Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-N.Y.) will resign today from his seat in Congress. In addition to the political pressure from his own party, Weiner had a couple of strong legal reasons to resign.
I have disagreed with those defending Weiner or opposing his resignation. I could care less about his bizarre fetish with exhibitionist acts. However, he engaged in a pattern of lies that included alleging criminal acts of hacking by others and attacking the media. He is further accused of harassing women with these pictures. I cannot understand the view that a member who showed such utter dishonesty and poor judgment should be forgiven because he is “good for the cause” or a loyal liberal. I agree with the double standard shown in the response of cases like Senator Vitter, but that does not relieve Democrats or liberals of their duty to hold their leaders accountable.
Weiner had two strong legal reasons for resigning. As mentioned in earlier posts, the greatest danger of criminal conduct is his alleged coaching women to lie if contacted by investigators. Yesterday, another woman stepped forward to say that she was pressured to lie by Weiner. Notably, the woman yesterday also said that her efforts to discuss political issues were met by responses from Weiner to get her to engage in sextexting. By resigning Weiner reduces (the admittedly low) chances for a criminal investigation.
Second, Weiner was likely to be investigated for this misconduct and there are risks of claims of false statements as well as the creation of new evidence that could be used against him. This includes possible civil litigation. It also includes possible investigation of Weiner for harassment of women who were contacting him to discuss his work as a congressman. It also includes incidents where Weiner could be charged with using official resources in engaging in this conduct.
By resigning, Weiner shuts down the main threat of investigation that he is facing. The result of that investigation would have likely made it difficult for him to secure a new position — or to come back later and run again as a “healed” individual. The new photos show that this was not a few racy shots but pictures taken from various locations, including the House gym and his office. It also includes claims by women that they tried to get Weiner to discuss his political work and views — not his body parts.
Source: Politico
Restated with more clarity: For an isolated incident it can be difficult to tell the difference between actual sociopathy and simple immaturity, desperation, or lying.
@Mike S: In Weiner’s case we have little evidence of his sociopathy and much evidence of sexual immaturity.
One of the things I have read in the last few days is that In 1985 Weiner did use race-baiting against a fellow Democrat in a primary, secretly, and then admitted he was behind it after winning the primary. But I think that may be a borderline case, it is hard to classify an isolated incident from immaturity, desperation, and simple lying from sociopathy. I think sociopathy requires a pattern of disregard for harm to others. Just because somebody cheats or lies does not make them a sociopath. (As I know you already know, I am just clarifying my position on that 1985 incident).
Copy, Cut and Pasted from another listserv……regarding amendments to various pieces of statues……
“As I suspected, this is partisan politics at its worst. I realize politics is synonymous with hypocrisy, but it is ridiculous that these Tea Party right wingers who profess their belief in limited government want to interfere so blatantly in the judicial process. Do they hate women, judges, lawyers, “OR ARE THEY CATERING TO THE MOUTH BREATHERS WHO SUPPORT THEM?””
Seems appropriate for here….
Blouise,
Apparently you haven’t met me…..
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/17/anthony-weiner-resigns-nancy-pelosi-photo_n_879017.html
Elaine,
Can’t argue that point … the man was born and raised in this culture and getting caught waving one’s penis around is professional suicide for any man who isn’t a porn star.
Blouise & Swarthmore mom,
“There will always be a Breitbart squatting on the political commode.”
To be sure, Breitbart is a sad excuse for a human being. That said, why provide the man with sleazy stories that are true? Weiner IS a pudding head (thanks, mespo) and was too dumb to realize or too reckless to care that his texting/tweeting would be discovered at some point.
SwM,
Pelosi was the point man on this one and I dismissed her early comments … not very astute on my part….
SwM,
There will always be a Breitbart squatting on the political commode.
Gyges,
I’ve been critical of Weiner because some of the women said they had texted/tweeted Weiner about politics and were surprised when he tried to turn conversations to a sexual nature and/or tweeted inappropriate pictures to them. One of those women was a college student. The blackjack dealer was another story.
**********
Speaking of double standards: I have to wonder how people and the media would have reacted had a female congresswoman done the same thing as Weiner. Imagine if a congresswoman had “sex-texted” and had tweeted photos of her bare chest and genital area to men.
blouise, I still blame Breitbart for setting him up just like they did ACORN. The dems folded both times. Breitbart is now more empowered than ever.
SwM,
Dennis is probably more concerned with bowel movements than sex …
I’m just trying to stay in vogue with the nation’s obsession with bodily fluids and functions.
“arguing about the flight readiness of the “Spruce Goose” after its maiden voyage”
Mespo,
that was a great airplane concept, whose time has passed due to environmental concerns.
“Pretty close. Treating others like objects to be used and discarded is a trait of sociopathy, and sociopathy is (unfortunately) a frequently successful strategy in both business and politics.”
Tony C.,
Bingo, as usual. In Weiner’s case we have little evidence of his sociopathy and much evidence of sexual immaturity. Your description of sociopathic outlook is correct and I very much agree. It’s interesting how few of the real sociopaths get caught and punished, while how many of the merely sexually immature suffer humiliation and disgrace.
To me in the end though is how disgusted this whole circus has made me, when I see so little of the criminality, misery, hopelessness, death and destruction are reported, while something of as minor a nature as this blares at us 24/7 for 3 weeks. There is an imbalance in values here that would be ironic, were it not so disgusting.
Mike Spindell,
Your post at 11:53 am was what we call hitting the nail on the head … wasn’t the timing just perfectly orchestrated to get rid of a non-conformist … beautifully done by his own party and the real story. Gotta clear the boards for 2012.
Kucinich is being redistricted next year. Kasich and the Ohio legislature have turned him into a goner unless he moves to the west coast. Good catholic boy Dennis has found time to get rid of two old wives and marry a woman young enough to be his granddaughter. I still like his politics but…………
Given recent events, I find arguing about the propriety of Weiner’s resignation for improprieties about as illuminating as arguing about the flight readiness of the “Spruce Goose” after its maiden voyage. The proof is firmly ensconced in the pudding — or, as in this case, in the pudding head.
“This double standard could not happen if it wasn’t with the collusion, no, active participation of the Democrats themselves. The President all but called for Weiner to resign but not for Rangle (nor anyone else caught in a scandal) to resign. That Weiner is a strong progressive voice is also a factor in these bi-partisan calls for his resignation. Neither party wants strong, popular progressives around.”
LK,
This is completely accurate and is an indictment of the Democratic Leadership and the President. What America needs are strong statements from Democratic Party leaders denouncing the attempt to complete the takeover of the Corporatists, ongoing destruction of our constitution and the demolishing of a social safety net.. Weiner was one of those strong voices of opposition and thus had to be silenced
“What bothers me is that he was given the bum’s rush out of office by people he didn’t work for or represent.”
“What I come away with overall from this whole sordid fiasco is that Americans are incredibly juvenile about sexuality…”
Culheath,
We said and perfectly on point.
“The Justices found themselves arguing fiercely over whether or not any individual, even a congressman, has the right to be really horny and kinky, and possibly unfaithful, and possibly creepy, without it being the business of reporters and bloggers and other assorted media vermin…”
Elaine,
I don’t ever think you can go wrong quoting Taibbi.