So, this is what we’ve come to.
The new governor of New York just aired his personal and somewhat dirty laundry for the public in an effort to head of any future scandal. As is common these days, his wife was by his side. But as isn’t too common these days, she admitted to her failings in their marriage. Affairs on both sides and really, it’s all a little over the top for my taste.
I have had enough. I honestly don’t care whether Mr. Paterson and his wife fell off the monogomay wagon like so many other couples. It makes me uncomfortable that they feel his unexpected position of power necessitates such a confession. I understand their thought process bur it’s the voracious appetite Americans have for the sordid bits that makes me wince. I would prefer the Paterson’s, et.al., keep it to themselves. Furthermore, I believe it is their right to do so; their state of matrimony and what they’ve survived to maintain it is nobody’s fucking business.
I do think the actions of characters like Eliot Spitzer and Larry Craig (there are many more) are deserving of public scrutiny. Spitzer because he railed against prostitution while also paying for prostitutes; Craig for actively working to enact the Don’t-Ask-Don’t-Tell policy of the US military and then having sex with men. The hypocrisy is astounding and their actions—specifically Craig’s—have a profound impact on larger society. It’s telling, however, that we hold our elected officials to some supra-human, prudish mirage of a standard when it comes to sex, but we’re okey-dokey with a president who not only lies, cheats and steals but who has a complicated track record of these habits preceding his ascendence to the throne.
Whether public officials cheat on their wives—and, in this case, their wives cheat on them—pre-public office, qualifies as TMI in my book. Please. Just shut it and do your jobs.
8 responses so far ↓
1 san // Mar 18, 2008 at 1:21 pm
I couldn’t agree with you more.
It’s kind of sick how people [as in the public] take pleasure in finding out about “public figures’ ” dirty or infidel secrets.
It’s also bewildering how people associate infidelity in a person’s private life with “infidelity” on the job, while other people in the white house don’t cheat on their wives, but cheat on the public and nobody says a word.
I just want to put my fingers in my ears and hum.
2 bonzize // Mar 18, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Hmmm- TMI - too much intercourse? Filthy bastards.
Sometimes I can’t help making inappropriate jokes - but I totally agree with you. You were raised by wise people. Ahemmmmm.
3 Jamie // Mar 18, 2008 at 3:56 pm
Ranks right up there with the smutty tabloids. I really didn’t need to see Jessica/Britney/Angelina or whoever without (gasp) make-up, or far worse offenses.
Good post Aaryn.
4 Pam // Mar 18, 2008 at 7:00 pm
I found it interesting that while most of the media were salivating over the personal details of the Paterson marriage, the United States Supreme Court was sending very strong signals that it would overturn gun laws as we know them. That is far more relevant, newsworthy and freakin’ scary than any sexual dalliance, sordid or otherwise.
It also makes me want to punch Ralph Nader voters square in the face. Sorry. ‘Tis true.
5 Jenn @ Juggling Life // Mar 18, 2008 at 7:31 pm
I’ve been wondering . . . why is lying about oral sex an impeachable offense, but lying about weapons of mass destruction and starting a WAR . . . not so much!
6 aaryn b. // Mar 18, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Oh, Pam, you bring up such a good (and sickening) point. This is Bush’s legacy and what we will all be paying for for many, many years: A Supreme Court that sides with big business and the gun lobby. Awwwesome! Who knows, though? They change the 2nd Amendment and maybe some nutjob will take his semi-automatic on up to their offices and do them in. It would be Shakespearean. Sigh.
7 Cheri // Mar 18, 2008 at 10:05 pm
I’m right there with you. It’s what Hillary said back in the day, which was something like, The only people that matter in a marriage are the people who are in it. Whatever they do, or don’t do in their private lives, is just that, private. It is the hypocrisy (e.g., Spitzer and Craig) and the diversion of public money (e.g., Cunningham), that troubles me.
8 Mrs. G. // Mar 20, 2008 at 12:11 am
I’m with you here. Who will be left to run for public office when EVERY mistake you have ever made is front page news. Honestly, I would be afraid to run for any office. I feel overwhelmed by the amount of time that is spent on personal lives and find myself having to consciously focus on actual news and remind myself not take on the role of judge and jury-which seems to have become a national hobby. I have been lobbying to toss the TV out of our house.
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