Before being called a liberal let me say that I also wrote a year ago that Bill Jefferson should resign before, he was indicted.I also wrote that he should resign after he was indicted.
Bill Jefferson is a Democrat.
David Vitter is a Republican.
But, why should Vitter resign?Why shouldn’t he be prosecuted?
Because, Deborah Jeane Palfrey is accused in federal court of racketeering.The claim against her is running a prostitution ring.
Last week, after a federal judge lifted a restraining order, Palfrey was allowed to distribute the phone records.
David Vitter’s name was found on the phone list of the business for which Palfrey may lose her freedom.
Randall Tobias, a senior official in the State Department, resigned after being confronted him about his use of the escort service. He claims the women would give him a message but has denied sex.
In his statement, Vitter said, "This was a very serious sin in my past for which I am, of course, completely responsible," Vitter said in the statement. "Several years ago, I asked for and received forgiveness from God and my wife in confession and marriage counseling. Out of respect for my family, I will keep my discussion of the matter there — with God and them. But I certainly offer my deep and sincere apologies to all I have disappointed and let down in any way."
So, what was the sin?
Louisiana voters have a right to know.So does a court who is prosecuting Palfrey.
If Deborah Jeane Palfrey is being prosecuted for racketeering, then, shouldn’t Vitter implicated as an enabler?What is good for the gander, is good for the goose.
It takes two to racket.
It is also a racket that the woman gets legally swatted but not the John, or the David.
Louisiana has a right to know more about its junior Louisiana US Senator.Women and men, Republicans and Democrats should be outraged and want to know if their US Senator has broken the law, just as we were outraged when we suspected William “Bill” Jefferson of wrongdoing and still do ever since his indictment.
This issue is not between David Vitter, his maker and his family as he says.If a law has been broken, he should be prosecuted just like Palfrey.That is what we demanded from Bill Jefferson.That is what I urged once I realized that Bill Clinton lied under oath.That is what Senator Vitter deserves if he broke the law.
If he did not break the law, but, enabled a woman for the very act for which she is accused of racketeering, he should resign.The sooner, the better for Louisiana.
Get your facts straight. When Vitter made the public confession of a past sin, he was admitting to an extra marital affair years ago with a mistress. Although this is certainly not admirable, it is not illegal. He has always denied that he elicited sex from the prostitution ring.
Your column is slanting the facts. All I ask is that you get them right before you report on a subject.
Written by tj
on 9/26/2007
I think that Michael has a point, Vitter broke the law and he wants us to accept his apologies when he turn his back on illigal immigrants who also broke the law and tell to every member in the Senate that giving a path to legal status to people who broke our immigration laws is not accepted.
I think that he should stick to his ideas and resign, other wise why not give a path to legalize their status to all of these 12 million or so immigrants who came here to work?
Written by Susan
on 7/20/2007
I think that the honorable Senator Vitter should resign, because he break the law, or it is just because it is him breaken the law is ok. We all remember his statements when immigration reform was being debated in the Senate, isn't this the same guy that said that illegal immigrants shouldn't been granted with legal status because we are rewarding people who broke the law? So when it comes to him breaking the law he is going to be reward with keeping his seat in the Senate, I don't think so, he shoul apply what he preach.
Why the people of Louisiana have to accept his appologize and he didn't accept the illigal immigrants apologize for breaking the law and paid fines as a result?
This is a God thing what comes around always comes around Mr. Vitter, you should do the right think for your country and resign.
Written by Michael
on 7/20/2007
I don't think Vitter should resign either. It seems the only people who are jumping on him to resign are those who hate his views and want a Democrat appointed in his place. He is no more a hypocrit than anyone else who doesn't always live up to his ideals. He is not abandoning his ideals which takes a certain amount of courage but he recognizes he has fallen short of those ideals and has the maturity to admit that. Unfortunately, he is going to be crucified for his past transgression by any means necessary, including lies and other forms of political pressure. A poster on another blog said that since the statute of limitations has run out and he cannot be legally prosecuted, he will be publically humiliated. Those who revel in "getting him" do so because of his religious and political beliefs, such as opposition to gay marriage. (Why should he or anyone else accept a social experiment?) He certainly is not being targeted because he has done worst things than those Congressmen who have done illegal or unethical things yet still remain in office.
I hope he can be tough and has enough support to get through this.
Written by Mary
on 7/16/2007
Stephen S. needs to use spell check or have an editor read over his comments before posting them on line.
Written by karen
on 7/14/2007
I love reading when the the Dem Jihads and the Rep Jihads try to kill each other. It's so exciting.
