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News & ArtsFriday, May 8, 2009
Sex The Naked Public Servant
Posted by Dan Savage on Fri, May 8, 2009 at 9:42 AM
I'm all for non-monogamy, when it works for a couple, and for the odd sexual adventure and for tolerating folks who have sex in public, so long as they're reasonably discreet. Republicans, as a general rule, are opposed to all of that—indeed, the GOP argues that monogamy is defining characteristic of marriage and that people who are not monogamous are unfit for marriage and, presumably, public office. Indeed, I understand the GOP once attempted to hound a man out of office—an oval one—for having consensual sex with a woman who wasn't his wife. Even so, I say this guy shouldn't have to resign.
Local Democrats today are calling for the resignation of Oakland County Commissioner Kim Capello, who pleaded guilty Tuesday to misdemeanor charges of indecent exposure.The charges stem from an April 18 incident, in which the 56-year-old Capello, a Novi Republican, was seen naked and engaged in a sex act with a 37-year-old woman outside a Novi condominium complex about 2 a.m. by a passerby who called authorities, according to the police report. Capello is to be sentenced June 3 and could face up to 93 days in jail.... The woman, who has not been charged, is not his wife.
First: it was 2 AM, not high noon, and that should be taken into account—Capello banged this woman at a time when few people were likely to be out and about, let alone innocent children, which makes a 93 day jail sentence seem a bit harsh. And the article notes that the woman actually lives at the Novi condos and, excuse me, but this is America, people, and if we as Americans aren't free to get naked and commit adultery at 2 AM outside our own condominium complexes—or those of our mistresses—then, shit, we've truly lost our freedoms.
1
You don't have the freedom to fuck wherever you want around a building because your condo is somewhere in it.
You don't make any sense here.
You don't make any sense here.
3
I'm honestly hung-up on the public sex thing. Can't take it either way. Jokes, sure. But I can't find a spot to defend or attack it. I personally don't care if I see anyone fuck anyone in public, but I'd understand if someone did care, but I also wouldn't care if they did, and I wouldn't care if I did care that they cared either.
5
Hmmm. Although I get the illicit thrill of public bootie, they were so close to her condo! Couldn't they actually have done it in a stairwell, or inside, or: I dunno. Maybe the mistress is married too?
I think once you get elected to any kind of public office, you simply have to be WAY more careful about sex than before. We Americans are obsessed with who's doing what to whom (ah, our Puritan roots are showing) & by putting yourself in the public eye at any level you give up the right to bang someone else (or someones else, or masturbate somewhere you can get caught, etc) in relative anonymity.
If he wasn't cheating on his wife, would the attention level be exactly the same? Hmmmm.
Should we loosen the hell up, already? Sure. But for now: run for office, be prepared to be über-discreet.
I think once you get elected to any kind of public office, you simply have to be WAY more careful about sex than before. We Americans are obsessed with who's doing what to whom (ah, our Puritan roots are showing) & by putting yourself in the public eye at any level you give up the right to bang someone else (or someones else, or masturbate somewhere you can get caught, etc) in relative anonymity.
If he wasn't cheating on his wife, would the attention level be exactly the same? Hmmmm.
Should we loosen the hell up, already? Sure. But for now: run for office, be prepared to be über-discreet.
8
"a bit harsh"--up to 93 days for public fucking at 2AM? FUCK!
ANY jail time for such an offense is "a bit harsh." A fine and time served is what's appropriate.
ANY jail time for such an offense is "a bit harsh." A fine and time served is what's appropriate.
10
And the at the very least, this official is also going to get to suffer a lurid little campaign nugget when he next stands for re-erection. As well he should. It goes to his judgement and discretion.
12
People are still having sex.
Lust keeps on lurking.
Nothing can make them stop.
This "safe" thing's not working.
People are still having sex.
It's been going on for quite a while.
Perhaps it's quite fashionable.
It hasn't gone out of style.
Lust keeps on lurking.
Nothing can make them stop.
This "safe" thing's not working.
People are still having sex.
