The Arrogance of Power

Governor Elliot Spitzer (D-NY) was today accused of hiring prostitutes from the "call-girl business" the Emperors Club VIP.

Hiring prostitutes is a crime in New York State. Elliot Spitzer was the Attorney General of New York and is now the Governor. While other politicians have love affairs, while doing nothing technically illegal, Governor Spitzer, the chief law enforcer of the state of New York, blatantly defied the law, commiting a crime that, almost certainly, would be found out.

Governor Spitzer's actions were discovered through federal wire-tappings in which he arranged a meeting with one of the prostitutes.

Having been Attorney General, and having used wire-tapping to its full potential, Governor Spitzer ought to have known what a precarious situation he was placing himself in. However in his characteristic arrogance the governor once again believed he could get away with it simply because he is Elliot Spitzer.

"Mr. Clean" as the governor has been called told the people of New York during his campaign for governor that he would be the one to clean up Albany, to get New York's government out of scandal. However, from his first day in office, Governor Spitzer's administration has been bogged down with scandal and the arrogance of power which he so perfectly characterizes.

Governor Spitzer in his remarks today stated that "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." He furthermore referred to this as a "private matter" and said that "I apologize to the public, whom I promised better".

Mr. Spitzer promised us many things during his campaign. Many would say, as Governor Spitzer said, that politics is not about "individuals" but "about ideas, the public good, and doing what is best for the state of New York". That is what politics is about. However, if a politician can't keep the most important promise of his or her life, the promise, before God, to remain faithful to his or her spouse, why should the public trust them with their far less important campaign promises?

Since being elected governor Mr. Spitzer has shown absolute contempt for the promises he made during his campaign. He has not, as he promised to do, cleaned up Albany. On the contrary, Albany is dirtier than ever.

If Mr. Spitzer had any decency left in him he would have resigned immediately.