Anthony Weiner: the jokes just write themselves

Let me see if I've got this right. The unfortunately named Rep. Anthony Weiner had a press conference to "accept the full responsibility for what I've done,” but didn't resign. The unmentionable photo he sent via Twitter on June 3rd was a "joke" but he's been doing similar tweets to various women for three years. And there are many more "X-Rated" photos in the Weiner family scrapbook that haven't surfaced yet.

 

What's certain is, Weiner is just the most recent tile in a long line of sexual dominoes toppled under the weight of hubris and media scrunity.

 

Weiner spent four days lying to every reporter who interviewed him. He said his Twitter account had been "hacked" and implied conservative news site Breitbart and Big Government were the originators of the alleged smear. During a bizarre press conference on June 6th, Andrew Breitbart himself—who unexpectedly appeared at the podium before Weiner's statement—was asked by a reporter if breaking the story was "revenge" against Weiner. It's hard to imagine someone asking a major news network if releasing a true story was "revenge."

 

However, Weiner apparently doesn't consider his salacious behavior—or even his bald-faced lies—a serious setback to his political ambitions. Let's ask John Edwards about that one.

 

But maybe he's right. Governor Eliot Spitzer got caught patronizing a prostitution service and got a talk show on CNN.

 

New Yorker columnist Hendrik Hertzberg found Weiner's performance on June 6th, "quite impressive." Hertzberg acknowledged the media-driven nature of this whole sordid story, writing, "...it’s the first entirely virtual political sex scandal, the first to have been conducted entirely via e-mail, and online social media. (Plus a bit of phone sex, perhaps. But that’s electronic, too.)" Does "virtual" mean it didn't happen?

 

Trying to remain defiantly non-partisan in the midst of this firestorm of recriminations and name calling, here's the way I see it: this is not a Republican-Democrat issue. It's an arrogance issue. A power issue, and—I'm going to use a word no one likes any more—a moral issue.

 

Scandal is an equal-opportunity sin. There's probably even a Libertarian or two hanging their heads in shame over something, but we don't get their faces plastered all over the web.

 

Let me rattle off a few names: Senator Gary Hart, Representative Chris Lee; Senator John Ensign; Senator Larry Craig; Representative Mark Foley; Senator John Edwards; Senator David Vitter; Governor James McGreevey; Governor Mark Sanford; Governor Arnold Schwartzeneggar, President Bill Clinton. Does it matter which political affiliation?

 

The most grievous sin in each case, as far as the public seems to be concerned, was not the sex. It was the lying.

 

Here are the sex scandal excuse options as far as I can tell. If I'm missing something, please let me know. I try not to be an expert at scandal.

 

It wasn't what it seemed. They're innocent. Clearly not the issue for the people named above.

They don't see anything wrong with illicit sex, adultery, etc., and wonder what all the fuss is about. They do care deeply, however, about getting caught.

Lying and duplicitous activities are expected for someone in power, a kind of reward for ascending the throne. The same rules don't apply to them. It's good to be the King.

It was "a mistake" regardless of how long it continues. The offender is totally overcome by their lusts. They can't help themselves. They have no ability to control the situation.

Sexual sin is the way of the world—everybody does it. They jump off bridges if their friends do.

Connected to the "arrogance" argument. Like the Marquis de Sade, offenders think of themselves as "enlightened" beyond the simple morality of common folk. The fact that they persist, even while hiding their sin from the public, demonstrates how delusional they really are.

They simply don't care. A near sociopathic lack of character. Simply put—they're evil, destructive, and ultimately self-destructive.

They didn't realize it was wrong. Or, they're just plain stupid. This doesn't even work on Judge Judy.

Total mental breakdown.

 

Ask yourself this question: Which option above do you prefer in those who make monumental decisions governing our lives? I didn't think so.

 

We're a long way from President Carter confessing to Playboy magazine, "I've looked on many women with lust. I've committed adultery in my heart many times. God knows I will do this and forgives me."

 

In 1998, President Bill Clinton wagged his finger in the face of the American public and said, "I did not have sexual relations with that woman..." He was also accused (and in some cases, proven) of having committed sexual misconduct with Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers, Juanita Broaddrick, Kathleen Willey, Elizabeth Ward Gracen, Sally Perdue, Dolly Kyle Browning, and scandal queen Monica Lewinsky. Mr. Clinton is now on a quest to ensure his legacy as a distinguished elder statesman. Everyone always mentions how "smart" he is.

 

But concerning the long-term legacy of a sex scandal, Rep. Weiner take note: Well over a decade after a Presidential impeachment, a sure-fire way for a late-night talk show host to get a laugh is to drop a sexual innuendo using Bill Clinton's name. That's the real legacy of his actions, like it or not.

 

It's tough to be a real leader. Just ask the Bible's King David. Then, as now, prayers are required for the people who lead us.