[Mister Bent]

Perhaps it was always a mistake to ever believe that those in public office could be held to a higher standard. Even if we could somehow have this expectation, then to what, or whose values were we basing those standards - some Christian ideal of morality? I think that's allowed politicians to hide behind being "church going" for decades, when that has often been shown to be really only so much facade.

We acknowledge that public figures - whether they be politicians, actors, or royalty - are human and subject to human frailties. I think we are in an age in which we have little choice but to be more accepting of that truth. But then a new line needs to be drawn regarding what is acceptable behavior, and when it is time for someone to go. The problem for Anthony Weiner isn't merely his "cheating" and inappropriate contact with women - as misogynist, predatory, and just plain creepy as it was - but what it says about his judgment. I'm not so concerned about the "morals" of the thing, as I am his ability to recognize his own fucked up behavior - including the sexist, predatory nature of it. Further, a lot of his behavior, including the expired tags and inspection on his personal vehicle, speak to an "above it all" mentality. It is dangerous when politicians thing rules and laws are only made to govern the "people" and that they themselves are no longer of the people. This, to me, is the deep seated sickness within our political system.