Slog
News & ArtsMonday, June 6, 2011
Politics / Sex Anthony Weiner: The Thing Is Getting Bigger—Can He Still Beat It?
Posted by Dan Savage on Mon, Jun 6, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Right now my syndicated column is going to press in finer newspapers all over this great country full of freedom of ours—where it appears alongside America's finer escort ads—and it includes this prediction:
Before we get [to your problem], I want to say a few words about Anthony Weiner: Nothing the gentleman from New York said last week made him sound like a man who hasn't taken a picture of his cock at some point and sent it to someone for some reason. Nevertheless I’m confident that Weiner is going to beat this thing.
That was then (to be exact: that was Friday afternoon when I file a new "Savage Love"). Today more dirty pictures of Rep. Weiner have been released into the wild by Andrew Brietbart—there are some shirtless ones (smooth tits, Tony!), and at least one taken from the perspective of the blowjobgiver (a popular sexting cliche)—and Radar has what it says is a dirty Facebook chat the congressman engaged in with a woman who is—the horror!—"middle aged and from Nevada."
While I hope Weiner comes clean, I hope comes out swinging: He didn't do anything wrong, he didn't do anything millions of other Americans aren't also doing, he didn't break any laws. His privacy has been invaded. He's being attacked. He is the victim here. And if doing what Weiner has done disqualifies a person from public life, there won't be anyone qualified to be public life in ten years time save the Amish.
Now here's what I hope the legally married congressman doesn't do: confess to having a problem, blame "sex addiction," check into the Tiger Woods Memorial Sex/Career Rehabilitation Center, resurface a month later Dr. Drew's couch looking contrite, and apologize to the American people for being one of them.
UPDATE: Weiner is going to make a statement to the press at 4 PM EST—which is in 30 minutes.
1
I'm kind of enjoying this. The mental gymnastics used to explain the first pic away were astounding (he was hacked and I have the proof! Look at these pixels...). And in reality it was just another arrogant shit with weak impulse control.
If he was a conservative you would have raked him over the coals.
If he was a conservative you would have raked him over the coals.
2
But Dan, Wiener is a Left Of Center Democrat, don't you know that the rules are different than they would be for a "Real American?"
3
@1: If he were a conservative hypocrite, yes. Wiener doesn't believe the federal government should micromanage your sex life, decide who you can marry, when and how you can reproduce, etc., etc., etc. He believes your private life should be your business. Consequently, his private life should be his.
4
"This is part of the new normal, people, just another one of the ways technology is impacting and shaping our lives."
I like the way Savage explains things. Seriously.
I like the way Savage explains things. Seriously.
6
I am certain that Wiener will beat it. He is clean cut and is an upright member of his community. And now he has been thrust repeatedly into the spotlight he will not shrink from the challenge but rather come through once again until there is a glorious happy ending to the story.
7
Anyone can pick up your iPhone and iPad or Droid and tweet any pic to any random person and then pretend you sent it on purpose.
Mine has pics of my nephews and nieces on it, for example. They live in Cali.
Mine has pics of my nephews and nieces on it, for example. They live in Cali.
8
Dan, you seem to be having so much fun with the puns. Thanks for the laughs.
RE: Vitter - Were there pictures? Images stay in your brain a long time.
RE: Vitter - Were there pictures? Images stay in your brain a long time.
9
I don't care if he jerks off on a webcam on a nightly basis, but I have a hard time having sympathy for dumb. His political career is entirely separate from his moronic need to link his own face to his wank.
10
Wouldn't it be cool if someday there's a "scandal" and the husband and wife both come on stage and just say,"You know what, we have an open marriage and it's no one's business and that's all we are ever saying on the matter."
What would the media do then?
What would the media do then?
11
@3, Thank you Dan, it's exactly what you said. Conservatives LOVE to pry into people's sex lives and their reproductive business- they try to force their moral ideals (that often they can't follow) on everyone else.
12
I'm tempted to say he should be impeached simply for displaying the level of narcissism and stupidity necessary to believe that he could post pics like these and--despite ABUNDANT evidence to the contrary from MILLIONS of other dick pic sexters--not have them eventually turn up for all to see, but I guess Dan's more or less right.
Still, what a fucking idiot.
Still, what a fucking idiot.
13
He is a sitting congressman who put his wiener all over the interwebs. We dont need to go to the mat for this guy. Instead we should be focusing our energy on assuring that Bernie Sanders lives forever.
