I know as well as you do that our DoJ has been highly tilted towards political witch hunts under the watchful eye of Karl Rove. I know that the warrantless wiretaps easily breed justifiable suspicion of how Spitzer’s actions became the scandal du’jour. I know that it is also very interesting how many of the details of the case were made public and the timing, especially when contrasted with how the republican sex scandals of late have been uncovered through back channels and almost always involve a coverup by other ranking Republicans.
More importantly, though, I know that what Eliot Spitzer did is absolutely, unquestionably indefensible. And no, I’m not talking about sex.
I’m talking about the rule of law. All of the things mentioned above disgust me not because they are benefitting republicans or harming my party, it is because they are completely antithetical to the idea of this country. They are the unmistakable signs of an eroded democracy. And how does that erosion perpetuate? By a breakdown in the respect for the rule of law. And nothing will breakdown your respect for the rule of law faster than becoming entangled with those who break it.
As I have read the details and coverage of this case, a disturbing image keeps appearing when I close my eyes. No, it’s not Spitzer doing things that, “like, you might not think were safe…”, it’s an image of a governor conducting a transaction with what can only be described as organized crime.
That means that these people were going to get a pass when it came to doing their dirty business. That means that these people would know the Governor’s dirty business, allowing them to get more passes to do their own. Before you know it, all we’re left with is dirty business and Spizer’s job becomes keeping his own skeletons in the closet and not conducting the business of looking out for the interests of the people.
I don’t care if prostitution should or shouldn’t be legal. I don’t care if he was unfairly targeted. I consider those to be irrelevant details, as it would only be a matter of time before this corruption destroyed Spitzer from the inside out. I may be in the minority in this belief, but I think that the Dems should breathe a sigh of relief that something like this didn’t drop closer to the general election, as I’d see a lot of potential for this to be used as a cudgel against either nominee. With Clinton it is fairly obvious this just reminds the country of how horribly depressing it was going through all this horseshit the first time with Bill, even if the circumstances and transgressions are not exactly analogous, this is the first major Democratic sex scandal since Lewinsky. As for Obama, he will probably be viewed with a more skeptical eye considering how many people (myself included), felt similarly about Spitzer at least on a somewhat superficial level as we do about Obama. Still, I believe it’s better for the republicans to have to scatter their fire than zero in on a single target, so I consider the timing a gift.
Let’s face it folks, idealism took a hit yesterday and rightly so, because what Spitzer did is absolutely, unequivocally indefensible.
On a personal note, I would also like to add that it sure would be nice if a few more people would start running for office who actually like there spouse. Either that or let’s get rid of the whole societal demand that every major elected leader be married? Forget gay marriage, I’m tired of the institution being represented by people who seem to approach it as a means of social acceptance, rather than actually, you know, liking their spouse and preferring their company to all others. Now I know that no one can understand another couple from the outside, that a relationship, healthy or otherwise, can only be fully known by the two people who are in it. But I don’t think anyone can dispute the fact that seeking out a $5,500 prostitute in another state does not constitute the way which I believe marriage should be represented.