What makes the Anthony Weiner story somewhat unique and thus worth discussing for a moment is that, as Hendrik Hertzberg points out, the pretense of substantive relevance (which, lame though it was in prior scandals, was at least maintained) has been more or less brazenly dispensed with here. This isn’t a case of illegal sex activity or gross hypocrisy (i.e., David Vitter, Larry Craig, Mark Foley (who built their careers on Family Values) or Eliot Spitzer (who viciously prosecuted trivial prostitution cases)). There’s no lying under oath (Clinton) or allegedly illegal payments (Ensign, Edwards). From what is known, none of the women claim harassment and Weiner didn’t even have actual sex with any of them. This is just pure mucking around in the private, consensual, unquestionably legal private sexual affairs of someone for partisan gain, voyeuristic fun and the soothing fulfillment of judgmental condemnation. And in that regard, it sets a new standard: the private sexual activities of public figures — down to the most intimate details — are now inherently newsworthy, without the need for any pretense of other relevance.
I’d really like to know how many journalists, pundits and activist types clucking with righteous condemnation of Weiner would be comfortable having that standard applied to them. I strongly suspect the number is very small. Ever since the advent of Internet commerce, pornography — use of the Internet for sexual gratification, real or virtual — has has been, and continues to be, a huge business. Millions upon millions of people at some point do what Weiner did. I know that’s a shocking revelation that will cause many Good People to clutch their pearls in fragile Victorian horror, but it’s nonetheless true. It’s also true that marital infidelity is incredibly common.
Weiner was stupid–really stupid. However, what he did even if it included Congressional equipment is worth nothing more than a reprimand. He didn’t commit a crime–he may, may have violated a rule of Congress. This sort of hand wringing is much like what goes on when someone on the internets says a naughty word. Not surprisingly when you spend time with some of those villagers, profanity isn’t absent yet they are terribly offended by it when the public sees it. Weiner didn’t hire a prostitute or even involve diapers in his escapades. He didn’t solicit anonymous sex in a public bathroom. He was a cad. A rather cheesy one at that.
Currently we have a Senator who PAID for hookers. Paying for hookers is illegal. Yet, this site remains on on weiner-hunt.
PS – The arch is in Missouri. Everyone who comes here knows that. This is common knowledge. It makes the site appear idiotic. I’d go with Palm trees and igloos next time.
Do you read? Can you read?
As an anarchist, the answer to this one is easy. He’s out because he embarrassed the party, and the government as an institution. Everyone knows that politicians are a bunch of sleazes, but if the public is reminded of that too often they might take it heart! And then we might end this whole charade, and they’d have to get real jobs. Can’t have that.