14
Anthony Weiner is 46 so--if these hawt hawt pix are for real real--can we just pause for a moment and say daaaaaaaaaaaang. Maybe Men's Health could feature his workout tips. He'd be a helluva lot more palatable than Aaron "Cock Therapy" Schock.
15
I hope he survives this; Weiner is one of the few Democrats in DC with balls and an articulate voice. (the former we're likely to see apparently.)
16
Why is it always dorks like that who end up hung like a horse??? Ick. And hot guys way too often are average-small. False advertising, I tell you!
@6 Nicely done.
@6 Nicely done.
17
I hope he doesn't cave to the screaming. Ditto Dan @3.
But, since he IS a Dem, he'll turn into a puddle of prevaricating goo all over the podium, begging forgiveness, etc and so on.
Apparently, hypocrisy provides strength of denial that mere mortals can only dream of.
But, since he IS a Dem, he'll turn into a puddle of prevaricating goo all over the podium, begging forgiveness, etc and so on.
Apparently, hypocrisy provides strength of denial that mere mortals can only dream of.
18
"Wiener doesn't believe the federal government should micromanage your sex life"
No, he just wants the federal government to micromanage the entire rest of your life.
No, he just wants the federal government to micromanage the entire rest of your life.
19
Wow very nice pecs and a not too shabby piece either. Move over Mr Schock I doubt you'll look that good at 46.
20
Yes, we love raking those conservatives over the coals, especially when they run on family values and the sanctity of marriage while they are out banging some he or she on the side.
... and then there is Andrew Breitbart... who has the credibility of a turd. Even if the truth fell in his lap he would find some way to embellish, distort, or alter. I'm with Dan... if they are pictures of you then say "so what?". It only becomes an issue if when you campaign on a platform of morality while being morally bankrupt.
If you have a problem with that google Santorum...
... and then there is Andrew Breitbart... who has the credibility of a turd. Even if the truth fell in his lap he would find some way to embellish, distort, or alter. I'm with Dan... if they are pictures of you then say "so what?". It only becomes an issue if when you campaign on a platform of morality while being morally bankrupt.
If you have a problem with that google Santorum...
21
How am I supposed to believe anything you write now Dan? It's like I don't know you anymore. Who are you?
22
Dang, it's getting so you can't even say "screen shot" with a straight face anymore. Assuming you ever could.
23
So Dan, what time has CNN booked you to get your opinion as a "sex columnist" on this issue? Perhaps you should call CNN and notify them you're available.
24
I think the more relevant question here is: why has Andrew Breitbart suddenly become so obsessed with staring at pictures of Anthony Weiner's weiner?
25
Any chance you spelled his name correctly in your syndicated column? (Or is the misspelling more of your alleged "humor?")
26
I think he will be very upset that you misspelled his last name. Poor guy has probably spent his life correcting others about that...
27
Thank the fuck out of you Dan! I thought I was the only person thinking that we all are a nation of petty and easily shamed children. He has a dick. He has a sex drive. People use cell phones and the Internet for sex play. Get the fuck over it people.
He committed no crime and, more importantly, his political career does not owe itself to using the state to police the sex lives of overs.
We are so collectively fucking immature that it's goddamn embarrassing.
He committed no crime and, more importantly, his political career does not owe itself to using the state to police the sex lives of overs.
We are so collectively fucking immature that it's goddamn embarrassing.
28
Its so funny, I send pics of my cock and ass at the drop of a hat, in fact if I could embed them in this text I would. I just don't see the problem.
29
I'm with Original Andrew; if that pic is him, I'm more impressed with the body than I expected under the suit.
And to be honest, that's about the only thing in this whole brouhaha I give a damn about. As long as he doesn't do something stupid like resign.
Except for what is apparently happening at the press conference now...wtf
And to be honest, that's about the only thing in this whole brouhaha I give a damn about. As long as he doesn't do something stupid like resign.
Except for what is apparently happening at the press conference now...wtf
30
@3: That’s absurd. Just because some elements of the GOP are too busy sticking their noses into personal lives regarding sex, doesn’t mean that voters shouldn’t expect more than depraved and sick behavior from their politicians. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
31
Why can't he just go "This has nothing to do with my work, so fuck off" or some equivalent? If this is going to cost you your reelection at least continue kicking ass until your term is up.