Dems- try using God more often, It sure helps to get you out of sticky situations. You don't have to believe, just pretend.
Religion {mythology} has always been used as a shield of protection for anyone smart(or dumb) enough to utilize it. It works because a good part of the world has been programed to follow it.I use it as often as I can and WOW the things I can get away with.
To hell with you all....you deserve Vitter and each other!
Written by Good Christian
on 7/14/2007
I totally agree, David Vitter should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and resign from office, as should Dollar Bill. This state has enough on it's plate without David Vitter's hypocritical hyper-moralism. It is absolutely unfair that he would get away with an apology, when what he did was break the law, probably using his taxpayer provided salary to do so. His entire platform has been morality, family values and the sanctity of marriage, and now we see it was all a lie. I'm disgusted.
Written by Jen B - Metairie
on 7/12/2007
I don't understand the previous comment. Is it ok for a US Senator (and married man) to talk about family values and get elected on a family values platform while at the same time visiting prostitutes? He knew exactly what he was doing. He is also a politician who wants to be tough on crime, unless of course it's him who gets caught. I agree that there are way too many people in jail in this country, especially non-violent drug users. But as long as prostitutes are being thrown in jail then I don't see why we should make an exception for Mr. Vitter. I say if they throw the woman in jail for prostitution then the Senator should be there with her. Otherwise it's not a fair system.
Written by Steve
on 7/11/2007
The sad thing is, live by the law, die by the law. There is not one perfect person out there, not one. Every last person reading this post has broken laws not once, not twice, but hundreds of times. Just because you haven't been caught and prosecuted does not mean you are a law abiding citizen. Sin? what? Fact of the matter is, a person is either working against people, or for the people. There aren't enough jails to put us all in, but some day we are going to come to the sad realization that we have built a massive prison for ourselves here in the United States. Oh foolish sheeple.
Written by Wuts inna name
on 7/11/2007
Cajun Joe i agree with you 100%, it is time to vote them all out.No one should be above the very laws, that they help write and enforce on us.To defend these men is sad,to settle for my person lies less than your person is even sader, and the voters fault.
Written by susan
on 7/11/2007
The issue here for me is that the Senator likes to talk about family values during the day and then visits prostitutes at night. And now he is talking about God again in his prepared statement.
Written by Steve
on 7/11/2007
Ditto for Dollar Bill Jefferson, too. It is time for him to go! Where is the federal prosecutor on this and Vitter? Both are being accused of racketeering. The prostitute could not run a racket alone. Prostitution is against the law for both the prostitute and the john (or the David). Accepting bribes is against the law for the one who gives it and also for the one who receives it even if his name is "Dollar Bill". I am sick of them all! Look at the damage they are doing to our state as we ask for assistance from the American taxpayers in our recovery. Let's recall them both!!! Let's take matters into our own hands if the ones that are supposed to protect us can't indict anyone for two years after finding $90,000 in the freezer that they gave him. This all really sucks.
Written by Cajun Joe
on 7/11/2007
Well, now, here comes Mr. Vitter the confessor! B.S. He confessed in a press release that he had prepared months ago when his gigs were about to be exposed. Have you noticed the low profile that Vitter has had over the last few months. As absent as a vampire in sunlight. Then tonight comes the Canal Street Madam of New Orleans who says Vitter was a regular client of hers as well at $300 per hour. She also says that he is a wonderful man, but because of having such a stressful life, he needed someone to talk to and relieve himself with. So this is THERAPY!!! This is a sick pattern. Prostitution is against the law in Washington DC and in New Orleans. Now that Vitter has confessed, whose job is it to open the criminal investigation? Where is the press on this one? As far as him being a moral giant, that was always a joke. This is part of the big lie that is sold by the right wing and swallowed by a large section of the population. But, let's forget the sex. There is not law against consentual adult sex and that is truly a personal matter even for a politician. Let's even forget the phoniness of the hypocrit David Vitter, which IS a political question. What we need to know is was he part of the DC Madam's racket? Why is she going to jail and Vitter is not? How much was she paid and WHO paid the bills? Now that we know it was several escort services that Vitter used, what were the women used for? Several times the women went on fishing trips and political events. Were those for Vitter or for him to inflence others? Were they just there to relieve Vitter's stress or was he "pimping" them, too? For Vitter to clam up so early, there is much more to this story. He will never tell the public the truth about the violation of law, so my question is "where is the grand jury"? My next question is "Where is little Bobby Jindal in all this?" I would like to know if he "forgives" Vitter, too. What has God told Jindal about this? (By the way, when will God tell us all?) It is time for Jindal to answer up for his mentor, Mr. Vitter. Maybe they can talk to Bush and get Vitter a pardon BEFORE the GRAND JURY meets. Nothing will even come of any of this. The sleaze factor is on in the Republican Party and while Mr. Sleaze Bush is still president, it won't stop. People of Louisiana, just like Katrina, when it comes to federal people being held accountable, don't hold your breath!!! You can only correct this at the ballot box.
