"He who lives hidden, lives well," wrote the French philosopher Rene Descartes.It's an odd motto for a seventeenth-century celebrity strutting the grand stages of European royalty, living "hidden" only from his bourgeois family (who never understood him) and the Catholic Church (which understood him only too well).But it shows Descartes understood he'd chosen to live a public, political life, and he understood his choice came with a cost.
The Vitters need to grasp Descartes' lesson before their public lives can continue.
The Republican politician now derided in prominent blogs as "Louisiana's Greatest Whoremongering Senator David Vitter" and his attorney wife, Wendy, put on quite a show this week as they came out of hiding—not to face genuine inquiry about Vitter's implication in two prostitution rings, but to blame their troubles on the press.
I am not saying Vitter should resign.Not yet.
I am saying that his resignation will bring about the media inattention that both he and his wife insist they now desire.
To live well, live in hiding, and resign.
Or stay, live a public life, and face the music.And music there will be here in south Louisiana.The press is just tuning up the band.
Vitter's hypocrisy—and hypocrisy in general--tantalizes the media because it indicates something's amiss.So it's fair to ask, "What's wrong with David Vitter?" especially because Vitter's publicly apologized profusely but obliquely, refusing to say exactly what he's apologizing for.
"Can't you figure it out?" sneered a Vitter supporter at Old Metairie's Royal Blend Coffee House, just a stone's throw away from Vitter's church and home."The man's saying he's gone out with hookers. Who cares?"
Indeed, in some circles, what passes for Vitter's sexual prowess with women-not-his-wife can only enhance his masculine image--an image which for Vitter has always come across in Louisiana as somewhat faltering--a little too "preppyfied pretty-boy" as opposed to "good old boy."But the real question for genuine "Moral Majority"
conservatives is, "What exactly did Vitter do with those hookers?"
Prostitution forms the underlying basis for the "racketeering" crimes now being investigated in the Washington, D.C. brothel case where Vitter admitted only to a "sin" in his "past," and previously in the New Orleans' brothel case in which Vitter evasisively denies involvement.Giving money or anything of value to a person charged with racketeering (such as a Madame) makes Vitter more than just a "john."He could be considered a co-conspirator—a criminal—in bad acts like money laundering, drug-dealing, and tax evasion.
But as both Vitters know, being lawyers licensed to practice law in Louisiana, Vitter could also be considered a co-conspirator to any brothel sex crimes.New Orleans and, by extension, Vitter's "hometown" of Old Metairie may be the nation's "sin city" and the setting for the notorious film, "Pretty Baby" in which the then-teenaged Brooke Shields played a child prostitute.But we aren't Nevada or The Netherlands.Call us hypocrites if you like, but many of the "sins" for which we're so notorious are in fact crimes here.
So one must ask not only whether Vitter paid prostitutes for sex, but for what kind of sex?Many men don't go to prostitutes to get what they can get at home—even from busty wives with good haircuts who stuff themselves into slinky, animal-skin print dresses tight as a homemade sausage skin. What exactly was Vitter…into…when he allegedly visited prostitutes?
Even if Vitter engaged in sex acts while "away" in the District of Columbia, can he continue to legitimately represent the people of Louisiana if he committed acts that would be prosecutable here?One can fairly ask whether Vitter really believes in Moral Majority conservatism, or whether he's just a two-faced opportunist talking the talk.
Illicit sex often combines with other crimes.In the New Orleans'
brothel case, U.S. Attorney Jim Letten charged at least one man with "installing dominatrix equipment" in the brothel.And if "dominatrix equipment" is illegal to install, it surely must be illegal to use, n'est pas?Vitter indirectly denies any involvement with the New Orleans brothel, but Jeanette Maier, the Madame, says otherwise.
Maier was also charged with dealing marijuana as part of her brothel business.Is Vitter going to next tell us he "didn't inhale?"
A lot of Louisianians voted Republican because they were tired of that.
Does the Vitters' studied silence hide other bad acts?The press must
ask: Did Vitter and his hookers ever watch any videos (a common brothel pastime)?If so, did any video portray illicit sexual activities and, most seriously, sex with minors?We don't want scurrilous details for their own sake.Vitter needs to disclose details about his "sins" not (as he flippantly suggested) to help the press "sell newspapers," but because such details determine Vitter's fitness to continue his political career.
If he refuses, he can abandon public life and live happily in hiding.