33
@24 there is a very interesting hypothesis about Briebart & Weiner and it goes back to Anita Hill vs Clarence Thomas: http://is.gd/fxfsXB
34
Anyway, here's the crucial point: Thomas has potentially been judging in cases where he has a conflict of interst due to his wife's undsclosed at the time lobbying job: "In February, 2011, armed with all these concerns, and anticipating the release of Thomas’ 2010 financial disclosure forms that would reveal Ginni Thomas’ Liberty Central income for the first time, a Congressman drafted a letter that was co-signed by 74 members of Congress, taking the issue of recusal and conflicts of interest directly to Clarence Thomas’ door."
That congressman is none other than Weiner.
That congressman is none other than Weiner.
37
Wait until Ms. Palin hears how much attention this gathered and decides to get on the bandwagon with a trademark bathroom mirror underwear shot, complete with a pile of dirty laundry and a skidmarked toilet in the background.
38
Yeah, the really unfortunate thing is that this stupid episode is a big distraction from Clarence Thomas lying on his tax returns and ignoring conflicts of interest, two things that should force him to resign or be impeached - but likely won't.
39
"Can we have an adult conversation about this?"
Not if the GOP has anything to say about it. And we all know they do.
Not if the GOP has anything to say about it. And we all know they do.
42
I've always found Anthony Weiner charming, and how wonderful to find out he's got a lovely body under that suit. That underwear shot is fuckin' hot. The only person he has to apologize to is his wife, if this bothers her (who knows what the dynamic of their relationship is?).
But he should have known better than to send pics of his face. That's just asking for trouble.
But he should have known better than to send pics of his face. That's just asking for trouble.
44
I don't see how the claim can be made that his privacy was invaded when he's been sending these to people. I am surprised to know that he didn't realize that people he tweets to, or to whom he sends pictures might just release those pictures. He didn't need to sign a release form of any kind when he sent them himself as far as I know, and I don't believe that he stipulated that they had to sign some sort of legal document if they were going to make public the pictures he sent of his public figure. I think this just shows how arrogant people can be when they have a little authority, and are caught doing things which they know they should have done. I'm okay with forgiving behavior which is stupid, as this is, but I certainly see it as an example of very bad judgement - which leads me to question any future faith in someone being looked to as an example of good judgement or political savvy.
45
@10 It did happen, just recently. The head coach of the New York Jets, a pretty big media presence, was pretty much busted for having a foot fetish thing with his wife. They posted videos of her feet that he clearly filmed. The NY press went wild, and then the coach made a succinct statement about being a happily married man (with an undertone of "fuck off"), and that was pretty much it.
Oh, and his team beat the shit out of the asshole Patriots in the playoffs after one of their players made pre-game footsie jokes.
So, I guess Weiner needs to come up with pics of Breitbart sucking cock, or the crotch shot is going to be his forever.
Oh, and his team beat the shit out of the asshole Patriots in the playoffs after one of their players made pre-game footsie jokes.
So, I guess Weiner needs to come up with pics of Breitbart sucking cock, or the crotch shot is going to be his forever.
47
So, when is he running for IMF Chief?
I'm assuming the GOP nom is out of the question, but the sex scandal would qualify him for that.
I'm assuming the GOP nom is out of the question, but the sex scandal would qualify him for that.
48
"His privacy has been invaded."
Huh?!
There was nothing private about the pic he posted to Twitter. He invited the invasion with his stupidity.
Huh?!
There was nothing private about the pic he posted to Twitter. He invited the invasion with his stupidity.
50
What made me ill was hearing on Good Morning America this morning that in their words, such flirtatious texting was "cheating." What's next? Sexual fantasies are cheating? Give me a break, people! Shouldn't the definition of "cheating" be up to each couple?
@47, If the former head of IMF is guilty of what he is accused of, then he RAPED a vulnerable woman. Not at all the same as sexting. Give me a very big break.
@47, If the former head of IMF is guilty of what he is accused of, then he RAPED a vulnerable woman. Not at all the same as sexting. Give me a very big break.
51
As for future Amish politicians:
http://www.rickross.com/reference/amish/…
they do occasionally run cocaine rings...
http://www.rickross.com/reference/amish/…
they do occasionally run cocaine rings...
52
Stress rises and seeks a release as hopelessness settles in.
