I agree with Michelle on a great many things political. But I believe there are some facts to point out before we decide to throw Ensign under the bus. And the Conyer's issue Michelle also addresses is the more troubling of the two. It just won't get the play Ensign's will.
Ugh. What a wretched dog. GOP Sen. John Ensign of Nevada cheated on his beautiful wife — the mother of his three children — with a campaign aide who was married to one of his Senate staffers. He rode his high horse as a guardian of marriage and Promise Keepers. And then he only admitted publicly that he broke those marital vows when the husband of his ex-mistress reportedly asked for money. It’s galling that Ensign was even considering a 2012 presidential bid given he hell he put his family through.
If I read the article correctly, Ensign and his wife had already dealt with this some time back. Not sure, but his Promise Keeper stuff may well have been a part of a road back. Also, Ensign exposed the affair the minute he realized he was in jeopardy of being black mailed. Whether for money, or political support, that is perhaps the greatest danger from this type of transgression by a politician.
People are human, they make mistakes. Few of us likely want our private business front and center in what we do to earn a living every day. Bill Clinton abused the Oval Office and the proverbial Office of the Presidency in my view. While it may sound crass and his Monica fling was despicable due to her age, it was always how his behavior abused or denigrated the office he held - and any potential blackmail that caused me the greatest concern.
I can't honestly say that I share the same outrage over any politician subject to this type of moral stumble. We elect human beings, not saints. And the Senate has never struck me as some bastion of morals or ethics in any sense that is superior to the public at large. These are politicians. What is it we should really expect?
Do your job, that's what. And on many counts, Ensign clears that bar by more than many, if not most, perhaps.
How about savaging the women who knowingly enters affairs with the married men?
He broke his vows, however She never said NO you are married and I don't do married.
My gender is pathetic; most all are gold-digging liars and leeches who refuse to take responsibility for HER actions.
She abuses more than He does; no more excuses when you have the power to say NO.
Yeah..... you have come a long way baby!
Too hell with the Sisterhood.
Posted by: syn | Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Just once I wish one of these cheating politicians would come out and say "I really enjoyed what I did. It was fun and we both had a great time. It was one of the best things I have ever done in my life. I do not regret it. I am not sorry for it. We had a ball. The only ones who are sorry for what they did are the ones who get caught. Period."
Posted by: joeb | Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 08:57 AM
As I understand it, she was married, too. :o
Posted by: Dan Riehl | Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Ensign espoused family values and DOMA as "one marriage between one man and one woman". In his case, he brought another married woman into his bed. Seems to be a case of "do as I say, not as I do."
Posted by: continuum | Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 09:05 AM
"People are human, they make mistakes" should read All other things being equal, People are human, they make mistakes.
Well, all other things are not equal. The Lib'tards own the media and when Repubs do this, the right is mightily smeared. In other words, we have to be better than they are.
Ensign should resign. Now.
Posted by: Paul A'Barge | Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 09:26 AM
I think I'll start searching for quotes from Dodd, Rangel, Geitner, etc. about how honesty is the best policy and how everyone should pay their taxes and no one should gave favorable treatment from a bank.
Posted by: lala | Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 09:27 AM
"As I understand it, she was married, too"
So to show their LOVE to one another they decide to blackmail the man with whom she CHOSE to have an affair; I must compliment her on her remarkable job teaching her dear beloved the Art of Gold-Digging.
Posted by: syn | Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 09:39 AM
I think it was the gal's husband with the black mail scheme. Not sure if she was in on it.
Posted by: Dan Riehl | Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 10:11 AM
If Kennedy could leave Mary Jo to drown in the back seat after "doing" her and still get a pass it should be okay for this horn dog to get his wick waxed!
Posted by: SacTownMan | Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 11:21 AM
If he cannot be trusted to keep his manhood in his pants, and his marriage bed undefiled, how can he be trusted to lead a nation?
He should step down. He will have God's forgiveness, should he ask for it with a repentant, contrite, and humble heart... and he might even have his wife's forgiveness for sinning against her.
But what of a nation who also winks at sin it the conduct of its leaders? Shall there be neither be any consequence nor accountability for it, as we slip further into the morass of immorality and libertinism?
Posted by: Seekeronos | Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at 01:20 PM
SacTownMan,
You have a gift for linking your obsessions.
Pointless drivel.
And crass.
Posted by: Mike2Cents | Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 01:51 AM
He said Clinton and Craig should be removed from office for their sexual indiscretions. Now let's see HIM be a big man and resign. (Maybe he can talk Vitter into joining him.)
Posted by: Ish Kabibble | Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Ish Kabibble: Cites, please?
Posted by: Martin Knight | Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 02:26 PM