Or unhappily, if the government decides to investigate and prosecute him.Merely viewing pornography involving minors can result in draconian penalties in Louisiana.And as a "brothel" customer and co-conspirator, Vitter might not even directly know of such practices, but the government could still charge and find him guilty of them in the broader context of conspiracy.
Do we in Louisiana want to be represented by a senator so vulnerable to legal sanction, political censure and, more ominously, blackmail?
"Hustler" publisher Larry Flynt was open in his condemnation of what he called Vitter's hypocrisy.But what about someone equally knowledgeable of Vitter's proclivities who may seek something…private…in return for their silence?
What would happen if someone in the president's administration or elsewhere had information about Vitter's illegal proclivities, and used it to pressure Vitter to misuse his Senate votes, powers and authority?Would that be good for Louisiana?
Both Vitters invoked their children during their press conference—David blamed his week-long disappearance on the Vitters'
concern for "our children," and Wendy described Vitter's week in hiding as "incredibly trying and sad…for our children" supposedly not because of anything the Vitters themselves had done, but because of "the media."
The Vitters aren't the only ones in Louisiana with children, and protecting children is a forefront conservative issue.How odd that Vitter insists, "I'm not going to answer endless questions about it all over again and again and again and again," when he and his wife refuse to answer any questions at all.
They want to live in hiding.And we Louisiana citizens deserve leadership better than that.
by Sarah Whalen who is a free-lance writer and a contributor to Bayoubuzz.com. The opinions stated are not necessarily those of Bayoubuzz, its writers or staff.
What part don’t I understand?! How come I don’t share the view, and what reason do I think that the people who repeatedly assert that Vitter’s ‘apology’ to his wife, his God, and his family translates into ‘end of story’? How come I think such a perspective is STUPID; and how come I think Vitter’s apparent DEMAND that the public regard (according to him, HIS PAST)– Vitter’s affairs with prostitutes as something involving only his family and his religion? How come the more I hear his demand that the public go about its business and forget about what Vitter says is now “behind” him, the more infuriated I become to the point of needing to speak mind, WELL LET ME COUNT THE WAYS:
#1 Although I don’t think Vitter merits any of my valuable time, his INSULT upon common sense ask people to ignore the obvious: When a public official –including a Judge on the bench, has an illicit or any lifestyle which requires or required sneaking around, other people know about it; and buying people off -HUSH MONEY, trading favors, quid pro quo is usually factored into maintaining such SLIPPINGS & SLIDINGS. And even if Vitter only used his personal finances to pay for his illicit past time, favors, special job positions, and perks at the public’s expense are GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING. It is anyone’s guess how much PORK BARREL was traded.
#2 Even now, despite he says his prostitution stints are in the past, the DC Madam exposure caused him to go out of public view prior to his press conference. His remaining out of sight, caused him to miss votes on Louisiana’s behalf in Washington on significant bills. And Vitter’s personal gratification takes precedence over the duty owed to his elected office.
#3 It is beyond ironic that, despite New Orleans’ (and the entire State of Louisiana) status of poverty and health care deficits, the majority of people voicing their “support” for Vitter are wealthy, and not likely to be affected by social-economics. It is further ironic that Hurricanes Rita and Katrina caused Louisiana’s social conditions to become exposed, while regard for addressing poverty conditions was literally never heard from Vitter’s platform.
#4 In light of the dismaying manner that Attorney General Charles Foti (also sometimes referred to as one of the 3 Stooges) has allowed Louisiana to function in manifest economic oppression with utter lack of concern for enforcing Consumer Protection Laws, and in light of civil JUDICIAL CORRUPTION, which mostly MINORITIES are afflicted, if Vitter paid attention to poverty, perhaps conditions would not have resulted in the well-recognized New Orleans labels: HAVES and HAVE NOTS. Vitter’s Christian values seem to omit the precept from Proverbs 30:8-9, which says: “Give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal.”
#5 I feel certain that whether or not Representative William J. Jefferson is guilty of wrongdoing, he also has apologized to his loved ones and his God for any reproach or heartache resultant from intentional or unintentional deeds. But Jefferson is being made to face consequences and answer changes. Why should it be any different for Vitter? Prostitution does not cease to be a crime because of an apology. And it is absurd to IGNORE that some racketeering was REQUIRED in order to maintain Vitter’s activities. Vitter’s offices should be searched like Jefferson’s. Wendy Vitter’s acceptance and admiration for her husband shows she was not adversely affected by any infractions. But the people of Louisiana were and still are affected by Vitter’s peccadillos!