Perhaps this sad news event is the not unexpected result when someone like Rep. Weiner wakes up one day to see their life's work as a futile exercise, a labor of Sisyphus. How long should we expect a thoughtful, hard working, talented, human being to lead an endless cycle of "Charges of the Light Brigade", especially when a demoralized general public doesn't care a wit - except for bread & circuses? Progressives inside and outside the bubble feel betrayed by "Change ... Someday ?... maybe never" and two years of Lilliputian Democratic party rule from 2008 – till November 2010.
In control of Congress and the Whitehouse, the party of small things (and I’m including the Insurance Industry crafted Healthcare bill) did nothing of any progressive consequence. You will only need one hand to enumerate your own list to refute my claim, and I bet if your honest you’ll start subtracting as reality takes hold. Yes, in Anthony’s case desperate people sometimes engage in self destructive behavior, maybe just to feel something other than quiet rage, ... or perhaps worse, a diversion from feeling nothing at all. “Plod quietly on” only works for a few decades, then what?
Rep Weiner has been a fine Congressmen and now serves another important role as the proverbial canary in the coal mine for progressives thoughtful enough to board the Cluetrain. Eventually if the choice was pull another all-nighter late at the office laboring incessantly in the cause of liberty ...or... engage in a brief satisfying diversion, well he was human after all.
Kabuki politics has devolved into a pointless exercise that chews up the nobler among us engaged in the struggle 24/7. Anthony Weiner is another casualty of our clueless progressive movement. We excuse Obama, the DNC, the new left citing pragmatism, draw no principled lines in the sand... ever ! Capitulation is our defining strategy. How disgusting is that in relation to Anthony's modest self diversion?
For his own sake, not ours, he should leave public service. Given the current state of US politics he is too talented a mensch to waste his life fighting for nothing but tiny empty PR victories, and certainly not for the sake of a directionless hopelessly demoralized public.
All this puts Ralph Nader's long march into even greater relief. How does Ralph get up each day, every day and fight the good fight... ceaselessly .... relentlessly.... and on more than several occasions successfully, while enduring the slings and arrows of friends and enemies in equal measure. Not a hint of "modest self diversion", ever. He is this agnostic's only living saint, who shuns adoration asking only that we take up the cause, any cause, locally in our own way.
My only proposed solution; a "one term" limit, 6 years for House members, an 8 year term for senators. Once elected they serve one term to the best of their capabilities not for the ability to raise campaign cash. Two year election cycles insure at least 2/3rds of the members can mentor the new arrivals. Most of the expected criticisms of this idea are easily addressed if the experienced movement foot soldiers just think about it a little. So far I have heard no critic I've not been able to turn, though I admit the idea takes some time to sink in, sort of like the adage; "democracy is a hopeless mess, except when compared to all the rest". Imagine how liberating never running for reelection - ever, would be for legislators and how much more fulfilling in the best sense, to work with colleagues similarly freed to concentrate on the public's business, the very reason, regardless of party, most entered political life in the first place!
The vision of our country's Founders was of citizen legislators, non-professionals, strengthened by their diversity of perspective. Representative Democracy never was intended to slavishly follow public sentiment. Quite the contrary, this was recognized on so many levels as a fool's errand. We elect a few to dive into all an issue's details in our stead, that's the deal, take it or leave it - for some better plan, but I submit anything better in practice is a tall order. However, when entrusting all this power to a few we do deserve their undivided loyalty to fairness and the public good. This can only be achieved if politics is their passion not their career. It can't be what their family depends on for the mortgage payments and college tuition as reelection time looms. We the People do not owe the chosen an endless paycheck and ego massage. The current dysfunctional system (at least for us) of legislators permanently for hire is structurally incapable of serving Representative Democracy. It creates a desire in us the ignored to micro-manage when what is needed is exactly the opposite, but only if we recognize that legislators, human beings all, can not serve two masters; the public's longterm interest and a permanent career in politics as these are mutually exclusive in all but the most exceptional cases.
More...
Perhaps this sad news event is the not unexpected result when someone like Rep. Weiner wakes up one day to see their life's work as a futile exercise, a labor of Sisyphus. How long should we expect a thoughtful, hard working, talented, human being to lead an endless cycle of "Charges of the Light Brigade", especially when a demoralized general public doesn't care a wit - except for bread & circuses? Progressives inside and outside the bubble feel betrayed by "Change ... Someday ?... maybe never" and two years of Lilliputian Democratic party rule from 2008 – till November 2010.
