The Liberty Papers

By now, most everyone has read or heard some of the sordid details involving New York Governor Eliot Spitzer and his alleged involvement with a prostitution ring called Emperors Club VIP. I think I can safely speak for all of the contributors at The Liberty Papers that we all believe that the actions between consenting adults should not be considered crimes provided that the actions do not violate the life, liberty, or property of another non-consenting party. Prostitution, drug abuse, and gambling are all examples of such activities the government has no business involving itself in.

Having said that, there is also something to be said about Governor Spitzer’s hypocrisy. As Attorney General, Spitzer actively went after individuals accused of the very crimes that he now seems to be involved. Now that the shoe is on the other foot, it’s interesting to see how suddenly the “crime” of prostitution becomes just “a private matter.”
Governor Spitzer’s so-called apology is ripe for a thorough fisking.

Good afternoon.

Yeah, well that’s not what she said!*

For the past nine years, eight years as attorney general, and one as governor, I have tried to uphold a vision of progressive politics that would rebuild New York and create opportunity for all. We sought to bring real change to New York and that will continue.

Today I want to briefly address a private matter. I have acted in a way that violates my obligations to my family and violates my, or any, sense of right and wrong. I apologize first and most importantly to my family. I apologize to the public, whom I promised better.

A private matter governor? How about the 18 individuals you prosecuted in 2004 for being involved in prostitution and related activities. Was this a private matter for them as well or does privacy only apply to “important” individuals such as yourself?

I do not believe that politics in the long run is about individuals. It is about ideas, the public good, and doing what is best for the state of New York. But I have disappointed and failed to live up to the standard I expected of myself. I must now dedicate some time to regain the trust of my family.

This is part of your problem governor; that you believe the “public good” is somehow superior to the rights of the individual, but I digress…

I suppose that the people of New York should not expect you to resign because only your ideas and your policies are “what is best for the state of New York.” Are you really so arrogant to assume that without your superior leadership, New York will fall off the cliff? Trust me governor, if you want to do what is best for New York, you should resign immediately. New York will survive and indeed will be better off without you.

Still, recognizing you have a problem is the first step. I do find it quite amazing that you along with the likes of Jimmy Swaggart, Bill Clinton, Jim McGreevy, Larry Craig, and David Vitter, don’t seem to recognize that you are hurting your family until you have been caught (but somehow it’s the media’s fault for exposing you for your indiscretions).

I will not be taking questions. Thank you very much. I will report back to you in short order. Thank you very much.

Of course you won’t be taking any questions. It’s not like you have to answer to the people of New York or anything! Oh, I forgot; this is a private matter.

*Yeah, I know, that was a little immature on my part.