Written by Barbara Ann Jackson
on 8/9/2007
The following is a copy of a letter that I sent to Senator Vitter's DC Office last Friday. My letter, along with an adult diaper was accepted at 11:01 Tuesday morning. I have yet to hear back from him, to let me know if it was the right size...
Senator Vitter,
I was so moved by the story about you with the prostitutes that I had to sit down and write you a few lines.
You see, I consider myself a Libertarian. I think if you want to dress up in diapers and fornicate with prostitutes (as stories all over the internet have stated), it should be between you and the prostitutes ~ AND your wife, if she catches you!
Anyway, I'm writing to suggest that you immediately introduce legislation to legalize prostitution. Not only are you guilty of a "very serious sin", as you so eloquently put it, but you are also guilty of a very serious crime. People get locked up, and have their vehicles confiscated just for solicitation of sex from a prostitute.
Please be sure to write the bill so that it will be retroactive to a date prior to when you committed your sin/crime. You need to try and get this passed quickly, before some nasty Democrat or a member of the liberal media tries to convince the district attorney to bring charges against you. I look forward to your prompt action on this important piece of legislation.
To show my support of your lifestyle choice, please accept this diaper as a token of my appreciation for all that you do. I hope it is the right size.
Thank you for your support of family values and for your service to this great nation.
God Bless,
Billy Slocumb
Written by Billy Slocumb
on 7/21/2007
Ernie Menard - recall John Edwards' praise, during their 2004 debate, of VP Cheney's response to his daughther coming out of the closet. In fact, what he was attempting in that stunt was keep "values voters" at home by making sure they learned the Veep had a lebsian in his family. It didn't work then and "what videos (if any?) did he watch?" won't work now. Moreover, it says a lot about what passes for strategy and intell around the Edwards campfire that such a move was made at all. They totally misread their target audience. No one who understood them would done that. Again, if it turns out that Vitter is lying about N.O., he's well-deserved toast, IMHO. If he didn't go there, then there is nothing to answer. Overall, the Dems are overplaying their hand and it will end up hurting them more than Repubs. They are enjoying - too much - pounding on the "do as I say not as I do" angle, and it shows.
Written by Kelly Haggar
on 7/21/2007
Ms. Whalen made some excellent observations about criminal activities ancillary to prostitution. Although facially it seems fair to question whether Mr. Vitter had any knowledge or took any part in any criminal activity ancillary to prostitution the question is actually not fair. In the minds of those people searching for fodder for thier cannons of righteous indignation the mere posing of these questions can be tantamount to an accusation. The prurient mind of the moral person, for example Jimmy Swaggart, might be overcome with the need to know whether Mr. Vitter did watch pornographic video's with these prostitutes and what the themes of these video's were.
My point is that not only is it nobody's business what Mr. Vitter may have done with these alleged prostitutes, the question will never be answered. Ms. Whalen's point that Mr. Vitter, as a public person, must not hide, but be candid about activities that could effect his job performance is correct. However, the mere allegation that Mr. Vitter may have frequented prostitutes at all is condemning enough without asking questions meant only to inflame the passions of the Moral Majority. Whatever Mr. Vitter may have done, of a sexual nature, with these alleged prostitutes is between him and the prostitutes, as, I presume, and have heard no news otherwise, they were all consenting adults. Further, to my understanding, adultery is no longer a crime. The criminal act, if any, should attach to the actions (offering, negotiating, accepting)of payment only.
I think we all need to step back, accept the fact that this man is fallible, and decide whether this particular failing, if the allegations are true, is of such consequence that Mr. Vitter needs to not be re-elected.
Written by Ernie Menard
on 7/21/2007
This I know to be fact and it is the only fact that is apparent not only to Louisiana, but the rest of the nation as well. Louisiana as a State needs significant improvements. I cannot speak for politicians, because that’s all they are, politicians. But I can speak for an individual that I know has integrity and also has the way. Within a few short months he could employ over 400 people. Within a years time that number will escalate to well beyond that. He could also put many dozens of people in business for their selves. He has a plan to solve the construction problem in the 9th ward, and his works would not ever be flooded, even if the rest of the city gets it again because of inept Corp of Engineers supervision. He can make many prudent private investors additional incomes. He can even make common individuals wealthy and enabled to provide for their future security and retirement. He can provide safety and security for Louisiana, New Orleans, from a number of nature generated travesties. And he can even protect and restore the marshlands. He has ideas that will increase the fisheries industry significantly as well; He has a plan to save taxpayers multiple billions upon billions of dollars for years to come. The benefits of him, and the contributions that can made are too numerous to list on this thread. In short, it is poetry in motion, if the people want that, progress, real measurable progress. His name is William H. Smith and his website is www.strongconctrete.com in short you should be talking to your elected officials that are now in office about him. Understand for the most part they are simply smack people waiting for the end of their terms, and any candidate running for office should be asked if they are studied in www.strongconcrete.com If they are not, or want to shoot it down, it simply means they are self serving, or are in service to someone else that only wants to grind the state into deeper oppression and lack. The future, and the vote is up to you. More of the same in the upcoming elections? Or do you want change that evens things out and improves our lot as a collective citizenry?
