Posted on 03/12/2008 7:48:30 AM PDT by SmithL
Some politicians might have been able to survive a scandal involving close encounters with a prostitution ring. Gov. Eliot Spitzer of New York will not, and should not.
A politician who rises on the sword of righteousness must beware its double edge. As attorney general and governor, Spitzer did not just condemn official corruption and malfeasance, he attacked them with a vengeance. He made it personal. His rectitude became his calling card.
Even if he escapes criminal prosecution, his credibility as a crusader is shot. He will be forever known as Client 9.
In terms of sleaziness, Spitzer's paid liaison in a Washington hotel room was no worse than Sen. Larry Craig's clumsy attempt to solicit sex with a stranger in an airport restroom. On a scale of morality, Spitzer's actions were no worse than San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom's sex scandal involving a woman who happened to work in his office and happened to be the wife of his good friend and campaign manager. Craig and Newsom remain in public office.
But Spitzer does not win this game by being no worse than the common politician. He cast himself as superior . . .
(Excerpt) Read more at sfgate.com ...
A poseur unmasked.
I keep thinking of the Beatles song that ends with a voice over repeating, “Number 9, number 9, number 9...”
And that sums up SF values.
So, therein lies the definition of morality in socialist terms. It's not the crime that's immoral, it's how you portray yourself before the event.
In effect, Spitzer's crime was to portray himself as Republicans do. If he'd made himself to be just another DIMocrat, he'd be alright.
Will Governor Spitzer submit to a swabbing of his cheek for DNA if he “merely” pleads guilty to a misdemeanor?
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/14/nyregion/14dna.html?ref=todayspaper
New York Plan for DNA Data in Most Crimes, May 14, 2007
“The governor’s proposal would order DNA taken from those found guilty of any misdemeanor, including minor drug offenses, harassment or unauthorized use of a credit card, according to a draft of his bill. It would not cover offenses considered violations, like disorderly conduct.”
I have to wonder also, has a single Democrat come to his defense?? I have not heard of one elected official or friend of Spitzer saying he should stay, or trying to explain away his crimes. Interesting. I guess he offended and ticked off so many people even in his own party that he has no flunkies willing to stand up for him now. Unreal.
But why are the press throwing Spitzer under the Bus. They circled the wagons for Bill Clinton, And even the cold cash congressman. Why are they Sacrificing Eliot?
Is it something to do with Hillary? Are they afraid it might unravel Bill's spun legacy?
Could it be that Schumer patronized the Emperors Club VIP also?
Just wondering....maybe Schumer could be client #7 or #8??
maybe Spitzer even introduced Schumer to "Kristen"....heh heh heh
A member of “The Emperor has No Clothes Club”.
That's only because they haven't come up with the right words, the right "frame," as the left's spin experts call it. I believe they are looking for the formula right now. This newspaper column may be part of that process.
Eliot remember to say, "I never had sex with that ho, er woman!"
"Eliot -- PHONE HO"
Thanks for the memories #9
Spitzer, everybody agrees, is an arrogant, self-centered, nasty jerk.
If Spitzer had been a fuzzy, fun loving, horny 'ol houn' dog like Willie Jeff....he would have survived this. It would have been passed up as "a private affair" .....nobody's business....after all, it was only sex between consenting adults.
Schumer and Spitzer were the ones we liked to beat up after school just for fun. Two little smart alec pussies.
Guessing the movie of this nonsense will be called “The Empire Strikes Back # 9” and its sequel will be “Revenge Of The Spitz”
Another thing occurred to me. I have not heard anyone say yet that this scandal is being trumped up because of bigotry or antisemitism. I suppose that could still come. But then how could the party of Cynthia McKinney try to play the religion card like that.
Elliot Spitzer represented all that is wrong with the prosecutor system in the US. He selectively prosecuted those cases that provided him with the most secure platform from which to continue his political career. He is a pure political hack and his drivers license for illegals scheme is sufficient evidence to judge him as such. He was no friend to the citizens of New York or this nation. May his departure be hasty and our memories of him be short.
Shouldn’t the headline be “A Crusader Undraped?”
There have been many asking what the big deal is, saying it’s a victimless crime, etc. but I’ve not heard of anyone actually coming to his defense (except his attorneys, he he). And I believe a lot of this had to do with how unpopular he was.
I think they're taking their lead from the politicians. If Democrats were standing up for Spitzer, so would the press. But outside of mouthing meaningless spin about victimless crime, etc. no one has come out for him. No one. So, the press doesn't want to be seen as backing someone who's own party (and theirs) won't support. Sure, they're advocates, but only when someone (the Democrats) has their back covered.
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