After quickly scanning the reader discussion forum, i was shocked to find little of substance. The majority of the posts do nothing but berate the former senator for his past indiscretions. ARE WE REALLY THAT PETTY? I think that Slate is making a bold statement by employing this embattled political figure. They are saying, "grow the f up and recognize that committing adultery does not bar you from engaging in public discourse." Is this really the country we want to be? one that banishes talented politicians like John Edwards from the public arena? sadly, democrats quickly distanced themselves from a prominent member of their party. As a result, his strident message on poverty did not enter into the democrats' mandate. Spitzer's suggestions are not without merit and should be evaluated accordingly, not dismissed on the basis of his sexual conduct. I think that we as Americans should look around at the money that is being invested in education throughout the world namely in Asia. The best and the brightest kids are being deliberately funneled into the engine of a new economy. We should take stock of this and act.

I think that Slate is making a bold statement by employing this embattled political figure. They are saying, "grow the f up and recognize that committing adultery does not bar you from engaging in public discourse."

Part of being grown up is knowing that you're not being coy or fooling anyone when you abbreviate a "bad word," and you're not showing discretion by suggesting it. If you're bold enough to invoke it, be bold enough to use it.

If you mean "grow the fuck up," write that. If not, leave the "naughty talk" to the adults.

Dave in VA:

I think that Slate is making a bold statement by employing this embattled political figure. They are saying, "grow the f up and recognize that committing adultery does not bar you from engaging in public discourse."

Part of being grown up is knowing that you're not being coy or fooling anyone when you abbreviate a "bad word," and you're not showing discretion by suggesting it. If you're bold enough to invoke it, be bold enough to use it.

If you mean "grow the fuck up," write that. If not, leave the "naughty talk" to the adults.

He also said don't be petty, and that response is about as petty as it gets.

Hey guess what, we're in serious trouble here as a country, we don't have time to obsess over this man's sex life. I don't care! Why do you care! What I do care about is where all this money (which I'm fairly certain doesn't even exist) is going to end up.

calico_jack:

Dave in VA:

I think that Slate is making a bold statement by employing this embattled political figure. They are saying, "grow the f up and recognize that committing adultery does not bar you from engaging in public discourse."

Part of being grown up is knowing that you're not being coy or fooling anyone when you abbreviate a "bad word," and you're not showing discretion by suggesting it. If you're bold enough to invoke it, be bold enough to use it.

If you mean "grow the fuck up," write that. If not, leave the "naughty talk" to the adults.

Just to further the nitpicking; he was governor, not senator. But he has his piece to say considering he governed one of the most used and abused states in the union by both parties. One of the reasons I moved away from NY is because it was too darned Liberal! Yes, you heard it from me. And I have to say Guiliani did a good job slapping the city around and cleaning up Times Square and 42nd Street.

Personally I'd like a glimpse at the list of whatever that totaled the $850,000,000,000.00 to give to the Banks and Insurance Co, no questions asked. Perhaps its time to teach:

1. Uncle Sam

2. The Bankinig and Insurance Industries

3. The Big Three

a lesson. Withdraw all of your money but the bare minimum from your bank. Take the cash value loans on your Life Insurance, drop the rest and attach a copy of your letter to the President, your congressperson and senator to your 1040 form in April or better yet, July 4th, that tells them why no check is attached, due to the governments malfeasance and to straighten out their act if they hope to keep their jobs.

Or will I be the only one in prison?

He also said don't be petty, and that response is about as petty as it gets.

Hey guess what, we're in serious trouble here as a country, we don't have time to obsess over this man's sex life. I don't care! Why do you care! What I do care about is where all this money (which I'm fairly certain doesn't even exist) is going to end up.

Re: "ARE WE REALLY THAT PETTY? "

Tell that to Conservatives, not one of whom can discuss a single aspect of Bill Clinton's presidency without sneaking in a refernce to Monica Lewinsky.

Tell that to Conservatives, not one of whom can discuss a single aspect of Bill Clinton's presidency without sneaking in a refernce to Monica Lewinsky.

at least spitzer is not a liar.

"at least spitzer is not a liar. "

Oh of course he's a friggin liar. Don't even claim he didn't lie to his wifey, because we all know he did.

Oh...and all politicians lie, at some point, or they would never get into office.

Or will I be the only one in prison? "

Yeah, you'll be the only one in prison. However, I do like idea i've heard of just going to a flat tax and abolishing the IRS. That would save some money... Punt those bastards to the curb.