Written by Cajun Joe
on 7/11/2007
Mr warrior it look like Vitter has been a naughty boy before.A new Orleans Madam now claim he made several visit to her place of bussiness on canel st and Vitter would pay $300 an hour for services.Now tell me why this man demands others to resign for this same thing.I always thought he said he protected women,and then we find out he just uses them and let`s them go to jail, while he walks around and says how bad these types of women are.http://www.wdsu.com/news/13657113/detail.html
Written by Susan
on 7/10/2007
Mr. PATRIOT WARRIOR this statement is from Vincent Bruno, of Kenner who is a member of the Republican State Central Committee.He has called for Vitter to resign for his own good, the good of the party and the good of his family.” If he doesn't’t resign, Vitter should “join the Democratic Party where they think that kind of behavior is OK.” He makes a very good point here when he said We’re the party of hypocrites,” he said. “Vote for us and we’ll lie to you, we’ll engage prostitutes and we’ll cheat on our wives.”Bruno said he puts little stock in Vitter’s apology.“It’s baloney,” he said. “He only fessed up to it when he got caught.”Now that is from a repulican.As for as me I have gone aganst blanco and Mary and even Nagin so do not tell me I am just picking on a poor repulican.He should not be above the very laws he says we must follow.So if you want to support someone, who you know will Lie to you, that is your choice but do not tell me how moral this man is.He demanded others to resign for the same thing,so why is he above his own Moral standard.If you support this behavior from him then you should have supported it from Clinton,because Clinton never demanded anyone to resign for this behavior.So you also most support him abusing women in this fashion,even though he lies and says he protect your family values.
Written by susan
on 7/10/2007
With this story continuing to unfold, the questions in this column seem to be becoming more and more pertinent.
What exactly was the sin? Was it a crime? What really prompted "Vitty-cent" Vitter to say something? Is there or has there been something going on that would make Vitter subject to blackmail?
Written by Richard P.
on 7/10/2007
Steven
Very good points. The self rightous should always be judged by their own standards.
“I think Livingston’s stepping down makes a very powerful argument that Clinton should resign as well and move beyond this mess,” Congressman Davit Vitter commenting on then Congressman Robert Livingston's resignation because of marrital infidelities as quoted in the Atlanta Journal and Constitution, 12/20/98.
Written by J. C. Jones
on 7/10/2007
I wonder if you meant that Tobias admitted that "the women would give him a massage," which is certainly more damning than simply receiving a message.
Written by Pete Victor
on 7/10/2007
For mr. patriot warrior what is it you don't understand in the hybrid english language that real men never pay for sex it is against a players rule. A true sign of an extremely weak man such as yourself compromising his principles.
Written by ANYHONY
on 7/10/2007
Amazing !
JFK,FDR,EWE,Clinton,Ted Kennedy,etc. have had numerous women/escorts through the years while married
Where were you D.'s then ? SUDDENLY IT IS THE WORST MORAL SIN POSSIBLE !
"Ye without sin cast the first stone..."
Written by Ken
on 7/10/2007
The post below is mine sorry I didn't put my name on it.
Written by Ole Jarhead
on 7/10/2007
How many millions did the GOP spend on going after Clinton over sex and lying back in the day (when they should have been pouring that much energy and effort into real issues such as preventing terrorism)? Well, guess what...now we have one GOP bigwig getting his perjury sentence commuted in an unprecedented decision and then more sex. Whatever happened to "adults in charge?"
Written by Richard P.
on 7/10/2007
I have read EVERYONES comments and I have to agree both sides make good points. I would however like to remind you of a story I heard... A woman, (No they didn't bring the man) was caught in adultery, CAUGHT IN THE ACT I am lead to believe, and drug before the judges of her time, the judges had heard of a man that was considered to be wise, and seeking to trick him into saying something contrary to the law, they took her to him and told him what she did, he said nothing but began to write in the dirt, Now I have heard different versions of what he wrote I would like to believe that he wrote in the dirt the names of the women and MEN they had slept with or maybe were still sleeping with. When he was done he looked around and said to her "Woman where are your accusers?" for not one of them remained, she told him "they are gone" to which the wise man told her "As are your sins go and sin no more" Aren't we being like the crowd, willing to judge and cast stones shouldn't we be more like the guy that said "Go and sin no more?... Just a thought from an ole Jarhead.
