Opinion Talk

By les franks

March 13, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Europe is toast. It is a muslim country. Europeans, being a bunch of mealy mouthed weenies who condone every depravity on earth are thankfully selecting themselves right out of the gene pool.

Therefore, even though the U.S. is now far down the road to ruin, do we need to even give a passing thought to a European’s take on what contitutes our best and brightest? Please. That’s about on the same par as seeking a serial killer’s take on the moral status of our culture.

Spitzer is a sicko. Every moment he crusaded against corruption, he was a liar beyond measure. I hope his wife and children disown him. Hopefully he hasn’t already transmitted any STDs to his wife. He is truly scum, and puritanism has long been dead in this society.

By Noelle

March 13, 2008 5:25 PM | Link to this

Of course she’s not right. Spitzer was an elected official and former prosecuting attorney who broke the law, repeatedly. He made his career on going after vice like prostitution rings, while all the while secretly patronizing exactly the types of establishments he’d publically vowed to shut down.

Here’s the real litmus test — if his crimes hadn’t been related to sexual activities, would Nussbaum and her European colleagues be making the same comments? I highly doubt it.

By al

March 13, 2008 5:33 PM | Link to this

Couldn’t agree with Les more. Europe is the way it is because in the past 50 years, it has entered its post Christian era. Yes, Christians are often hyptocrites, but aren’t we all. If there is no moral fiber and every issue is subject to rationalism and relatavism, you get Denmark where prositution and drugs are legal, sex in public areas are OK. Why do you think Muslims have invaded Europe, b/c all of those beautiful cathedrals have been empty on Sundays for the past 3o yrs. They know that Europeans lack the moral and spiritual will to fight them. As America is slowly lurching into this secular/atheistic mentality, what you see in Europe will occur here. The Muslims get it—they know this is the next great Holy War or the Crusades redux. They are willing to lay their lives on the line, are we?

By OneForTheRoad

March 13, 2008 5:34 PM | Link to this

Spitzer the victim! What a headline that would make. Leave it to some physc-__ to over-analyze. Unless he was divorced, he broke a commitment to his wife. She has first dibs at whatever she wants and he doesn’t have any room to complain. Then, she can throw whats left to anyone else that feels wronged by his past actions. I also feel the same way about all the other politicians that have had their “indiscretions” — Republican, Democrat, Independent, Green, or whatever.

By Dan

March 13, 2008 5:52 PM | Link to this

Even if prostitution was legal he still drug his family into this showing zero moral character. Politically his biggest problem is hypocrisy, he got where he is by essentially extorting big business via the media, claiming to be fighting for the common man. Of course none of his charges stood, but he got the attention and the adulation from masses of the undeducated and those blinded by misguided idealism (like the Europeans mentioned above)

By KC

March 13, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

During the Lewinsky trial an Australian newspaper editor wrote, “Thank God we (Australia) got the criminals and they (America) got the Puritans.” In the Spitzer case, it is a case of sex between two consenting adults. Is it morally right? No, just ask the wife. But do our leaders deserve to be crucified by the media? I don’t know about you but I’d much rather have a cheating Clinton than the Puritanical moron the we currently have. Remember, Hitler was faithful to his wife — that did not make him a saint. Vice versa, cheating should not constitute impeachment. If we had used this as a benchmark in our country’s past we could eliminate John F. Kennedy, FDR, Thomas Jefferson and Lincoln to name a few.

America’s sexual oppression manifests itself in many forms and our attitudes become distorted — case in point - Ms. Jackson’s wardrobe malfunction during the Super Bowl. We shutter at the sight of a breast yet we are de-sensitized to the televised blood and gore fed to us.

By Mike

March 13, 2008 6:53 PM | Link to this

Who cares what Europe thinks? It is a decadent and dying culture and it is reassuring to me that they don’t approve of our morals.

By h ryder

March 13, 2008 7:02 PM | Link to this

My personal view is that he should only be physically involved sexually with his wife. However, he and his wife may have the same arrangement as the Clintons, and if so that is a self inflicted disaster. But with his background and history, he knew exactly how most people in the country would react, and choose to take the risk. I do compliment him on taking the correct course of action in resigning. Contrast that action with that taken by a ruthlessly power hungry former president who was impeached and should have been convicted and ejected from office.

By Craig

March 13, 2008 7:32 PM | Link to this

Remove the word SEX from the equation. Does the highest law enforcement officer pursue and prosecute someone for a crime holding them to a higher standard need to follow that same standard? YES! If a law enforcement officer holds someone to a particular standard and says that behavior is wrong and deserves prosecution, why can he not hold himself to his same standard? Take sex out of this. The man is a hypocrite. Don’t tell me you are bringing in a more ethical government and pretending to clean house when you cannot even abide by your own set of morals, ethics, and standards. He set the bar with this behavior being a crime. It’s his own fault. So whatever you want to whine about on sexual repression, Puritanism, etc., fact is the man, a servant of the people mind you, holds his constituents to one standard and himself to a much different one.

By reality check

March 13, 2008 7:35 PM | Link to this

Eliot Spitzer is a despicable man, and I thought that before the revelations about the hooker. What he did to legitimate business people who had broken no law was legal blackmail. Prosecuting those people would have immediately made their firms ineligible for continuing the government contracting that comprised a major portion of their business and they had no choice but to plea bargain. He knew it and everyone with any in depth knowledge of the situation knew it. Those settlements were extortions of people who were never indicted of a crime.

The person who defends him is a lawyer, the lowest form of life on this planet as far as I am concerned.

By Mike

March 13, 2008 7:38 PM | Link to this

Think of all the people’s lives Spitzer ruined. I’m sure many of them would have “resigned their jobs” to make him go away, but he was never content until he totally destroyed his mark.

I hope he gets plenty of free sex in prison.

