Comments on: they dig it themselves http://www.sunsetchaser.net/2007/09/they-dig-it-themselves/ Julia Rietmulder-Stone's blog | ramblings about poetry, politics, & Harrisburg Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:19:59 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Julia http://www.sunsetchaser.net/2007/09/they-dig-it-themselves/comment-page-1/#comment-11926 Julia Thu, 06 Sep 2007 12:12:42 +0000 http://www.sunsetchaser.net/2007/09/they-dig-it-themselves/#comment-11926 I agree with all that. I'm also, at this moment, totally loving Arlen Specter. I agree with all that. I’m also, at this moment, totally loving Arlen Specter.

]]> By: D.C. Libertarian http://www.sunsetchaser.net/2007/09/they-dig-it-themselves/comment-page-1/#comment-11897 D.C. Libertarian Wed, 05 Sep 2007 18:31:00 +0000 http://www.sunsetchaser.net/2007/09/they-dig-it-themselves/#comment-11897 Personally, I don't believe Craig should have to resign (I read today he might not resign, depending on the outcome of legal proceedings in Minnesota and a Senate ethics investigation). He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge, and, based on the arrest report, I'm not even certain he really acted in a disorderly or lewd manner. Also, regardless of his actual guilt or innocence, to me the charge is far less egregious than something like a DUI, which a number of lawmakers have survived. However, I think Craig had several things working against him that led to announce his resignation. One, the press in his home state of Idaho turned against him. Two, his Republican colleagues have little political incentive to support him because Idaho has a Republican governor who will name a Republican to replace Craig. Four, although Craig has since professed his innocence, he pleaded guilty to the charge (I read today he is now trying to withdraw the plea). In addition, although no one will admit it publicly, I believe that the "double standard" you mentioned probably had a role, especially given Craig's past positions gay rights issues, his party's positions on the issues and the fact that he hails from a conservative state. I believe conservatives could forgive Craig more readily for solicitation of sex from a female prostitute both because of their latent (or not so latent) homophobia and because they either have done, or have considered doing, the same thing themselves. I truly believe a Democrat in a liberal state could have survived the same scandal. I don't really support Craig's political positions, but, at the same time, I hope he doesn't resign. It's not warranted based on the current set of facts. Personally, I don’t believe Craig should have to resign (I read today he might not resign, depending on the outcome of legal proceedings in Minnesota and a Senate ethics investigation). He pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge, and, based on the arrest report, I’m not even certain he really acted in a disorderly or lewd manner. Also, regardless of his actual guilt or innocence, to me the charge is far less egregious than something like a DUI, which a number of lawmakers have survived.

However, I think Craig had several things working against him that led to announce his resignation. One, the press in his home state of Idaho turned against him. Two, his Republican colleagues have little political incentive to support him because Idaho has a Republican governor who will name a Republican to replace Craig. Four, although Craig has since professed his innocence, he pleaded guilty to the charge (I read today he is now trying to withdraw the plea).

In addition, although no one will admit it publicly, I believe that the “double standard” you mentioned probably had a role, especially given Craig’s past positions gay rights issues, his party’s positions on the issues and the fact that he hails from a conservative state. I believe conservatives could forgive Craig more readily for solicitation of sex from a female prostitute both because of their latent (or not so latent) homophobia and because they either have done, or have considered doing, the same thing themselves. I truly believe a Democrat in a liberal state could have survived the same scandal.

I don’t really support Craig’s political positions, but, at the same time, I hope he doesn’t resign. It’s not warranted based on the current set of facts.

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