward in the waning days of the primary race to allege that they knew Mrs. Haley – biblically speaking – at a time when her husband was said to have been away serving in the military.

No less than Sara Palin has rushed to Haley’s defense. And more recently, syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker implied that Haley’s accusers were somehow less than masculine for flapping their gums.

“...what’s with all these kissy-boys spilling the beans on their paramours,” she asked. “Whither chivalry? Whither, alas, manliness?”

I understand the consternation these women must be feeling, but men have been dealing with... err, indiscreet mistakes ... since time immemorial.

No one stepped up to defend Tiger Woods – except, perhaps, Charles Barkley -- when every Vegas bleached-blond who ever slung hash rushed to claim her 15 minutes of infamy. And what about the numerous “bimbo eruptions” of Bill Clinton?

As I said, history is replete with powerful men brought low by women who couldn’t keep quiet.

As for Mrs. Haley, even if the alleged affairs actually happened, the two S.C. clods should be ashamed for violating her trust. But on the other hand, I find it amusing – even liberating – to see the scarlet pumps finally on the other feet.