By Dan

March 13, 2008 8:01 PM | Link to this

VICTIM? He prosecuted other people for this kind of thing! He was the PURITAN! Had he all his political life carried a libertine banner calling for sexual freedom, he would be off the hook in my book. At least one could not say he was elected on a lie. He deserves all he gets.

By steve

March 13, 2008 8:35 PM | Link to this

Its amazing when a democrat does something illegal the intellectuals and left wing media always have a defense or excuse for it. Bush gets blamed or arguments are made as to why prostitution should be legal. If a democrat murdered someone, the intellectuals would find some rationalization for it. This man is a criminal and was one when he was throwing people in jail. Being Puritanical has nothing to do with this, breaking the law does. Spitzer is lucky he isn’t a republican or the media and the intellectuals would be calling for him to be put to death.

By KC is a moron

March 13, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

hey KC paying for sex in New York is a crime, prosecuted by the likes of the ultimate hypocrite and former attorney general Eliot Spitzonher.

By GaLiberal

March 13, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

By the vitriolic self-righteous posts here, we are still suffering from a post-Clinton Rethuglicon moral superiority hangover. Spitzer did nothing more than oh say Larry Craig. So what he hired a high-dollar hooker. I think his wife would prefer that over having a mistress. Spitzer - like Clinton - is just another victim of Rethuglicon moral hypocrisy.

Prostitution is illegal because of one simple reason - religious control. If a man can just pay for sex, why bother getting married and through marriage the church controls society. That’s why there is such a negative reaction to women who have children out of marriage. The church can’t maintain it’s supply of fresh converts to sustain let alone expand its power base. The US needs to become more enlightened like European countries. It’s legal, but in certain areas. It’s highly regulated and heavily taxed. The workers have medical exams and required breaks between service calls. Using their services is not stigmatized like it is here in the US.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And the victimization of Eliot Spitzer is living proof.

By al

March 13, 2008 11:09 PM | Link to this

GaLiberal, once your vision of America comes to fruition, a godless, man-centered, self indulgent society like Europe, the Muslim hordes will rule this land because we will lack the will to fight. Then after you are forced to wear your head-to-toe burka you will be given a public slashing for walking with a man who is not your husband. I would guess then you will be on your knees for the first time to ask the Lord for forgiveness for your sins in bringing down this once great country

By rocketrod

March 14, 2008 2:54 AM | Link to this

So another Marxist professor doesnt think breaking your wedding vows or contributing to the debasement of a young woman are bad conduct. Guarantee that same yellow commie prof would be outraged at trying to prevent the extermination of teh unborn.

By techwreck

March 14, 2008 6:45 AM | Link to this

Wow, GaLiberal. You’ve managed to type so much ignorance in so few words.

Do your blinders keep you from realizing that his prostitute was his mistress?

You may want to read “While Europe Slept” before you discuss how “great” and “open” Europe is. It may open your eyes, if not your mind.

By Jim

March 14, 2008 7:19 AM | Link to this

Spitzer’s main crime was hypocrisy, something Americans still recognize and have a distaste for. He also placed himself, the top public official in a major state, in the position of falling under the influence of organized crime. The same would have been true if he had had a gambling or drug habit. So it wasn’t so much that it was prostitution that brought him down — it was his violation of the public’s trust.

By will

March 14, 2008 7:20 AM | Link to this

If only Spitzer had found something else to do, like torturing people, or spying on citizens, or using mercenaries to do his dirty work…or maybe he could have invaded a soverign country, using lies and deceit to get thousands of Americans killed, and tens of thousands maimed and tens of thousands more innocent women and children killed, or perhaps he could have disgraced the honor of millions of veterans who gave it all to live in a democracy, by continually wiping his bottom with the Constitution, but no, he chose the greater sin.

By GaLiberal

March 14, 2008 7:28 AM | Link to this

techwreck said: You may want to read “While Europe Slept”

I checked out this title and it received many NEGATIVE reviews. One well-respected reviewer said “I have never been more embarrassed by a choice than I have been with Bruce Bawer’s ‘While Europe Slept,’ It’s hyperventilated rhetoric tips from actual critique into Islamophobia.” Another said that is was “racism as criticism.” So, no thanks techwreck. I don’t need to read about white Christian supremists and the KKK to know what they are about. They are about hate and intolerance. If I demonstrated my ignorance, then you have demonstrated your bigoty and racism. I’ll bet you have ‘White Power’ posters all over at cardboard box you call home.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And techwreck is living proof.

By dave

March 14, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

It’s JUST sex. Who cares? It’s a topic that should ONLY matter between he and his wife. Prostitution will ALWAYS be around. men will ALWAYS supply a demand, so women will ALWAYS be a supply to that demand.

Sleeping with a prostitute has NOTHIN do do with how one runs a business or does his or her job. If you choose not to hire one. Don’t. There is NOTHING anyone can do to make prostitution go away. It will always be around..as long as there are men that get married to “sexless” wives. Marriage in itself is also a religious entity that’s slowly eroding from our society. Staying with only one sex partner for life goes against our biological make up with regards to a human’s reproduction.

Enough with the: sex only in marriage, no gay sex (i’m straight), no prostitution (unless sex slaves are involved…as slavery is BAD in any form…inlcuding the hundreds of years you kept it legal in the south while many “masta’s” raped their black “commodities”…including and very often small children)… Stop policing what others do in the bedroom, as is should never been of anyone’s business other then those that are having the relationships.

Stop worrying about something that is normal and natural: sex.

War is bad, sex feels good…do it!

By Charles

March 14, 2008 7:44 AM | Link to this

Yeah, breaking the laws you are sworn to uphold makes you a “victim”. I guess this Liberal law “professor” couldn’t hack it in the real world. It never ceases to amaze me the nonsense that comes from our schools these days. It’s no wonder so many are home schooling these days.

By Copyleft

March 14, 2008 7:51 AM | Link to this

Sex is simply not a crime. Spitzer is guilty of hypocrisy and lying, but his hiring of a call girl was simply not an “outrage,” as many uptight sex-obsessed losers like to claim.

