In Consideration of Scumbags

I don't know how to describe the feelings I have about the recent political scandals that have surfaced this past week.  It's been a long held belief of mine that politicians are scumbags, and when one finds themselves embroiled in a politically compromising position I tend to think they deserve what they get.  Recently, two politicians (aka, scumbags) have stepped in it real good, Connecticut senatorial candidate and current state Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, and eight term Indiana Congressman Mark Souder.  Blumenthal has claimed military service he's not actually served and Souder, well, got caught getting naked with a woman not his wife.  Of course, neither of these incidents are unique and, in fact, are quite common among politicians.  A Google search will reveal many politicians that have been unfaithful to their spouses, and the idea that a politician will lie should not be alien to anyone.  The old joke that you can tell that a politician is lying by the fact that their lips are moving is always prescient.  Both man have made public statements.  Here are the videos of both statements and my unsolicited two cents worth.



Here we find Mr. Blumenthal apologizing for a "few misspoken words" about his military service in Vietnam, or should I say the misrepresentation of his service in Vietnam.  I'm not sure if he's defending his integrity or his bid for the Connecticut senate seat.  If I were to guess, I'd figure the latter to be more important to him.  I found the group of sycophants behind Blumenthal pretty unsettling and reminiscent of a Trinity Broadcasting Network praise-a-thon where Paul Crouch or someone of his ilk try to bilk the gullible out of their last dollar while a choir of on-lookers clap and nod their heads approvingly.  Politicians and televangelists simply shouldn't employ the same techniques of persuasion, they impugn each other.  (Yes, while channel surfing I have, on occasion, stopped to watch a praise-a-thon or two.  It's like an automobile accident,  you know you don't want to look, but you slow down and gawk anyway.  And they are both disturbing.)  And speaking of impugning, I found this statement from Blumenthal quite amazing, “But I will not allow anyone to take a few misplaced words and impugn my record of service to our country.”   Really?  Mr Blumenthal, I don't believe you need anyone to impugn your record, you're doing a good job of that yourself.



Being the "family values" candidate, an advocate for sexual abstinence programs, and an evangelical Christian, Mr Souder gives a tearful mea culpa as he announces his resignation after getting caught in an affair with another woman.  He also provides here corroborative evidence that not only are politicians scumbags, but that men are pigs.  It's a shame that with his moral credentials he would succumb to the wiles of infidelity.  Not only does he get to wear the scarlet letter of adultery, but one for hypocrisy as well.  When you harangue others from the moral high ground you make yourself an easy target.  I found this statement he made puzzling; "Quite frankly, I'm sick of politicians who drag their spouses up in front of the cameras, rather than confronting the problem they caused."  Is it wise to pass a moral judgment about another's mea culpa during your own?  I'm thinking not, especially in light of his own moral failing.

I have to admit that after watching both videos I did find myself somewhat sympathetic to both men.  Mr. Blumenthal found himself within the heat of a political campaign, and if he would have said "during" instead of "in" to describe his military service things would be quite different.  (Still, this situation reminds me of another politician who played with the semantics of the word "is".  I think you know of whom I refer.)  Mr. Souder has simply proven he's human, male, and imperfect. So, even though my regard for politicians is low I can't help but feel a bit of compassion for both men.  They both seemed sincere in their apologies.  I really hope Mr. Souder can mend the damage his infidelity has undoubtedly caused, at least for his family's sake.  Mr. Blumenthal might not have intended to mislead anyone about his military service (but I'm thinking the possibility is pretty good).  So, whether they are skilled liars and I've succumb to their powers of persuasion or not, I feel a tiny bit sorry for them.

And with that said, I can't say my assessment of politicians has changed.  Politicians are still, and probably always will be, scumbags.