* Sanford’s follies may have a silver lining … perhaps even Republican conservatives will begin to see that issues like these are personal matters, not the business of American government; except for dereliction of duty, which is very much the business of the citizens of South Carolina
Posted by Lew Weinstein on June 25, 2009
Jim Davenport writes for AP (6-25-09) …
- After going AWOL for seven days, Gov. Mark Sanford admitted Wednesday that he had secretly flown to
Governor Sanford - SC
Argentina to visit a woman with whom he was having an affair.
- Sanford, who in recent months had been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate in 2012, said he would resign as head of the Republican Governors Association.
- By leaving the country without formally transferring power, critics said he neglected his gubernatorial authority and put the state at risk. It wasn’t clear how his staff could reach him in an emergency.
- State Rep. Todd Rutherford, D-Columbia, called for Sanford’s resignation. “There is no reason for him to remain as governor.”
read the entire article at … http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090625/ap_on_re_us/us_sc_governor_where_69
LMW COMMENT …
There seem to be no depths to which Republican leaders will not sink in their apparent efforts to sink their party into oblivion. I believe in the two party system, and I am distressed with the Republican failure to make any real efforts to build one.
There is also no end to the hypocrisy of the Republican party building its electoral success on specious “family values” issues which have little to do with the true purpose of government in America’s democratic system.
Although perhaps here lies the silver lining.
All humans have their frailties, Governor Sanford certainly not accepted. The lesson here is not to dwell on the governor’s personal tragedies, but to recognize that these issues are personal, to be dealt with between the parties involved in whatever way they find comfort.
The main issue I have with the governor is that he was atrociously derelict in the performance of his duties for the people of South Carolina. I think he should resign immediately.
It is not the business of government to impose moral views on its citizens. This applies to America as well as to Iran and all other countries of the world. Religion has its place, but that place is distinct from government. When we forget or blur those differences, we all suffer.