We could stand to be a LOT more like Denmark and other nations, that focus on actual legal and political issues with their officials… not who’s keeping a mistress or getting a quickie in a restroom. (There, I covered both Democrats AND Republicans with that one. Happy?)

By Copyleft

March 14, 2008 7:56 AM | Link to this

Charles, the point he’s making is that some laws are not needed. Surely a conservative would agree we have too many laws, right?

By rdhood

March 14, 2008 8:00 AM | Link to this

Prostitution ought to be perfectly legal. Whatever two consenting adults do between each other is their business. This was a victimless crime. HOWEVER: Spitzer ruthlessly and mercilessly prosecuted people for doing the very things that he did. There is only one thing worse than a hypocrite… its a hypocrite with a badge or prosecutory power. This isnt about “American puritanism”, this is about American revenge on a guy who cheats on his wife and and thinks that he is above the law.

By GaLiberal

March 14, 2008 8:01 AM | Link to this

Charles said: I guess this Liberal law “professor” couldn’t’t hack it in the real world.

Well, Chucky, I guess Larry Craig couldn’t hack it either. Nor could the many other conservative Rethuglicons that kept a mistress or hired an ‘escort.’ Eliot Spitzer suffered from the most frail of all human frailties. So just keep bashing away with that club of smug moral superiority. Eventually, you will hit one of your own.

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And Charles is living proof.

By Charley van Rotterdam

March 14, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

As an Aussie I’m very much glad that we were colonised by convicts rather than by a bunch of Puritans like America. We tend to see things in shades of grey rather than absolutes of black and white.

For us here the issue is not so much that Spitzer went a’whoring (Nussbaum is right when she says that’s between him and his Mrs) but that he dragged his wife along to the press conference. We see it as his shame not hers. What is it with American women and this ‘stand by your man’ crap in these sort of situations? A decent Aussie wife would have sent him to the Press with a black eye and a few essential bits missing. And when he gets home the door should be bolted and his dinner in the dog.

For us the reason Spitzer has to go is because as AG or Public Prosecutor he prosecuted (from what we’ve read here)not on the basis of the law but on so-called high personal moral principle. Here he has shown himself to be an absolute moral hypocrite and right t** and for that he needs to be pilloried right out of his job. This is where Nussbaum is wrong.

By dave

March 14, 2008 8:05 AM | Link to this

Copyleft, see…now you’ll upset all the right wing repulsivicans that like to chant that the USA is the GREATEST country on the planet. The funny thing is, that most of them have never even BEEN OUSIDE of the USA. Just by calling yourself the greatest, does not in fact mean you are. We are not the “only free nation” on earth. Don’t forget to look in your rear view mirror folks…if you blink, the next SUPER POWER soon to be the ONLY super power due to our massive debt…is CHINA. I wonder if they too call themselves the greatest nation on earth…?

None of these clowns chanting over here would know…because they’ve never BEEN there.

Oh well… Time to go find me a prostitute while my wofe works long hours at the abortion clinic today!…

By FredMertz

March 14, 2008 8:40 AM | Link to this

Let’s not muddy this up by focusing on the sex issue or Europe’s opinion of us. Keep it simple. Do we as a people honor our contracts and our promises. When we promise fidelity to another, do we violate that? Does it matter whether it is a oath of fidelity to a wife or to the public that entrusted you with the responsibility of upholding our laws? Do we do what we say or do we change the rules as we go? Do we hold our celebrities to the same standard as our politicians? Do we hold ourselves to the same standards as we hold others? Does this matter? It used to.

By Just Nasty and Mean

March 14, 2008 8:43 AM | Link to this

Somebody say it! SAY IT! DEMOCRATIC Governor Spitzer

Thank you!

Compare this one-sided coverage some veiled text messages to pages by that helped turn the election, and some weirdo who did some whacko feet shuffling in a bathroom.

The media made damn sure everybody knew they were republicans.

By dave

March 14, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

you’re right Just NAsty…the media has not “touched” on this subject in the least…ha ha ha!!

the “liberal” media huh?

let me ask… if FAUX news is the number 1 news show and Rush Fatso is the number one talk radio host…how is it that you people continue to STILL talk about the liberal “dominated” media…. FAUX and Fatso have been number one for so many years that do you even REALIZE the lies you continue to spin (oh…i guess since THEY tell you it over and over it’s true…just like the WMD’s were really there)!!

he had sex…with another woman..it has NOTHING to do with any oath he took in NY state…only a promise he made and broke to his wife… just like Newt, Lvingston, Craig, Vitter…and my FAVORITE talibangelical: Ted Haggard!

By Anyone But Hillary

March 14, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

When you vote Democrap, you vote against your own best interests. And GaLiberal is living proof. (Or is it GayLiberal?)

By Steve

March 14, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

One wonders if any of the posters here defaming Europe have ever even BEEN to Europe?

Likely, not.

The problem is with our laws. Prostitution is the oldest trade. Legalize it. And let’s deal with real issues, like why we are paying $4 for gas, our economy is in the toilet, we’re spending three TRILLION of our tax dollars on failed/un-necessary war in Iraq.

But no, some Democrat has sex with another woman, and IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD!!!!!!

By sane jane

March 14, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this

Thank you, Jim @ 7:19, for your intelligent point. Most other posters seem more interested in demonizing “rethuglicons” or “democraps” than discussing the actual issue.

Putting opinions aside, the fact remains that Spitzer was enriching a criminal enterprise. Prostitution rings are usually tied to organized crime & this leaves the Gov exposed to blackmail, extortion & who knows what else.

Prior to this, I thought Spitzer was as pretty sharp guy. I like how he went after Wall Street crooks. But the fact remains that this escapade left him compromised.