Written by
on 7/10/2007
ANTHONY - WHAT IN GOD'S NAME ARE YOU SAYING? IT MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE WHATSOEVER! PLEASE WRITE IN ENGLISH SO THAT US "EUROPEANS" CAN UNDERSTAND WHATEVER YOU ARE SO DESPERATELY TRYING TO COMMUNICATE. MERCI', PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 7/10/2007
The difference between Vitter and Clinton or Gary Hart or any such Democrat is in how these GOP guys are the loudest loudmouthed finger-pointers and moralizers themselves. The Democrats weren't and aren't the ones running on family values or "restoring integrity;" these guys like Vitter have chosen to make those issues. I agree with the poster saying that we might as well stop looking to politico's to be the ones offering moral guidance given that that's not their job as much as it is the job of parents, teachers, clergy and so on. OTOH the GOP morality crowd made their bed long ago and deserve to have to live with it.
Written by Richard P.
on 7/10/2007
THE LOWEST FORM OF A MAN IS ONE WHO PAY FOR SEX A TRUE WEINER .MAN LAW 101 NEVER PAY FOR SEX HE EMBARRASS MANHOOD AND OUR CREATOR.
Written by anthony
on 7/10/2007
To: All you righteous Democrats - here's another "SINFUL DEMOCRATIC SENATOR" - you guessed it: GARY HART, (D) INDIANA. Do you remember that "Bahamian Playboy", and his girl friends? At the time, he was a sitting U.S. Senator, AND, he was married with small children. Remember the yacht, his girl friend, in the Bahamas, all photographed, and recorded? Did the Democratic leadership demand his resignation? No!! Were impeachment proceedings demanded? No!! Once again, "DOUBLE STANDARDS" by the Democratic leadership, and the leftist media!! Let's just keep this going, and we will continue to "dredge up" more and more "SINFUL SENATORS". They will make Senator Vitter look like The Rev. Billy Graham!!! PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 7/10/2007
I've always liked David Vitter and still do. If all were indicted or charged with their "sins", we wouldn't have very many Judges, Congressman, Representatives, Lawyers, PRESIDENTS and the like. Get over it. He made a mistake. Haven't you?
Written by Karen J. Williams
on 7/10/2007
I've always liked David Vitter and still do. If all were indicted or charged with their "sins", we wouldn't have very many Judges, Congressman, Representatives, Lawyers, PRESIDENTS and the like. Get over it. He made a mistake. Haven't you?
Written by Karen J. Williams
on 7/10/2007
I always believed spelling to be an essential part of a journalists responsibilities.
i.e., you said "He claims the women would give him a message but has denied sex."
A 'message'???? Like, a phone message? Or an important message from a sponsor?
Do you get your stats from Emily Latella???
"Women would give Vitter a message?? What good secretary wouldn't give her boss a message? Its a woman's place to make sure the man gets the message. What's the big deal about that??"
Ohh...what? A MASSAGE. nevermind.
If you're going to ridicule...
and btw...you still have the "Buzz Rigth Back" button misspelled.
Written by Wendy
on 7/10/2007
Supercritic,
What sparked your attention? The headlines maybe?
Written by hmmmm
on 7/10/2007
This is my first visit to the Bayou Buzz and I'm glad to see that discourse is alive and well on here.
My problem, with Vitter as well as many others, is that they are quick to point the finger when it is some OTHER person who has "sinned", but a confession to your family ought to cover it this time thank you very much.
We have to start holding our politicians accountable for their actions in all manners. Right now, they are free to do and say as they please (almost) and are never taken to task.
Posted by the Lemming Herder from http://www.dontbealemming.com
Written by Lemming Herder
on 7/10/2007
It is absolutely unbelievable how that the Left-Winged, Radical, Liberal Democrats, and their media attack dogs, just sweep their fellow-demos sins under the rugs, and down the drains!! The Kennedy's have killed, raped, had numerous open affairs, cheated, stole (Joe Kennedy), been openly drunk, under illegal drugs, and on, and on, and on! What have the Democratic Leaders, and the liberal media ever done to crucify the Kennedys? Answer - absolutely nothing!! They are held to a higher level, and still today, are worshipped by the Democrats and the leftist media as if they were Gods and Goddesses!! Barney Frank (D) Mass, has open homosexual relationships with Congressional Page Boys, and Altar Boys, and he is accepted by the Liberal Democrats, and their loving media, because he is a "SICK FREAK"! When will the "DOUBLE STANDARDS" ever end??? Anyone even remotely affiliated with the Democratic Party, condons what the Kennedys have done, and continue to do!! I ask again - "WHAT CRIME HAS SENATOR DAVID VITTER BEEN CHARGED? HOW DO WE KNOW EXACTLY WHAT HE DID OR DIDN'T DO, OTHER THAN MAKE A PHONE CALL"? PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 7/10/2007
I hate to see this. An affair is personal, but running an escort service is another story. I don't if true or not, so I really don't know. I just hate to see the good ones go, such as David (this?), Bob (Affair), and Mr. Nixon (Watergate). All the good ones this goes. I am still miffed about Bob Livingston, who could have been the next President of the United States, because I wanted Bob Livingston to be Governor and thought he would have made Speaker and then eventually President.Our loss, not his when he stepped down. I would like to see Henson Moore back.
