Mr. Spitzer
The governor of New York, Eliot Spitzer, was implicated yesterday in a prostitution ring. Allegedly, he called a prostitute. I wanted to get my two cents in before anything more specific is proven or even alleged, just so I can have an opinion unfettered by facts. When I heard the news, I smiled. I admit it. A big stupid grin came over my face. Not because I have anything against Mr. Spitzer. I know almost nothing about him. Nor do I have anything against his politics. I confess I dont know where he stands on anything. I just love the irony of a man who runs on an ethics platform, and is known as
Mr. Cleanbeing tied to a prostitute, no pun intended.
You can consider it a flaw in my personality if youd like. I have no defense. I also laugh when evangelist preachers are implicated in fraud or sex scandals…Priests with young boys? Yeah, I snickered a few times. I dont know why. I dont laugh when people trip and fall on the street, but I probably would if they first bragged to everyone that they were such great walkers. I agree with George Orwell who said
saints should always be judged guilty until they are proven innocent.Ill stop smiling soon. Really. Sorry to hear of your news, Mr. Spitzer. Really. I mean it.
By Myron Gushlak
Comments
Myron, I read your blog about Eliot Spitzer, and while it was pretty much in line with other things I read, it missed the mark by a long shot. Im not a �conspiracy theory� kind of guy, but I cant help but wonder about how all this shook out. Im not denying the facts of Spitzers involvement with a hooker, but, really, who cares? I mean, other than his wife and daughters. Im sure half of Europe is scratching their collective heads wondering what the big deal is.
What catches my eye is the way it was revealed. It was no secret that Spitzer had many enemies, but he was elected by an almost 70% plurality in New York state. It bothers me that a half a dozen men can overturn millions of votes with one accusation. Who knows what the real facts were. Spitzer couldnt exactly �plea down�. He was convicted by the accusation. Maybe he did spend all that money. Maybe he did it on his own. But I sure wish it was possible to trace the whistle blowers paths the past couple of years as this whole thing began and developed. Maybe Im just paranoid, but when I read a story like that, I always wonder who benefited most from that revelation and I wonder what part they might have played in the story. Well never know. Theres no way that we could ever know. I guess all it points out is the low esteem I hold of my fellow man. I liked your Orwell quote, and I think he would also wonder about the squeaky clean whistle blowers. I think theres a novel in here somewhere.
Posted by: Larry | March 21, 2008 11:21 AM
I have to say this is well put and agreed upon. I can't say I feel terrible for a guy whose "moral" tirade impacted many when in fact, he was just as, if not even more so, guilty. If that's his hobby, maybe he should find another cause.
Posted by: Hilary | May 25, 2008 11:18 PM