Copyleft (and I should agree with you - I’m a copywriter by trade, lefthanded & politically liberal), you’re missing the point if you don’t see how this act left Spitzer exposed to manipulation. If/when the Mafia caught wind of the Gov’s dalliances, they would have squeezed him until he was wrung dry. Thank goodness this came out before he could be blackmailed into doing anything else…

By Steve

March 14, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

Yes, based on our current PURITANICAL laws, Spitzer did what men do (spread the seed) and was busted. Yes, per our laws he needs to resign. But if Prostitution were legalized and regulated (think TAXED!), then none of this would have mattered.

THAT, my friend, is why Europeans shake their heads in wonder at our sinking nation.

By Jan

March 14, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

I don’t think Spitzer’s downfall was extra-marital sex per se. That might have killed his marriage but wasn’t his political downfall.

I see his downfall as parading a self-righteous image that his self couldn’t hold up.

If you tell your kids not to lie and then they hear you on the phone saying that your husband isn’t home just because he doesn’t want to speak to the caller - where does that leave your truthful reputation with your kids?

Spitzer prosecuted folks for crimes that he, himself was committing.

By Steve

March 14, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Just like Larry Craig legislated against gays when he was one himself.

Last I checked, Republicans Larry Craig and Senator Vitter (prostitute connection) are still in power.

I agree that Craig, Vitter, and Spitzer are all dealing with hypocricy here, but where’s the real hypocricy when the Dems have to resign yet the Republicans stay in power?

By Forrest

March 14, 2008 10:20 AM | Link to this

Europeans don’t understand a lot of things so I wouldn’t worry about it. For this comment to come from an American law professor is disturbing though. Does she even have any respect for the law? You have the governor of a state, and a former prosecutor to boot, violating the law, mulitiple times for 10 years and she thinks he was railroaded? Where do these people come from? He has no one to blame but himself.

By charlie boy

March 14, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

goooood morning / thank god prostitution is still a misdemeanor. mary magdalene and her single friends supported j. c.’s ministry. the catholic’s decicded on celibracy and that’s the reason it takes so long to choose a pope. can’t find anybody that hasn’t done what slick willie fired joycelyn for just mentioning it. you can always tell if the woman with a jewish man is his wife or not. if she is taller, she is his hooker. would you agree that prostitution is theraputic and maybe just what you been looking for. pure serotonin vs adrenalin.

By Joel K. Jones

March 14, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this

Eliott Spitzer was guilty of sin against God, his wife, and children. And people are saying that there is nothing wrong with what he has done. He is much worse than those whom Our Lord and Szvior, Jesus Christ, called hypocrits. They were only against the Gospel that Christ preached to them, and were not capable of realizing that He was the Eternal God son.

By Brian

March 14, 2008 10:56 AM | Link to this

Wow! I feel bad for people that don’t have an issue with what Spitzer did.

By Steve

March 14, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

So, Joel, is George Bush guilty of the sin of the murder (yes, the good Bible states “thou shall not kill”) of 100s of thousands of innocents in Iraq? Is George Bush guilty of the sin of greed, as this invasion was based purely on lies, greed, and Halliburton profit?

Think about that one for a minute, if you can.

By Dan Leonard

March 14, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

I strongly disagree with Nussbaum on so many fronts but let’s start with “one of the nation’s most promising politicians”. I would take strong opposition to this statement. Eliot Spitzer “was” a very relentless prosecutor having built a reputation as taking on organized crime and Wall Street by matching fire against fire. His tactics were often critized but as a state prosecutor he got results. One of which was garnering enough support along with borrowing several million dollars from his wealthy Dad in order to successfully win the governorship of New York. In this position he learned quickly that his often ruthless tactics were rewarding him with less support and vicious enemies. These well earned enemies along with his tragic character flaws would ultimately bring him down. It is always good when an arrogant, ruthless, demeaning and amoral politician is eliminated from public office. Now it is the responsibilitity of the people of New Your to elect someone with a results oriented track record that will act in a more collaborative manner.

By gdd30

March 14, 2008 11:08 AM | Link to this

What would you expect from a typical, liberal college professor? Professors would be doing their job if they weren’t hell bent on ruining America with a variety of agendas. In a nut shell, Europe has plenty of issues and should not be considered a role model. There is reasonable basis for expecting Spitzer to resign and potentially face criminal charges. TBD is the money spent; was it taxpayers money that financed is play time? If so, even more scrutiny is appropriate.

By sane jane

March 14, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

One of the reasons religious folk often get labeled as “wackos” is their inability to distinguish between “sins” (their religious opinions) and “crimes” (laws governing the US).

Joel K Jones’ post above kind of freaks me out in that regard. Spitzer is jewish & probably doesn’t care what your religion thinks of him.

(in the same way that you probably on’t care if Muslims find your behavior immoral)

Focus on the laws that govern us all, not the superstitions that govern your life…

By Ted P

March 14, 2008 11:14 AM | Link to this

The American puritan attitude is a joke. Prostitution has been here since before religion, same with drugs. The problem comes from jailing people who do these things, that accounts for about 70% of people. How stupid. Make both legal and tax the heck out of them. We could be, as a nation, debt free in 4 years.

By Michael

March 14, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

He broke the law. Pure and Simple

By gd

March 14, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Anyone notice the news media worked hard to not identify Spitzer as a Democrat yet every time a Republican is caught doing something that merits public scrutiny, the name is ALWAYS associated with the political party? Why are the dems afforded such protection? We know the answer.

By Steve

March 14, 2008 11:16 AM | Link to this

Again, you people are missing the point here. Of course what Spitzer did, within the confines of our current legal system, was plainly wrong, and he should resign.

So should Vitter and Larry Craig. They all broke the laws (note: Craig/Vitter are still serving office).

The point is that prostitution should be legalized. Period. We are wasting way too much time on people having sex, organized crime has taken over that industry, and yes, men will have sex outside of marriage. It happens ALL THE TIME. It’s not going to change.

That is what I believe it the point of this whole thread, and of the professor in Belgium.

