Cal Thomas‘ latest column offers a reaction you might not expect to the Anthony Weiner controversy:
There are at least two truths emerging from this tawdry episode of tweeting half and apparently fully naked pictures of the congressman to women he did not know (though it would not have been any better had he known the women).
First, despite the posturing of some Republicans, no one should claim he (or she) would not do the same thing, or something worse, given similar circumstances and opportunity.
Weiner’s “crime” is that he is a sinner like the rest of us. The pictures illustrate a personal moral failing. The lying about it was a breach of trust and offense to the House of Representatives and to the people of his district.
They put sufficient faith in him to elect him to office and pay his salary and benefits. His colleagues and his constituents have a right to expect honesty and some self-control from someone placed in high office.
The second truth is that the expectations of our culture are now so low that we no longer honor and value people of integrity, only celebrity. It matters not how one becomes famous. It matters only that they are known outside their circle of family and friends. …
… This conservative hopes Weiner gets help for his problem and that his wife stays with him and encourages him in his treatment. His rehabilitation should be the goal. It is a “family value” all of us could applaud, regardless of political differences.
