Hot Dog

The July 4^th weekend was filled with celebrations of our nation’s independence. Families and friends gathered for fireworks and picnics, with many enjoying the summer delights of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs.

That combination of hot dogs and July 4^th celebrations had me thinking about the recent antics of various politicians, such as former New York congressman Anthony Weiner.

First off, if your last name is Weiner and you voluntarily choose to run for public office – investing years of your life and money – wouldn’t you do everything possible to keep your reputation as unsullied as possible?  When the recently married congressman was caught sending inappropriate texts to various women the press and comedians had a field day.  The New York Post even had a contest for the most inventive headline, such as “Weiner’s Rise and Fall” and “Weiner:  I’ll Stick It Out.”

Not that there’s any reason to single out Mr. Weiner.  He joins a long line of elected officials who have been caught doing something either morally and/or legally wrong.   The most recent ones include former California governor Arnold Schwarzenneger and former senator and presidential candidate John Edwards. 

Mr. Schwarzenneger fathered a child with someone who wasn’t his wife and managed to hide it for almost 13 years (the same age as his youngest child with his soon-to-be divorced wife Maria).  The press got pretty creative with his nicknames, too.  Mr. Edwards, on the other hand, was just indicted for using campaign donations to hide the affair he had while running for vice president and president.

For most of these types of politicians the dialogue they use – once they are caught - goes something like this:

1. It wasn’t me. 
2. It may have been me.
3. OK, it was me, but I’m not resigning.
4. I apologize to my family/friends/constituents if my actions have hurt anyone.  I don’t see any reason to resign.
5. I may need some time off to enter rehab/fix my behavior/heal my family, but I’m not resigning my position.
6. I am resigning.

The last line of the Declaration of Independence says, “...we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortune, and our sacred Honor.”  While we celebrate our country’s independence, we need to continue to ensure our leaders understand and keep the sacred honor we bestow on them with our vote.