By sane jane

March 14, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

gd: that may simply be your impression.

But if Dems are so protected, why is Spitzer resigning yet Larry Craig is still in office?

By sane jane

March 14, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this

Also, remember when Fox News incorrectly identified Mark Foley as “D-Florida” on their broadcast when his scandal broke?

That, friends, is “protection” (just a “mistake”, I’m sure… whereas nebulous “liberal media bias” is no doubt a conspiracy…)

By Copyleft

March 14, 2008 11:36 AM | Link to this

Steve and sara jane are trying to inject some sanity into a discussion about Sex… which may be a hopeless cause in the U.S.

By sane jane

March 14, 2008 11:47 AM | Link to this

Conservatives like to gripe about liberals’ “moral relativism”… but then they advocate “smaller government” while trying to outlaw anything that might offend their religious sensibilities (same sex marriage, abortion, etc).

Can government get any bigger when it tells its citizens what they can & can’t do with their bodies?

By sane jane

March 14, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

I sorta thought Nussbaum’s worries over the USA’s “puritanical views” about sex was overblown… until I started reading some of these posts. Yikes.

By sane jane

March 14, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

By the way, how many here actually took the time to read Nussbaum’s op-ed?

I just did, and her entire position seems to be to support legalizing prostitution.

I would have no beef with this position, but it might be considered a little more heartfelt if she had expressed it so vehemently PRIOR to Spitzer’s scandal.

What otherwise might have been a sensible, modern take on the merits of prostitution now simply looks like a position taken based on political expediency.

Too bad. It might have been a worthwhile conversation… if anybody had cared to voice it PRIOR to this scandal.

By Steve

March 14, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

What is so comical about we Americans is that we are so hyper sensationlized on the WRONG issues.

SEX is Sinful! (yet it’s everywhere in our culture and we all secretly deviate with sexual morals).

Here in Georgia, we pray for rain, yet we let our Southern Baptist Governor allow for unbridled growth (see - making money).

Here in Georgia we sneer at elitist, educated liberals yet our Republican state Congress is sinking the state.

What, no liquor sales on Sunday? Yes, that is the news of the day in Georgia.

By Noelle

March 14, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Wow, there certainly are a lot of irrational people around here.

Whether you personally think prostitution and soliciation for prostitution should be illegal or not is NOT RELEVANT. The fact is that they ARE illegal — and Spitzer was elected based on his campaign to prosecute all of those involved in prostitution in New York. Why shouldn’t he himself face prosecution for breaking those exact same laws?

Even setting aside the solicitation, he broke multiple other laws to facilitate his efforts to hire prostitutes. He is nobody’s victim. He made his choices and has to live with them.

Just for the record, I’m a left-leaning moderate who thinks hypocrites are among the lowest forms of humanity (and that far too many of them get elected to public office).

By Knot Getinany

March 14, 2008 12:36 PM | Link to this

Adults should be able to purchase sex legally from adults willing to sell it.

By blah, blah, blah

March 14, 2008 12:53 PM | Link to this

It has nothing to do with being Democrat or Republican it has everything to do with him publically opposing and speaking out against prostitution while publically being burrowed up to his crotch in it! Most media agencies are so disgustingly biased and sensationalism oriented, you can’t get decent reporting anyway….

By Time for an Overhaul

March 14, 2008 12:58 PM | Link to this

Thank you Noelle for hitting the nail on the head. It has nothing to do with which party except in the media frenzy. Spitzer was stood on his political, public platform in opposition to prostitution…..he was caught with his pants down and is guilty as sin. Prostitution is still illegal, period.

By Time for an Overhaul

March 14, 2008 12:59 PM | Link to this

Thank you Noelle for hitting the nail on the head. It has nothing to do with which party except in the media frenzy. Spitzer stood on his political, public platform in opposition to prostitution…..he was caught with his pants down and is guilty as sin. Prostitution is still illegal, period.

By Time for an Overhaul

March 14, 2008 1:15 PM | Link to this

Thank you Noelle for hitting the nail on the head. It has nothing to do with which party except in the media frenzy. Spitzer stood on his political, public platform in opposition to prostitution…..he was caught with his pants down and is guilty as sin. Prostitution is still illegal, period.

By al

March 14, 2008 1:43 PM | Link to this

Noelle says that hypocrites are the lowest form of humanity. Have you, Noelle, ever said something and did the opposite, never? Really? I suspect you must hate yourself alot. The point is that we are ALL hypocrites. And yes that includes Christian conservatives, Puritans, the ministers who preach to us, etc. But what better place for hypocrites to be in but churches where we can be reminded of our failings in the eyes of God. That is why I believe Europeans and like minded moral relatavists disdain Christianity. Because it is human nature to deny our faults and look inward at our past failings. Whether our past mistakes include abortion, infidelity, drug use, theft etc the secular/”liberal” mind find excuses such as “well it’s a disease process” or “it’s a matter of personal choice and freedom” or “it’s because of his poor upbringing” to make ourselves feel better and absolve ourselves from guilt. This type of thought process has already destroyed Europe and we have begun sliding down that path here in the US. And yes, Spitzer will get his just dues in our society, but in my mind, he most definitely has the opportunity for redemption. But the only 2 beings who will EVER know his sincerety is himself and the Lord. Yes, Noelle, we are ALL hypocrites, and you are surely included

By Hugh

March 14, 2008 1:46 PM | Link to this

Is she for real? Ms Nussbaum really beleives he is gifted and dedicated. Then why didn’t he use his talents instead of bullying, leading instead of intimidation. She totally misses what Mr. Spitzer was all about. Now, what she speaks out about, she and her European friends, is our backwards prostitutions laws are. She makes a case that if it is a bad law, just ignore it. Wrong… bad law, change it. Mr. Spitzer certainly did not think it was a bad law. He prosecuted it. The kind of logic Ms Nussbaum showed is shocking shallow. First she hero worshps a hypocrite, then she suggest if you don’t like a bad law, so what!… And she is a professor of law and ethics, maybe she should be a student .