It's been going on for quite a while.
Perhaps it's quite fashionable.
It hasn't gone out of style.
13
Why wasn't she charged? Was she somehow clothed and not having sex in public?
Seems to me that if you're going to arrest one person who is having sex in public, you really should arrest the other to be fair. Otherwise, it screams double standard, whether it be based on gender, age, or political position.
Seems to me that if you're going to arrest one person who is having sex in public, you really should arrest the other to be fair. Otherwise, it screams double standard, whether it be based on gender, age, or political position.
14
So, why wasn't she charged? I mean, shit, they were both engaged in some sexy, outdoor fuck-making, right? Does the statute specifically prohibit only public officials from this conduct? Or is it just more salacious?
Oh, and isn't this quote witty: "Rather than exposing our country to new job opportunities, Kim Capello has indecently exposed himself." See that? The way the Oakland County Dem. Party chairman used "expose"? Fancy.
Oh, and isn't this quote witty: "Rather than exposing our country to new job opportunities, Kim Capello has indecently exposed himself." See that? The way the Oakland County Dem. Party chairman used "expose"? Fancy.
15
I'm wondering what the hell someone was doing at 2am that would qualify as being "a passerby outside a Novi condominium complex".
It is unlikely that the 'passerby' saw them from a street while driving past - due to the nature of the condo communities in Novi (and the rest of the Greater Detroit area), and even if that were the case, unless they were 'going at it' on the curb - there probably wouldn't be much to see. Same for if the 'passerby' was on foot or on bike - which still begs the question, what was that person doing lurking about the condos at that hour. And what could they possibly have seen??!!
The only other thing that makes sense is if it had been a neighbor who thought they heard a deer or raccoon - and instead saw the Commissioner.
In any case, it seems like a waste of time and effort to call the cops for something like this, let alone to let it go to court/sentencing.
Besides, we have better reasons for removing local politicians in the three county area than for what two consenting adults did on the property of one of the participants.
It is unlikely that the 'passerby' saw them from a street while driving past - due to the nature of the condo communities in Novi (and the rest of the Greater Detroit area), and even if that were the case, unless they were 'going at it' on the curb - there probably wouldn't be much to see. Same for if the 'passerby' was on foot or on bike - which still begs the question, what was that person doing lurking about the condos at that hour. And what could they possibly have seen??!!
The only other thing that makes sense is if it had been a neighbor who thought they heard a deer or raccoon - and instead saw the Commissioner.
In any case, it seems like a waste of time and effort to call the cops for something like this, let alone to let it go to court/sentencing.
Besides, we have better reasons for removing local politicians in the three county area than for what two consenting adults did on the property of one of the participants.
16
I'm with you, Mr. Poe. It took all four comments to get me on the same page as you, so nicely done.
17
The 93 days in jail seems a little harsh, one should take into consideration if this is the first time they've done something like that.
But if it was 2 AM and they were near the condominium why not go there, aren't there any motels over there? Who's to say that a child residing in the condominium couldn't have been awaken by their noise or by anythin else and came across their act. It's a little naive to think that accidents can't happen even in the earl morning. Just go to a motel people.
But if it was 2 AM and they were near the condominium why not go there, aren't there any motels over there? Who's to say that a child residing in the condominium couldn't have been awaken by their noise or by anythin else and came across their act. It's a little naive to think that accidents can't happen even in the earl morning. Just go to a motel people.
19
He only *could* face up to 93 days in jail but you know damned well he won't.
I do hope he gets a nice fine (and is not the woman going to also be faced with these charges? It's sexist if she isn't).
Somehow, he just sounds really stupid and not one of those people who have public sex for an added thrill and the risks.
The risks are getting caught and fined. And if *they're* OK with that potential outcome, why take that away from them. Fine them up the wazoo and make their day!
I do hope he gets a nice fine (and is not the woman going to also be faced with these charges? It's sexist if she isn't).
Somehow, he just sounds really stupid and not one of those people who have public sex for an added thrill and the risks.