Written by A concerned Louisianian
on 7/21/2007
If there is someone in a high gov't position, as Sarah Whelan states, who may know more facts about David Vitter, and then pressures him to cast a vote this way or that ~ this is just one good reason why Vitter ought to seriously consider resigning. Besides this, just the mere facts that he has engaged in the disgusting act of having sex with prostitutes, and then was so evasive about it, gives him more good reason to resign.
Written by Deon
on 7/21/2007
Senator Vitter is a diaper wearin' sack of shit. I am glad he hasn't resigned yet, it will be fun to watch his sorry ass as Larry Flynt begins to parade the New Orleans hookers out, one by one. (David Vitter, in case anyone needs reminding, is Larry Flynt's bitch, for the rest of his life).
Written by mark
on 7/21/2007
Good article ms. whalen because the blackmail factor should be a concern for the gop, it is a fact that solicting prostitution is a crime. And he admitted to it, the reason the political whore jim letten did not prosecute, cause his name is also on a customer list. David vitter is a pitiful man with all his power and money this lowlife sought prostitution. This is not going to go away, like a lot his cronies want it to. Press richard angelico, cause he know about the five women in new orleans. Any man who have to pay for sex is a sleeze, but that is the kind of people jarhead and sharon love. But we all know sharon need a real man maybe, she needs to get mr. vitter to hook her up with the maddame's male employees preferably republican, since that is all her life is predicated on.
Written by anthony
on 7/20/2007
Sharon, thx for the kind words, but a softer answer by me would have not only turnethed away more wrath but might have resulted in some enlightenment. See if this try is more in the "Spirit" than the first - - Sarah: At the intellectual level, track down "What the Fundamentalists Want" by Fr. John Neuhaus, Commentary, around May of 1985. Trust me on this one - a Lutheran pastor (back then) writing about fundamentalists in a Jewish magazine has something to say. At the practical level, look around for a Methodist church near you. Call the church office and ask to see the education director. Sign up for Disciple I. The book is about $30; the class is free. (Steve knows how to reach me - if you sign up I'll pay for your book.) Classes will be starting with the school year. Every Methodist church of any size will have an education program. The small ones will be in a pool with other small churches or they can steer to a large one. You don't have to be either a Methodist or even a Christian to attend. (Disciple is NOT a recruiting tool; it's a seminar.) "I" is a survey course of the whole Bible. II, III, and IV are more detailed looks at a few books. You meet once a week, usually a week night after supper, for about 3 hours. There's a 15 minute intro videotape for each session (lecture by a prof, minister, or - yes - a rabbi) and then you discuss the readings, do exercises, and wrestle with questions. There's about 45 minutes of readings five days a week (specfied chapters and verses), one day off, and then the next seminar meets. You ought to do the readings (regardless of whether you agree with or believe any of them) so that you will know what everyone else is talking about. Not everybody will do all the readings each week - I didn't always - but most will. This is a small group thing, 5-10 folks per class, the leader is a volunteer, and there's a dinner together at the end. I have taken I, II, and III but never finished IV. There is no "final exam," there is no "school solution," no one is required to agree with ANYTHING, and you don't get a diploma or any credit for it. There is a lapel pin for finishing but being a Methodist is not wearing a uniform. I've never seen anybody wear a pin past the day they're passed out. So, after that year, I predict you will know what "real" Moral Majority folks feel. That's because your small seminar with have some . . . but there will also be Clinton fans around the table, too. As for law, ask Steve to point you towards a good defense attorney. Take him/her to lunch and listen to the explantion of why your conspiracy trial idea needs work.
Written by Kelly Haggar
on 7/20/2007
Your writing ROCKS! (Kinda like what the V's should crawl under to escape the harsh light of public scrutiny, as Messieur Descarte might recommend).
Written by Desert Choupique
on 7/20/2007
Your writing sucks (I am not commenting on the contents, which usually says nothing of substance). Did you graduate in journalism?