By Bandit Dawg

March 14, 2008 2:08 PM | Link to this

On most social issues, if the euroweenies are “fer it” then I’m “agin it”.

Come on, Spitzer was a bully and used his power to persecute people just because he could. I am not rejoicing in the fact that he and his family are going through hell, but some of his victims sure are.

By dave

March 14, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

Regardless of what his “OWN” position or values were on prostitution when he was Attorney General, he had a job which required him to prosecute according to the “law” of the land. It was not up to him as to which crimes he would prosecute and which he would throw in the trash.

It’s the very same thing as you repulivicans saying that some “activist” judges make laws from the bench. No, they follow the rule of law, regardless of whether you yourself like that law. If you don’t, that is not the question.

Just because he slept with a prostitute does not mean he was doing his job as gov. of NY.

WHich was worse…Sonny having a law changed to benefit himself personally, or one who paid someone for sex? To me…eithically…what Sonny did…was far far worse…

He had the power to “not sign” into law…something that would benefit himself personally….or like judges do…he could have rid himself of his property first (or if it was stock holdings…etc.). To me…Sonny’s act was far more criminal then one who paid an adult for sex. Sex is not wrong. Sex is good. Cheating for profit…is BAD!

By dave

March 14, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

EDIT (from my last comment)… i meant: just because he slept with a prostitute does NOT mean he was NOT doing his job as gov. or NY.

let me ask… what do you think the percentage of senators and congressmen are that sleep with prostitutes while away from their wives? I’d say somewhere around 50% of them in the very least…but hey…that’s just me. Let’s ask Mr. Vitter…that GOOD god fearing Baptist he is. Seems there are w******* is several states that claim to have earned his cash… yes that make believe story book character…he works in wonderous ways alright. Ted Haggard for President! (Just remember….he didn’t USE the meth while he was with the gay escort…he just wanted to buy it so nobody else could…what a good good christian he is)!!!

By Geez

March 14, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this

Dave - Bingo in that most politicians are hypocrites, liars, crooks, cheats (on many fronts), talk out of both sides of their mouths. Say one thing and do another…both parties! There are some good ones out there, but they unfortunately are few and far between.

By Blind Homer

March 14, 2008 3:24 PM | Link to this

You might have just a little too strong of a laissez-faire bias if you think the Wall street types Spitzer went after were all lily-white honest businessmen. Have you forgotten the poor victimized employees of Enron so soon? You do have some weird, convulted ethical schema if you think lying and stealing millions is fine, but prostitution is some heinous crime. Why don’t you laissez-faire types also think the government should stop interferring in the business of prostitution?

By dave

March 14, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this

Hey Geez…let’s not even begin to talk about Haliburtion along with KBR and the BILLIONS of our tax dollars reaped upon them…ethically, one might say that they would ask the former company they were CEO of to step aside and not take any contracts…but nah. Too much to ask… Let’s not forget about giving HUGE tax breaks to your oil company hunting buddies so they can continue to make record profits quarter after quater while the middle class gets poorer and poorer due to ever increasing amounts of their paychecks going to pay for those record profits every time we fill our tanks… But sleep with an adult woman for money?! How DARE he!!! ;-)

By Time for an Overhaul

March 14, 2008 3:50 PM | Link to this

Government needs to stay out of trying to legislate morality. It has been and always will be a losing proposition. Whether it is the war on drugs, prositution, gambling…it can’t be won. Our government (both sides of the aisle) continues to do the same thing year end and year out and expect a different outcome?

Trying to police morality is a tremendous waste of taxpayer money and changes nothing. Creating this underground market and subsequent economy only lines the pockets of the owners/backers of these enterprises and those of the corrupt officials who say one thing and do another.

By Noelle

March 14, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

al, making mistakes (as we all do) is not hypocrisy; it’s basic human imperfection. I certainly don’t hate myself for being imperfect.

The difference between being imperfect and being a hypocrite is simple: doing something wrong, versus doing something wrong while condeming others for doing the same thing. That’s exactly what Spitzer did.

Students of political history will note that, when Bill Clinton was under fire in the Lewinsky investigation, Newt Gingrich mostly kept his mouth shut. Why? Because, as we later turned, it turns out Gingrich was having an affair at the same time. His actions were still wrong, of course, but he wasn’t a hypocrite (not about that, anyway).

By KY

March 14, 2008 5:01 PM | Link to this

The Europeans may not be correctly understanding what is happening to Spitzer over here, but before we completely dismiss them, don’t forget that we are falling way behind them in terms of wealth. Some of you like to think that Europe is on the decline, but have you looked at the dollar versus the Euro lately?? At least they have their fiscal house in order while we are spending ourselves into oblivion.

By ARB

March 14, 2008 6:44 PM | Link to this

Right on. I am thankful someone has spoken so eloquently and accurately as to provoke such a negative reaction. Sex is not an issue to base our entire moral fiber. The frenzy with Spitzer has been that he was part of a prostitution ring moreso than his lack of moral fiber and commitment to his wife and family. What hypocrisy!
I find it amusing and sad that so many moralistic and insular individuals without an original thought have provided commentary rejecting this well thought out article. If they were truly educated they would see the point presented by the writer. Legalizing prostitution and other assumed vices does not automatically spell the decay of society. Protecting the health and prosperty of our citenzenry should be paramount of an open society. In declaring a holy war on other believers, our “president” has promoted the slaughter of innocent people on moralistic grounds. That is truly indicative of the decay of US society. Somewhere I recall the golden rule of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Where is that principal practiced in today’s society?