In control of Congress and the Whitehouse, the party of small things (and I’m including the Insurance Industry crafted Healthcare bill) did nothing of any progressive consequence. You will only need one hand to enumerate your own list to refute my claim, and I bet if your honest you’ll start subtracting as reality takes hold. Yes, in Anthony’s case desperate people sometimes engage in self destructive behavior, maybe just to feel something other than quiet rage, ... or perhaps worse, a diversion from feeling nothing at all. “Plod quietly on” only works for a few decades, then what?
Rep Weiner has been a fine Congressmen and now serves another important role as the proverbial canary in the coal mine for progressives thoughtful enough to board the Cluetrain. Eventually if the choice was pull another all-nighter late at the office laboring incessantly in the cause of liberty ...or... engage in a brief satisfying diversion, well he was human after all.
Kabuki politics has devolved into a pointless exercise that chews up the nobler among us engaged in the struggle 24/7. Anthony Weiner is another casualty of our clueless progressive movement. We excuse Obama, the DNC, the new left citing pragmatism, draw no principled lines in the sand... ever ! Capitulation is our defining strategy. How disgusting is that in relation to Anthony's modest self diversion?
For his own sake, not ours, he should leave public service. Given the current state of US politics he is too talented a mensch to waste his life fighting for nothing but tiny empty PR victories, and certainly not for the sake of a directionless hopelessly demoralized public.
All this puts Ralph Nader's long march into even greater relief. How does Ralph get up each day, every day and fight the good fight... ceaselessly .... relentlessly.... and on more than several occasions successfully, while enduring the slings and arrows of friends and enemies in equal measure. Not a hint of "modest self diversion", ever. He is this agnostic's only living saint, who shuns adoration asking only that we take up the cause, any cause, locally in our own way.
My only proposed solution; a "one term" limit, 6 years for House members, an 8 year term for senators. Once elected they serve one term to the best of their capabilities not for the ability to raise campaign cash. Two year election cycles insure at least 2/3rds of the members can mentor the new arrivals. Most of the expected criticisms of this idea are easily addressed if the experienced movement foot soldiers just think about it a little. So far I have heard no critic I've not been able to turn, though I admit the idea takes some time to sink in, sort of like the adage; "democracy is a hopeless mess, except when compared to all the rest". Imagine how liberating never running for reelection - ever, would be for legislators and how much more fulfilling in the best sense, to work with colleagues similarly freed to concentrate on the public's business, the very reason, regardless of party, most entered political life in the first place!
The vision of our country's Founders was of citizen legislators, non-professionals, strengthened by their diversity of perspective. Representative Democracy never was intended to slavishly follow public sentiment. Quite the contrary, this was recognized on so many levels as a fool's errand. We elect a few to dive into all an issue's details in our stead, that's the deal, take it or leave it - for some better plan, but I submit anything better in practice is a tall order. However, when entrusting all this power to a few we do deserve their undivided loyalty to fairness and the public good. This can only be achieved if politics is their passion not their career. It can't be what their family depends on for the mortgage payments and college tuition as reelection time looms. We the People do not owe the chosen an endless paycheck and ego massage. The current dysfunctional system (at least for us) of legislators permanently for hire is structurally incapable of serving Representative Democracy. It creates a desire in us the ignored to micro-manage when what is needed is exactly the opposite, but only if we recognize that legislators, human beings all, can not serve two masters; the public's longterm interest and a permanent career in politics as these are mutually exclusive in all but the most exceptional cases.
53
Stress rises and seeks a release as hopelessness settles in.
Perhaps this sad news event is the not unexpected result when someone like Rep. Weiner wakes up one day to see their life's work as a futile exercise, a labor of Sisyphus. How long should we expect a thoughtful, hard working, talented, human being to lead an endless cycle of "Charges of the Light Brigade", especially when a demoralized general public doesn't care a wit - except for bread & circuses? Progressives inside and outside the bubble feel betrayed by "Change ... Someday ?... maybe never" and two years of Lilliputian Democratic party rule from 2008 – till November 2010.
