Weiner-Gate

New York Rep. Anthony Weiner

I don't want to add too much to the media saturation, mainly since the rest of the media is currently obsessed with this. I just want to note a few things.

First, it goes without saying, though I will say it anyway, that what he did, as well as the attempted cover-up that followed are utterly inexcusable. He should be held accountable for it mainly by his family. If it is found out that state resources were used for what he did (but since we are talking about sending pictures and messages through Twitter, I don't really think this will be an issue), then his constituents should hold him accountable as well.

Second, as sex scandals go, this is probably the least of the ones that have happened in recent years...and probably my entire life. Why? Well here are a few things that differentiate this one from others so far as we know at this time. He was not with hookers, which differentiates him from Senator David Vitter and Governor Eliot Spitzer. He did not spend state resources to commit adultery, which differentiates him from ex-Governor Mark Sanford. His cover-up did not involve paying people off, which differentiates him from (soon-to-be former) Senator John Ensign. There were no underage people involved, which differentiates him from ex-Representative Mark Foley. There was no love-child, which differentiates him from former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. For that matter, there was no actual sex, which differentiates him from former President Bill Clinton and former Governor Jim McGreevy.

Third, what I have liked (and still like) about Rep. Weiner particularly over the last few years is that he has been an absolute bull dog for progressive causes, including pro-gay causes. He stands up for the little guy, the middle class instead of for big business and the super-rich. His statement that he would not resign was exactly what I was hoping to hear yesterday because we need a loud voice in Congress. I expect that voice to be quiet for a time as this incident blows over. But I have no doubt that we will hear that voice doing what it does best. I can't wait to again hear that voice that stands in the face of the other side when so many others are too cowardly to do so.