By ARB

March 14, 2008 6:45 PM | Link to this

Right on. I am thankful someone has spoken so eloquently and accurately as to provoke such a negative reaction. Sex is not an issue to base our entire moral fiber. The frenzy with Spitzer has been that he was part of a prostitution ring moreso than his lack of moral fiber and commitment to his wife and family. What hypocrisy!
I find it amusing and sad that so many moralistic and insular individuals without an original thought have provided commentary rejecting this well thought out article. If they were truly educated they would see the point presented by the writer. Legalizing prostitution and other assumed vices does not automatically spell the decay of society. Protecting the health and prosperty of our citenzenry should be paramount of an open society. In declaring a holy war on other believers, our “president” has promoted the slaughter of innocent people on moralistic grounds. That is truly indicative of the decay of US society. Somewhere I recall the golden rule of “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Where is that principal practiced in today’s society?

By Foobs

March 14, 2008 7:39 PM | Link to this

Come on, people! He was just working undercover(s). How do you think he took down all those prostitution rings in the past? He was just doing his job…

By Foobs

March 14, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

I could argue either side. What he did was wrong, but I think it’s more private, between him and his wife. But then again, what he did was against the law where he did it. What if he went to Las Vegas and did this? Would it be the same? We all know that there are many more wrinkly old politicians doing the same thing, and they just haven’t gotten caught. Or they weren’t smart enough to take their business to Las Vegas. You’d think he’d be smart enough to do it where it’s legal. Or am I wrong? Is prostitution not legal in Las Vegas? I’ve never really checked on it.

By Foobs

March 14, 2008 7:49 PM | Link to this

Update, taking money for sex is legal in RI, but you can’t solicit. Brothels and prostitution is only legal in Nevada in counties with fewer than 400K people, which excludes Las Vegas and Reno.

By redneck southerner

March 14, 2008 8:30 PM | Link to this

Hey ARB, what “assumed vices” are you referring to? Should we legalize bigamy, beastiality, sex with minors, and incest because they are assumed vices? By your logic, so long as we can make it safe, you nor anyone else has the moral authority to pass judgement on those practices. I’m with Al, the Muslims hate the West precisely because of the degenerate behaviors the Europeans have deemed acceptable in the name of “tolerance” and “diversity”. Oh and earth to ARB, why do you think another attack has not occured in our homeland. Because our brave president had the vision to take the war to their backyard and keep them busy there. This is a WAR!!! You imbeciles, don’t you realize that just as 9/11 is our Pearl Harbor, Iraq is our Guadalcanal. We have lost many brave men as they protect our great nation. Far better that it be there than L.A.(although on second thought, that might not be such a bad idea and let the Code Pinkos be forced to wear burkas). Look at Euroweasels, their weak-kneed policy of letting the Muslims invade their historic culture has only led to attacks in London, Madrid, Italy. It seems that Billary or Hussein Obama will be our next pres. Just remember this blog when our military gets whittled away just as it was under Bill and a “dirty bomb” goes off in San Francisco(again not necessarily a bad thing).

By Dana

March 14, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this

You reep what you sow.. The higher you put yourself on a pedistal the harder you fall. This guy was a hypocrital POS. Had he not held himself out to be the moral compass it would not have had such impact. I can tell by some of these post people have no idea who he was and how he got to be Gov of NY. Do some research people. It would have been and even LOUDER BOOM had he been a Republican….

By lucky

March 14, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Another Liberal Jew trying to mollify and cover for a Liberal Jew loser who could not control his animal urges to denigrate a gentile hooker.

By RAD

March 14, 2008 8:56 PM | Link to this

Steve did they really give you a GED? Larry Craig plead quilty to his crime in court. Spitzer will have his day in court and let me tell you when the mud settles on this his crime will not be “his hookers” it is how he was paying for them and who he was involed with. Everyone in the Republican party has tried to get Larry Craig to resign but there is nothing that says he has to for what he did. Spitzer did not have to resign, and I am sure that he tried everything in his power not to. You really need to go back and look at Spitzer DA history and how he got elected to Gov with 70% of the vote. But I know that is far above your intellect, you would rather just spew hate filled name calling ignorant nonsense. Steve the more you post the dumbere you sound, and with all your talk of Larry makes one think you have a wide stance too.

By GaLiberal

March 14, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

By lucky March 14, 2008 8:54 PM | Link to this

Another Liberal Jew trying to mollify and cover for a Liberal Jew loser who could not control his animal urges to denigrate a gentile hooker.

Hey Lucky, can you say anti-Semite? One of the most hate-filled and outright bigoted posts I’ve read by one of the conservative Rethuglicon. Finally showing your true colors. Read ‘Mein Kempf’ lately? Have a picture of Adolph over your bed flanked with your Nazi and Rebel flags? I’ll bet you and techwreck get together and swap Jew and black jokes. You poor pitiful excuse for an American. Isn’t everyone so glad that they voted for intolerance and ignorance in 2004?

When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests. And Lucky is living proof.

By Bionic Blonde

March 15, 2008 8:28 AM | Link to this

Yes, she is right, very right about sex being so disturbing that it trumps all other “bad” behaviors that people do—including a morally bankrupt (but sexually faithful—unless we discover something hidden later) president.

By Rick in Warner Robins

March 15, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

It’s obvious many of you here have not read or watch news reports on this issue…you’re totally oblivious to all the laws broken and reasons why this is an issue. A liberal got caught and now the far left is, as they did Bill Clinton, trying to make excuses for his illegal behavior. Regardless of party, the man broke the trust of his wife and his constituents and will probably end up in prison for laws broken. Good riddance.

By Rick in Warner Robins

March 15, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

It’s obvious many of you here have not read or watch news reports on this issue…you’re totally oblivious to all the laws broken and reasons why this is an issue. A liberal got caught and now the far left is, as they did Bill Clinton, trying to make excuses for his illegal behavior. Regardless of party, the man broke the trust of his wife and his constituents and will probably end up in prison for laws broken. Good riddance.