In control of Congress and the Whitehouse, the party of small things (and I’m including the Insurance Industry crafted Healthcare bill) did nothing of any progressive consequence. You will only need one hand to enumerate your own list to refute my claim, and I bet if your honest you’ll start subtracting as reality takes hold. Yes, in Anthony’s case desperate people sometimes engage in self destructive behavior, maybe just to feel something other than quiet rage, ... or perhaps worse, a diversion from feeling nothing at all. “Plod quietly on” only works for a few decades, then what?
Rep Weiner has been a fine Congressmen and now serves another important role as the proverbial canary in the coal mine for progressives thoughtful enough to board the Cluetrain. Eventually if the choice was pull another all-nighter late at the office laboring incessantly in the cause of liberty ...or... engage in a brief satisfying diversion, well he was human after all.
Kabuki politics has devolved into a pointless exercise that chews up the nobler among us engaged in the struggle 24/7. Anthony Weiner is another casualty of our clueless progressive movement. We excuse Obama, the DNC, the new left citing pragmatism, draw no principled lines in the sand... ever ! Capitulation is our defining strategy. How disgusting is that in relation to Anthony's modest self diversion?
For his own sake, not ours, he should leave public service. Given the current state of US politics he is too talented a mensch to waste his life fighting for nothing but tiny empty PR victories, and certainly not for the sake of a directionless hopelessly demoralized public.
All this puts Ralph Nader's long march into even greater relief. How does Ralph get up each day, every day and fight the good fight... ceaselessly .... relentlessly.... and on more than several occasions successfully, while enduring the slings and arrows of friends and enemies in equal measure. Not a hint of "modest self diversion", ever. He is this agnostic's only living saint, who shuns adoration asking only that we take up the cause, any cause, locally in our own way.
My only proposed solution; a "one term" limit, 6 years for House members, an 8 year term for senators. Once elected they serve one term to the best of their capabilities not for the ability to raise campaign cash. Two year election cycles insure at least 2/3rds of the members can mentor the new arrivals. Most of the expected criticisms of this idea are easily addressed if the experienced movement foot soldiers just think about it a little. So far I have heard no critic I've not been able to turn, though I admit the idea takes some time to sink in, sort of like the adage; "democracy is a hopeless mess, except when compared to all the rest". Imagine how liberating never running for reelection - ever, would be for legislators and how much more fulfilling in the best sense, to work with colleagues similarly freed to concentrate on the public's business, the very reason, regardless of party, most entered political life in the first place!
The vision of our country's Founders was of citizen legislators, non-professionals, strengthened by their diversity of perspective. Representative Democracy never was intended to slavishly follow public sentiment. Quite the contrary, this was recognized on so many levels as a fool's errand. We elect a few to dive into all an issue's details in our stead, that's the deal, take it or leave it - for some better plan, but I submit anything better in practice is a tall order. However, when entrusting all this power to a few we do deserve their undivided loyalty to fairness and the public good. This can only be achieved if politics is their passion not their career. It can't be what their family depends on for the mortgage payments and college tuition as reelection time looms. We the People do not owe the chosen an endless paycheck and ego massage. The current dysfunctional system (at least for us) of legislators permanently for hire is structurally incapable of serving Representative Democracy. It creates a desire in us the ignored to micro-manage when what is needed is exactly the opposite, but only if we recognize that legislators, human beings all, can not serve two masters; the public's longterm interest and a permanent career in politics as these are mutually exclusive in all but the most exceptional cases.
More...
Perhaps this sad news event is the not unexpected result when someone like Rep. Weiner wakes up one day to see their life's work as a futile exercise, a labor of Sisyphus. How long should we expect a thoughtful, hard working, talented, human being to lead an endless cycle of "Charges of the Light Brigade", especially when a demoralized general public doesn't care a wit - except for bread & circuses? Progressives inside and outside the bubble feel betrayed by "Change ... Someday ?... maybe never" and two years of Lilliputian Democratic party rule from 2008 – till November 2010.
In control of Congress and the Whitehouse, the party of small things (and I’m including the Insurance Industry crafted Healthcare bill) did nothing of any progressive consequence. You will only need one hand to enumerate your own list to refute my claim, and I bet if your honest you’ll start subtracting as reality takes hold. Yes, in Anthony’s case desperate people sometimes engage in self destructive behavior, maybe just to feel something other than quiet rage, ... or perhaps worse, a diversion from feeling nothing at all. “Plod quietly on” only works for a few decades, then what?