Written by Anonymous
on 7/20/2007
Again, as I've said about Jefferson, his trial will come and at that point the facts about his case will come out and we presume that the system will work and either deliver justice in the form of convicting him or acquitting him and whatever happens, so be it. However, you haven't seen him run away and hide and whine and otherwise try to stonewall everything. You haven't seen him keep avowing "no amnesty for lawbreakers" in Congress when he's been one to have aided and abetted a racketeer but is still most likely not going to have to endure trial as a co-conspirator. You didn't see Jefferson make this ridiculous and arrogant claim that God has forgiven him and thus that should be the end of it. Since when does he have some special line to the Almighty such that all of the rest of us mere mortals have to take such talk from him as the gospel truth? Suppose I go out and rob a bank tomorrow and then when the cops come I tell them that God has forgiven me and that's the end of it. Vitter's arrogance knows no limit but when he gets caught in a lie when more of this story, especially about his relationships with the local women, comes out one can bet that there'll be a hard fall for him.
Written by Richard P.
on 7/20/2007
And how ironic is that Vitter won a special election to Louisiana's 1st Congressional District in 1999, succeeding Republican Congressman Bob Livingston, who resigned after an adultery scandal. In the initial vote on May 1, 1999
Written by michael
on 7/20/2007
Joe inda NO:
He has been in public live since 1992, when he makes those comments he was a public figure already and the very next year he became a congressman, I think that I know what I'm talking about.
Please read this:
Vitter was born in New Orleans to Audrey Malvina St. Raymond and Albert Leopold Vitter.He received a B.A. from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1983; a B.A. from Oxford University in 1985, as a Rhodes Scholar; and a Juris Doctor from the law school of Tulane University in New Orleans in 1988. He was a lawyer and a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992 to 1999, when he entered the U.S. House
Written by Michael
on 7/20/2007
Actually some pretty valid observations, and a pretty strong conclusion Michael. I guess we all really dislike seeing someone that is a leader falling to the wayside. Politics is an ugly business. I guess to error is human, and I suppose that he will have to face the past in the future when election time rolls around. It doesn't matter, I guess this story will blow over in a week or two, maybe it is good it was posted. Interesting distraction I guess. But distractions are not what we need. We need to get on with the show. You are an observant person. Perhaps you might make a good candidate for Governor.
Written by Joe inda NO
on 7/20/2007
Oh, Louisiana House of Representatives. Sorry.
Written by Joe inda NO
on 7/20/2007
I thought Vitter was first elected in 1999? So what is the relevancy of 1998 to your post?
Written by Joe inda NO
on 7/20/2007
Mr. Vitter, do you remember this line of yours when Bill Clinton was on a similar situation:
"I think Livingston’s stepping down makes a very powerful argument that Clinton should resign as well and move beyond this mess,” Vitter said in a December 1998 commentary in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution".
I think that you should do the same thing that you once propose to former president Bill Clinton, that should be the right thing to do.
Also not far away Vitter call illegal immigrants law breakers and they shouldn't being granted with a path to legalization because it would be like given amnesty to law breakers.
So Mr. Vitter don't belive in apologise as we can tell, why now that he is on the other site of the ball game he want everybody to accept his apologise when he also break the law?
I am a strong beliver that he have to resign.
Written by Michael
on 7/20/2007
So Sarah, what is it you want to know? Are you thinking your techniques aren't working so good and you want to try something new? Why don't you go talk to the madam. There are more than just one kind of whore, and there are more than just one kind of mistake, or sin or whatever you want to call it. Really boring journalism if you ask me. How many years of college did you attend to come up with this brilliant essay about nothing?
Written by Joe inda NO
on 7/20/2007
So they want to accuse him of violating Rico Statutes? 'They' should probably try to apply the same standards of measurement to Louisiana Government. That is all it is, a rackett. And according the amounts generated at the detriment to the people involved, I would have to say it is a very profitable racket. Ahhh, but wut goes up, must come down someday.
Written by Joe inda NO
on 7/20/2007
For the most part, I think most of the commenters on this 'thread' are probably voyers of sorts. "Oooohhhhhh I wunder how long the strokes were?!?!?!?!!?" Bunch of little school girls.
Written by MLaundry
on 7/20/2007
So this is cutting edge Internet Journalism????? What a bunch of putzes..
Written by Bayou Buzz duz as stupid wuz on 7/20/2007 ..............You all sound like a bunch of old women standing around the washboard scrubbing dirty laundry.