By ghost of joe smith

March 15, 2008 9:23 AM | Link to this

good morning/ don’t forget jewish men wrote the novel called the bible and for that reason came up with the heavenly FATHER idea. wait untill we find out god really is a woman. mary magdalene and her girls were taking care of j.c. and his friends. very much like it is now. remember you can always tell if the woman with a jewish man is his wife. if she is taller than he is, it’s his hooker. mary was 5’10. things were going great until the missionaries showed up. very few jewish men are in jail because prostitution is still a misdemeanor. prostitution can be theraputic. pure serotonin.

By Peaches

March 15, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

According to GA Liberal, if you vote Democratic you vote to legalize prostitution.
Note to Hillary and Barrack…be sure you put that plank in the platform…it’s a winner.

By GaConservative

March 15, 2008 10:02 AM | Link to this

GaLiberal says: “When you vote Rethuglicon, you vote against your own best interests”

How many times do you have to post this? Don’t you have anything original to say? Or did you find this in a fortune cookie? Try some original thinking but that might be too much to ask of your pea-sized goverment schooled brain

By ill bred

March 15, 2008 11:49 AM | Link to this

Dupre is such a beautiful young woman, and she can really sing!

Read Mrs. Spitzer’s face. There’s a whole lot there about life. She’s the best thing to emerge on the national scene since 911. The resolve on that woman’s face is truly inspiring.

By john

March 15, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

He is suppose to uphold the law and help enforce it. He broke the US and NY law, worse he committed adultery and broke one of the ten commandments on purpose, many times. If God and his wife can’t trust him, why should we.

By joebrave

March 15, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

There isn’t anything wrong with a little strange,The man only got Himself a little poontang,Great Scott if you conservative this is my snatch B1tches would put out a little more We men would’nt have to stray!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

By JMM

March 15, 2008 8:12 PM | Link to this

We can argue all day long about whether prostitution should be legal. But it’s not. And until such time, the elected officials have an obligation to obey the law, just as any other citizen does.

That being said, though, he was wrong to resign. The people of New York elected him and the people of New York have recall power to reverse that election. He should have served the people of New York, to the best of his ability — flaws and all, until such time that they recall him.

By Scott Gilbert

March 16, 2008 3:23 AM | Link to this

There is only one thing to say. Thank G-D I live in the United States.

By joebrave

March 16, 2008 3:52 AM | Link to this

If Bill Clinton was morally Bankrupt,Then by all means let;s put that Hohoppin s.o.b. back in the White House,at least it’s better than A GODAMN MUSLIM!!!!

By Larry G62

March 16, 2008 8:52 AM | Link to this

No she’s not right. She sounds like an idiot. If it’s puritanical to have principles, then we need a lot more puritans in this country. Spitzer spent a career preying on and destroying thse he didn’t like. He made himself out to be a highly principled idividual who hated those he thought to be evil. Turns out he is just another dishonest hypocrite. Deceiving his family and breaking the law. I hope he goes to jail. As for the “European” view, they can have it. Most of the countries there are basket cases economically and socially. They aren’t good examples of anything.

By workinDawg

March 16, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

Its not about sex. Spitzer made a career of overplaying his had and creating enemies for the sake of creating enemies. There are no shortage of folks who are lined up to kick dirt on his grave. He made his bed.

While he was paying $4K a pop to have sex with a 21 year old he was trying to get a 1 year prison sentence for “John’s”- wouldn’t that be funny if he were in jail for breaking his own law. Good Riddance Elliot, you deserve it.

By DocT

March 16, 2008 10:19 AM | Link to this

As far as I know, no charges have been filed against Spitzer for his involvement in prostitution. It appears that the wire taps etc…where regarding the transferring of money which caught the eye of law enforcement and the IRS…Additionally, why did no one object to the statement regarding Hitler being faithful to his wife? He married Eva Braun the night before they committed suicide…any researcher studying Hitler’s life and background knows how utterly ridiculous such a statement is.

By donald

March 16, 2008 11:06 AM | Link to this

Frankly, this had nothing to do with America’s so-called “puritan view” of sex. What you have is a person with tremendous moral failings pawning himself off as a moral crusader for the public good while in reality he was the exact opposite. Even now Spritzer is attempting to expunge himself from some of the laws he pushed through, trying to cut a deal to save his skin. I could care less if call girls are his thing. What I do care about is the he goes to jail for what he did because he was the catalyst for enacting laws he felt the rest of us should abide by for the public good!

By Only Me

March 16, 2008 12:14 PM | Link to this

Why does this shock anyone. Politicians are all corrupt. They sit up there and take our money, do what they want and try to run our lives. They have already turned this country into a laughing stock. I say that instead of writing in this blog, we remember them on election day. Its time to wipe the slate clean and put politicians in office who are good for this United States. Maybe the Democrates and Replubications cant agree, but we voters sure can. Lower taxes, less government and to hell with all the social programs that allow people to live off the tax money. Its really time for change and until we voters make that change, quit complaining about the morals and values of elected officials.

By Prostitute

March 16, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

Christians are my best client’s, sometimes they confess their sins to me and I say who cares. Nobody’s perfect not even your invisible God. So lighten up, wear protection, and celebrate the human body for it is magnificent in form and design. The Greeks our my favorite. They have many Gods something for everyone. The most artistic, enlightened people to ever grace the earth. Plus they tip great.

By War is Fun

March 16, 2008 2:46 PM | Link to this

Sex is o.k., but war really is fun. We fat, white repubs. get to watch as our army destroys a nation and blows up the children of evil-doers from our collective lounge chairs. Our Prez/V.P. should be tried for crimes against humanity for he lied about the reasons for this war. So what some guy you never met got a hooker. Woop-de-doo.

By Mike

March 16, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Gee, the AJC never asked if Larry Craig was a “victim of Puritanical American”.

Oh wait! I remember. Craig is a Republican and Spitzer is a Democrat. Of course the AJC will treat them differently.

By redneck southerner

March 16, 2008 6:04 PM |