Re-thinking Weiner

In an earler post, I wrote that cyber-philandering Rep. Anthony Weiner has no business being in public office given his gross lack of character. I still believe that. The trouble is that by this measure, at least half the members of Congress have no business being there either. The reality is that politics will always attract the egocentric sort who craves adoration, be it from constituents or online skanks, for its own sake. Scandal can always be counted upon to ensnare a few of the dumber ones (that's you, Weiner). The Obama or Olympia Snowe types - honest public servants who won't abuse or exploit their power for selfish ends - are the exceptions, not the rule. But generally speaking, the political cream (smart, sober, honest folks) has always managed to float to the top throughout American history. If Weiner refuses to resign (and he has broken no laws), then it's up to the voters to decide his fate. Though it is imperfect and messy, our democracy will ultimately balance the scales. I can live with that. Whether Mrs. Weiner can is another matter.