Above the Law

Politicians in Washington have too much power. They have so much in fact that some of them feel they can be above the law. The latest is Rep. Anthony Weiner, New York,  who first denied and then admitted to having sexual exchanges on the Internet with at least a half dozen men.

There have been many others. News came out about Senator John Edwards who fathered the child of a mistress and tried to pay hush money. Then there is California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who admitted fathering the child of a former household staff member.

The accused feel there should be a separation of personal and professional behavior. Thus, Rep. Weiner does not intend to resign because what happened does not affect his professional status in representing the people of his district.  I beg to differ. A politician at this level is judged on his personal and professional life. For that reason an Anthony Weiner should not be in office.

Typically, they deny allegations. At first the U.S. Rep. said someone must have hacked into his Twitter feed. When more questions started coming his way he admitted to the inappropriate online relationship.
Number one, do politicians at this level feel they are above the law? And two, how do they think they can get away with something like that?

President Clinton lied, admitted guilt, fought the system and basically won. He became one of our most popular presidents and was elected to two terms. What does that have to say about public perception?
We live in a society today where public indecency may not affect a politician’s popularity with constituents.  That's sad when people like that get re-elected.

This is not a Democrat or Republican issue either. In this case inappropriate sexual behavior crosses party lines. If only the two parties could do that when it comes to key issues like balancing the budget or health care!