The risks are getting caught and fined. And if *they're* OK with that potential outcome, why take that away from them. Fine them up the wazoo and make their day!
20
Oakland County's republican party is in a war with itself... that dems are speaking out is funny since it's likely that the people making the biggest fuss are the "other republicans".
22
@5 - Yeah, even if he hadn't been married it still would have been made into a big deal.
Strangely, if it had been with his wife, he may have been given a pass - since then they would have wanted to 'protect' her, or let off on just a warning.
Like in most places in the country, the Republican candidates try to come off as being 'holier than thou' - and by having sex in public (and not living up to his party's ideals), the Dems are trying to call them on it due to the hypocrisy - and because you don't pass up a chance to make political hay - on either side.
Strangely, if it had been with his wife, he may have been given a pass - since then they would have wanted to 'protect' her, or let off on just a warning.
Like in most places in the country, the Republican candidates try to come off as being 'holier than thou' - and by having sex in public (and not living up to his party's ideals), the Dems are trying to call them on it due to the hypocrisy - and because you don't pass up a chance to make political hay - on either side.
24
This seems like one of those spend a night in jail then pay a fine sort of things. Like being an annoying drunk in public.
25
This is good, what we've always lacked in this country is large amounts of guilt and shame heaped on people who have sex, as well as nosing around in other people's private lives.
If we just do more of that, pretty soon we'll be the greatest country on Earth.
If we just do more of that, pretty soon we'll be the greatest country on Earth.
27
Soon, UF?
How about NOW? We're the country that invented the Hungry Man Breakfast! Over 2500 calories of commie-killing heart-stopping American goodness!
How about NOW? We're the country that invented the Hungry Man Breakfast! Over 2500 calories of commie-killing heart-stopping American goodness!
29
Stay classy Michigan!
Also, WTF!? Why is the mistress not being charged?! He's 52, he should know better. She's only 37, still innocent!
Also, WTF!? Why is the mistress not being charged?! He's 52, he should know better. She's only 37, still innocent!
30
2AM or 2PM...I don't want to see this guy's ass any time, and I'm 31. (As in, not an impressionable youth.) Really, they couldn't wait until they got IN her apartment??
31
Hmm ... actually, the article *doesn't* say whether the woman was naked, and I'm inclined to assume then she wasn't. So this would explain why she wouldn't be charged with public indecency (i.e. nudity).
It does make me wonder why she wasn't charged for public sex, but there must be a logical explanation. It's worth nothing that the article only says it was a "sex act", not necessarily full-on intercourse.
It does make me wonder why she wasn't charged for public sex, but there must be a logical explanation. It's worth nothing that the article only says it was a "sex act", not necessarily full-on intercourse.
32
@27,
Good point Baconcat, after all, if we can sell deep-fried twinkies to someone who hasn't eaten a well-balanced meal since they were 10, we can do anything!!!
Good point Baconcat, after all, if we can sell deep-fried twinkies to someone who hasn't eaten a well-balanced meal since they were 10, we can do anything!!!
33
He's a Republican. He'd be the first to scream bloody murder if it was a Democrat (of any sexual orientation) who was caught in similar circumstances.
Lock him up. Throw away the key. Introduce him to the prison showers.
Lock him up. Throw away the key. Introduce him to the prison showers.
34
How is a 93 day sentence cruel and unusual when we make puffing a joint result in 5 years and even worse?
Should have shot him in the back for resisting arrest and being stupid enough to be a Red Socialist Republican, IMHO.
Should have shot him in the back for resisting arrest and being stupid enough to be a Red Socialist Republican, IMHO.
35
Let's waste a million dollars prosecuting these consenting adults in a completeley non-sensical attempt to enforce a ridiculous, phony morality, that lets big shots steal people's life long savings because of illness but puts consenting adults behind bars. All the while we slash health care and education, because godforbid we should waste money taking care of our citizens for our own good. What a stupid, self righteous bunch of fools we are.
36
what would Gavin "hey i had my own boring sex scandal too!" Newsom do?
"ooh, being governor sounds good!"
