Gov'ner Spitzer (D-NY) Caught With Pants Down

[snoopy369]

Indeed... I think the issues here is the hypocrisy, rather than the sex scandal itself, at least to me (although certainly the press likes sex scandals, and the federal crime aspect is sort of important). He got elected partially by pushing how terrible prostitution is ... let him eat the meal he served himself.

[Wezil]

Yes, I'm having difficulty summoning up sympathy for the individual in this case, but I still say it shouldn't be a crime. It's not as if he stuffed the prostitute in a trunk and drove her out of state.

[DanS]

To be honest, I couldn't care less about the hypocrisy. I'm more into the salacious scandal aspect of it. Other important issues are whether (1) public resources were used to support prostitution; or (2) his personal foibles corrupted the fair application of justice.

[Kidlicious]

The issue is betrayal.

[snoopy369]

Originally posted by Wezil
Yes, I'm having difficulty summoning up sympathy for the individual in this case, but I still say it shouldn't be a crime. It's not as if he stuffed the prostitute in a trunk and drove her out of state.

It's certainly a reasonable argument, that it shouldn't be criminal; frankly, the actions of the 'John' aren't really so bad (even if you are a christian fundy) as to deserve the prosecution it gets. However, the industry itself is a problem. It victimizes young girls, ofter underage and even if 18-19 still no less victims; and they get very little out of it, all the while becoming a guaranteed non-productive member of society and generally ending their lives very early through drug abuse or violence.

That is why it is (and should be) illegal; because of the damage it does to the prostitutes themselves and to society by taking away productive members. Perhaps if there were an effective way to regulate it, you might say, it would be workable; but ultimately it's very hard to get around the point that the girls who become prostitutes are often psychologically damaged by the experience - whether it's properly controlled or not - and given the tastes of most Johns, end up making the 'choice' before they're ready to understand the long-term consequences of the business. A very thorough governmental program would be required to regulate and educate the industry, and you'd still have significant underground business - S&M, younger girls, young boys, etc., which now would be even harder to prosecute.

I don't see the benefit society gains from making this legal, and I certainly see the harm that comes from doing so.

[DanS]

The biggest reason why prostitution isn't legal in some places, even though it's a state issue, is that middle class liberal women detest it.

[Wezil]

Originally posted by snoopy369


It's certainly a reasonable argument, that it shouldn't be criminal; frankly, the actions of the 'John' aren't really so bad (even if you are a christian fundy) as to deserve the prosecution it gets. However, the industry itself is a problem. It victimizes young girls, ofter underage and even if 18-19 still no less victims; and they get very little out of it, all the while becoming a guaranteed non-productive member of society and generally ending their lives very early through drug abuse or violence.

That is why it is (and should be) illegal; because of the damage it does to the prostitutes themselves and to society by taking away productive members. Perhaps if there were an effective way to regulate it, you might say, it would be workable; but ultimately it's very hard to get around the point that the girls who become prostitutes are often psychologically damaged by the experience - whether it's properly controlled or not - and given the tastes of most Johns, end up making the 'choice' before they're ready to understand the long-term consequences of the business. A very thorough governmental program would be required to regulate and educate the industry, and you'd still have significant underground business - S&M, younger girls, young boys, etc., which now would be even harder to prosecute.

I don't see the benefit society gains from making this legal, and I certainly see the harm that comes from doing so.

A large part of the damage the industry causes is b/c it is illegal. Prostitutes are reluctant to come to the police when most members of society would. Pimps continue to beat them and steal their earnings, etc.

Add to this the fact they can't declare income and you get into the taking productive members out of society. They are "working" and could pay taxes (this is really what you mean by "productive" wrt society is it not?).

As to law enforcement being less effective against underage prostitution - Why would you believe this? Surely with the available resources freed up when we no longer chase consenting adults around we could put more, not less effort into the real sex trade problems?

Wrt the prostitutes being "damaged" - You could make that very same argument for a host of professions. Let those considered "legal adults" make that decision for themselves.

[Ben Kenobi]

Considering that Spitz is probably the first non-Republican in a good long while to be caught in a sex scandal, it deserves mentioning.

Indeed. Obviously all of the Democrats are squeaky clean choirboys.

[Wezil]

Originally posted by Kidicious
The issue is betrayal.

Did the governor cheat on you?

Seriously, why should you care more than his wife?

[Wiglaf]

Originally posted by DanS
Amazing that he threw away one of the brightest Dem careers for this.

He is one shining balding ball of hypocrisy and judaism, using the state police to investigate political opponents and breaking laws against illegal immigration and prostitution. This is why he is not popular in NY anyway and would not have been elected; under the stress his wife suddenly looked ugly and he needed an outlet to get away from the polls. If he is a shining star of the party it is only because of his disgusting balding head reflecting something.

[LordShiva]

Originally posted by Wiglaf
If he is a shining star of the party it is only because of his disgusting balding head reflecting something.

[Wezil]

He lost me at the jew bit. Not the best Wiggie post I've seen.

[-Jrabbit]

LOL at this discussion. Not the content itself, but the fact that it's off point. This is not about prostitution; it's about public image and public trust. Spitzer, representing the people of New York state and on their payroll, betrayed both. Sorry dude; you lose.

Re the Mann Act:

...a telephone call confirming plans to have a woman travel from New York to Washington

So the prostitute was flown over state lines for this assignation. Guilty.

The Dems would be well served to treat their own as they have treated the Reps and fundies they have pilloried.

Latest rumor is that Spitzer will resign, perhaps as early as tonight.

[DanS]

It's actually bigger than that, Jrabbit. Spitzer has a long history taking out Wall Street's trash and thereby is a national figure.

[Wezil]

Originally posted by -Jrabbit
LOL at this discussion. Not the content itself, but the fact that it's off point. This is not about prostitution; it's about public image and public trust. Spitzer, representing the people of New York state and on their payroll, betrayed both. Sorry dude; you lose.

I think that was obvious and mentioned already.

Re the Mann Act:

So the prostitute was flown over state lines for this assignation. Guilty.

So it is about prostitution?

The Dems would be well served to treat their own as they have treated the Reps and fundies they have pilloried.

Latest rumor is that Spitzer will resign, perhaps as early as tonight.

Can't be good for the career (legal or not).