Rep Weiner has been a fine Congressmen and now serves another important role as the proverbial canary in the coal mine for progressives thoughtful enough to board the Cluetrain. Eventually if the choice was pull another all-nighter late at the office laboring incessantly in the cause of liberty ...or... engage in a brief satisfying diversion, well he was human after all.
Kabuki politics has devolved into a pointless exercise that chews up the nobler among us engaged in the struggle 24/7. Anthony Weiner is another casualty of our clueless progressive movement. We excuse Obama, the DNC, the new left citing pragmatism, draw no principled lines in the sand... ever ! Capitulation is our defining strategy. How disgusting is that in relation to Anthony's modest self diversion?
For his own sake, not ours, he should leave public service. Given the current state of US politics he is too talented a mensch to waste his life fighting for nothing but tiny empty PR victories, and certainly not for the sake of a directionless hopelessly demoralized public.
All this puts Ralph Nader's long march into even greater relief. How does Ralph get up each day, every day and fight the good fight... ceaselessly .... relentlessly.... and on more than several occasions successfully, while enduring the slings and arrows of friends and enemies in equal measure. Not a hint of "modest self diversion", ever. He is this agnostic's only living saint, who shuns adoration asking only that we take up the cause, any cause, locally in our own way.
My only proposed solution; a "one term" limit, 6 years for House members, an 8 year term for senators. Once elected they serve one term to the best of their capabilities not for the ability to raise campaign cash. Two year election cycles insure at least 2/3rds of the members can mentor the new arrivals. Most of the expected criticisms of this idea are easily addressed if the experienced movement foot soldiers just think about it a little. So far I have heard no critic I've not been able to turn, though I admit the idea takes some time to sink in, sort of like the adage; "democracy is a hopeless mess, except when compared to all the rest". Imagine how liberating never running for reelection - ever, would be for legislators and how much more fulfilling in the best sense, to work with colleagues similarly freed to concentrate on the public's business, the very reason, regardless of party, most entered political life in the first place!
The vision of our country's Founders was of citizen legislators, non-professionals, strengthened by their diversity of perspective. Representative Democracy never was intended to slavishly follow public sentiment. Quite the contrary, this was recognized on so many levels as a fool's errand. We elect a few to dive into all an issue's details in our stead, that's the deal, take it or leave it - for some better plan, but I submit anything better in practice is a tall order. However, when entrusting all this power to a few we do deserve their undivided loyalty to fairness and the public good. This can only be achieved if politics is their passion not their career. It can't be what their family depends on for the mortgage payments and college tuition as reelection time looms. We the People do not owe the chosen an endless paycheck and ego massage. The current dysfunctional system (at least for us) of legislators permanently for hire is structurally incapable of serving Representative Democracy. It creates a desire in us the ignored to micro-manage when what is needed is exactly the opposite, but only if we recognize that legislators, human beings all, can not serve two masters; the public's longterm interest and a permanent career in politics as these are mutually exclusive in all but the most exceptional cases.
54
I'm glad so many liberals here are defending men making often obscene, uninvited sexual advances towards women they do not know. Quite frankly I miss the days I could call a babe 'sugar tits' as she walked past. Finally political correctness is being tossed overboard?
55
@54- I have yet to hear of Weiner intentionally sending an obscene image to anyone with who wasn't engaged in a sexty relationship with him.
57
I see Mr. Savage is not only an expert on giving advice on how to insert different types of objects into our butts, but now is also an expert on morality. Let me guess… he’s supporting Wranker for the children…..so they won’t be bullied because dad has pics of his dick floating about the Internet.
59
His privacy has not been invaded. He was a famous public figure sending graphic sexual messages and pics to strangers under his own identity. He might as well have published them in a newspaper. Obviously some of those people might take the things public and they are entirely within their rights to do so ethically and legally. Obviously they would also be damaging to his career and hurtful to his family if they did become public. It was poor judgment and all the lying will make people trust him less, but that doesn't necessarily mean he's out of politics.
Vitter was a hypocrite, but he benefits from the fact all the salacious details and images of him with prostitutes didn't merge. He went to the DC madam instead of laying a sex cyber trail to random strangers which probably has something to do with the lack of details available for Vitter.
Vitter was a hypocrite, but he benefits from the fact all the salacious details and images of him with prostitutes didn't merge. He went to the DC madam instead of laying a sex cyber trail to random strangers which probably has something to do with the lack of details available for Vitter.
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