Once again: California + Democrats = FAIL
"ooh, being governor sounds good!"
Once again: California + Democrats = FAIL
37
"Americans aren't free to get naked and commit adultery at 2 AM outside our own condominium complexes"
which begs the question: why didn't they just take it inside to their own condo where nobody would care instead of doing the nasty in a public place?
which begs the question: why didn't they just take it inside to their own condo where nobody would care instead of doing the nasty in a public place?
38
The repression of our sex-negative culture means any incident of our elected officials getting caught being human results in scandal.
Public sex in a venue or party where it is allowed is one thing, but otherwise it potentially involves the unsuspecting others in a way that is non-consensual. I don't agree we have a right to have sex in our yards in full potential view of others. I do agree that 93 days in jail for doing it at 2AM is fucking ridiculous, but it is actually a direct result of legislation from people just like him.
I am also all for non-monogamy, but I am not necessarily for cheating. Fucking up your own personal relationships is your own personal business. It is unfortunate that politicians can't have the privacy to live their lives without it becoming everyones business.
The larger point about what type of people can politically survive is depressing. To run for and stay in office you need to abide by the morals and social conventions of the majority, which allows a self-reenforcing hostility to minority religions and other alternative morals. What if he wasn't cheating on his wife? There's no way he could be out about that.
Already, being both poly and kinky makes me unqualified for any sort of mainstream representation.
Public sex in a venue or party where it is allowed is one thing, but otherwise it potentially involves the unsuspecting others in a way that is non-consensual. I don't agree we have a right to have sex in our yards in full potential view of others. I do agree that 93 days in jail for doing it at 2AM is fucking ridiculous, but it is actually a direct result of legislation from people just like him.
I am also all for non-monogamy, but I am not necessarily for cheating. Fucking up your own personal relationships is your own personal business. It is unfortunate that politicians can't have the privacy to live their lives without it becoming everyones business.
The larger point about what type of people can politically survive is depressing. To run for and stay in office you need to abide by the morals and social conventions of the majority, which allows a self-reenforcing hostility to minority religions and other alternative morals. What if he wasn't cheating on his wife? There's no way he could be out about that.
Already, being both poly and kinky makes me unqualified for any sort of mainstream representation.
39
Well, he's an idiot, but he's paying for it now.
What the fuck ever.
It's not unheard of for a person to cheat on his/her partner. It's not okay, of course, but it's not unheard of. And public sex? Don't knock it until you've tried it, but Jesus, couldn't they at least slink off to a car or something? You know, like the kind with a door? This is how it's done, boys and girls. Cars or unused hallways or something, for chrissake, at least give it a try.
That said, give him like 10 days in jail, with the option of paying a fine instead, at 10x whatever the rate for a speeding ticket is in his neck of the woods. (traffic fines are getting insane with everyone trying to keep their budget together, and dammit, he's in govt, he should have to pay a fine respecting that).
What the fuck ever.
It's not unheard of for a person to cheat on his/her partner. It's not okay, of course, but it's not unheard of. And public sex? Don't knock it until you've tried it, but Jesus, couldn't they at least slink off to a car or something? You know, like the kind with a door? This is how it's done, boys and girls. Cars or unused hallways or something, for chrissake, at least give it a try.
That said, give him like 10 days in jail, with the option of paying a fine instead, at 10x whatever the rate for a speeding ticket is in his neck of the woods. (traffic fines are getting insane with everyone trying to keep their budget together, and dammit, he's in govt, he should have to pay a fine respecting that).
40
Screw this guy! Send him to jail for the full 93 days just for being retarded...He's married and a public official those are two excellent reasons to not have public sex. Part of the allure of public sex is knowing that you might get caught. This guy obviously knew it would be newsworthy if he got busted and went through with it anyway. I hope he loses his wife, house and job not because he is having salacious sex but because he is a dumbass.
41
Republicans with their "family values" are humans like everybody else. All this story is too trivial to discuss. The best part of the original story was Capello's quote: "It started off with the best of intentions."
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