Written by Wutsinnaname
on 7/20/2007
Kelly and Ole Jarhead, good remarks. Hillary not only stood by her man through decades of infidelity but now she has brought him out to get her elected President. So loved is that Adulterer that 50% of voters (if you agree with the polls) want him back in the White House. Just who would be President Clinton 2 is a matter of great discussion. Ole Jarhead you are right on. You have to have family values to "sin" against them. We are all flawed in one way or another. This article pokes fun at the Vitters and insinuates that they have committed crimes offering no real proof of any such thing. I sense mockery from this author. This and other articles I have read by her make me agree with Kelly that this woman knows nothing of real conservatism. And Richard P. Jefferson, Edwards, and Clinton "stand up guys"? Oh please I don't even know where to begin with that. Edwards is following in Clinton's footsteps and letting his wife defend him and make the attacks. No one dare attack a "wronged" woman if she is a Democrat or a woman with cancer. Jefferson, I have heard him declare his innocence but never why that cash was in his freezer or why he had to get to his house after Katrina to secure his assets. So much for answering questions.
Written by Sharon
on 7/20/2007
QUOTE But the real question for genuine 'Moral Majority' conservatives is, 'What exactly did Vitter do with those hookers?' UNQUOTE. Darlin', you know as much about real conservatives as you do about law. Buy a vowel . . . .
Written by Kelly Haggar
on 7/20/2007
WOW Walen out did her self with this one. This is nothing more than a continual hit piece on Vitter we know what he did so now let the Voters decide. I am AMAZED that ole Mitch Landrieu there was mad at Wendy! What did Bill admit to Monica? Dems don't have to worry about family values because they don't have any! I am Glad that you thought Hillary should have left him, but thats not what MOST dems thought. y'all came out saying see see what a good woman Hillary is for staying with Bill! ANYWAY I could take this point by point but I was critized for taking you down point by point I siad it before and I will say it again Walen is a LIB that hates Republicans, NUFF SAID!
Written by Ole Jarhead
on 7/20/2007
Another great point is exactly what is Vitter if not a pretty-boy preppy type? He can talk the talk but when the going got rough Vitter ran away and hid, whining and refusing to answer questions. William Jefferson may well be as guilty as sin but at least he's man enough to stand up, face the media and answer questions. That is real GOP hypocrisy with so many of them. They all love to talk the talk about being honest, strong, working hard, pulling one's own weight, observing family values, etc. but what they do is ever so often the very opposite. For instance, did Dick Cheney ever serve in the military? What did Bush do during the Vietnam era except pull strings to get into the Air Natl. Guard? How many children of the Congresspeople who voted for the Iraq war are over there serving in the military? Say all you want about Jefferson or Edwards being crooks or Clinton having been sleazy but those guys are stand-up guys a lot more than Vitter the whiner.
Written by Richard P.
on 7/20/2007
the diapers, we want to know about Sen. Vitter's diaper fetish! (He is a buffoon that will only be remembered for wearin' diapers!).
Written by mark
on 7/20/2007
Excellent column with many great points? Is Vitter subject to blackmail, especially since he's so pointedly refused to answer questions or provide details? It really seems like there's something that he wants to keep very secret. What are the details? Has he just merely been an "innocent" brothel customer or is it more like that Vitter has aided and abetted racketeering and other illegal activities? Is he lying? What will his response be when more stories emerge, as we are already hearing that they will? Why complain about media intrusiveness now when he chose public life and also to include his family as part of his campaign, a campaign pointedly based on "family values?" Moreover, given of those questions how can he be an effective senator now?
Written by Richard P.
on 7/20/2007
So this is cutting edge Internet Journalism????? What a bunch of putzes..
Written by Bayou Buzz duz as stupid wuz
on 7/20/2007
When Bill admitted to Monica I thought the same thing about Hillary, that she should leave him
So therefore you think its OK for politician's wives to stick by their men when they stray? That seems to be your take eh? Love them fambily values
Written by MLandry
on 7/20/2007
MLandry...so you're upset with Hillary standing by her man?
Written by LT
on 7/20/2007
Excellent commentary - I am particularly appalled at Wendy (Vitter not Cortez). Her endorsement of standing by her man, despite his philandering is a slap in the face to every self-respecting woman who would NEVER tolerate a man's infidelity, even once - family values indeed!!!
"He who lives hidden, lives well," wrote the French philosopher Rene Descartes.
To
Buzz Right Back on this article