Written by What a Shame!
on 7/10/2007
Vote for David Vitter a man who confessed two hours before the story broke,the Man who demands you live up to his highest Moral standards of life, if anyone has an affair they should resign just not me because I am above the law.Vote David Vitter another Louisiana politician bring shame and dishonor to Louisiana.A man who says I do not need to follow the laws I help right,only others should follow the law.David Vitter a man who uses women and then allows them to go to jail for an act he was involved in.It is wrong when the law makers of either party break the very laws they make poor and middle class live by.Good job Stephen Sabludowsky
Written by Susan
on 7/10/2007
Anybody ever heard of the statute of limitations? He is not charge as part of the ongoing conspiracy but rather with paying a prostitute SEVERAL YEARS AGO. He can't possibly be prosecuted for a misdeamor that occurred years ago.
Should he resign? Not in my opinion. I don't think that a Congressperson should lose their job over a misdeamnor.
Written by lew
on 7/10/2007
Vitter in the past called for Rep. Bob Livingston (R-LA) in 1998 to step down because extramarital affair was grounds for resignation:He also called for Bill Clinton to resign for his affair with Monica.So why is Vitter above the very rules he demands of others.Why should he go free and the woman who supplied him be put in jail.Why should the law makers be allowed to break the laws they make us live under.
Written by Susan
on 7/10/2007
I'm less concerned about his personal sins than his unashamed willingness to blatantly lie to us in order to get elected, and to be sure, it is a "lie" to pretend to profess family values from a position seemingly void of those values in the sense my mother and father knew and instilled in me. More still, his steadfast denials during his campaign regarding allegations of prostitution rationally call for a reassessment of his credibility on all matters by anyone willing to put their partisan bias aside.
Naturally, in the way of Washington, the moral implications of this will blow over in time. The more pressing concern, as I imagine might soon show itself publically, is whether he was using his government issued phone to solicit prostitutes. There is such a thing as misappropriation of governmental property, and indeed, certain people within the government and with knowledge of facts supporting this suspicion HAVE A DUTY to report the suspicion to the appropriate authorities. That will be interesting to watch unfold.
And seriously, is it really worthy of debate whether he actually had intercourse with a prostitute, as opposed to some act short of intercourse? To entertain a difference in that regard is to torture the meaning of fidelity. I do not imagine most spouses would find such a distinction very comforting.
Best regards, Scott W.
Written by Scott W.
on 7/10/2007
Steve will you call for the resignation of that alleged drunken Kennedy after he let that lady drown in Poucha Pond? Steve you are Jewish so I am ashamed of you for not calling for the resignation of Robert Byrd since he was a big guy in the KKK. Do you know about the KKK, Steve? Steve who is the homosexual guy that was running a homo bordello in the government building? Do you call for his resignation. Is Vitter wrong? Yes. But did Kennedy resign? Did Vitter let a woman die as the alleged drunk Kennedy?
Written by Anonymous
on 7/10/2007
Vitter confessed only to a serious sin. To him, that could mean calling an escort service and hanging up when someone answered. That's probably it. Probably just had a moment of weakness, saw a number in the Yellow Pages, gave it a ring, and hung up as soon as someone answered. Why the poor fellow was probably so embarrassed and ashamed, he fell down on his knees in prayer. Thankfully, God told him, "Oh, my poor son. Your transgressions are as of a flea biting a dog, and yet you seek my forgiveness. Silly boy! If only everyone were as good as you! But whle I've got you on the line, there is one thing you can do for me. Go forth and rage against the dreaded homosexuals! Promote family values on the Sunday morning talk shows, and if you feel an urge to fornicate with a sinful woman every once in a while, well, that can be our little secret!"
Written by David (neither Vitter nor Duke)
on 7/10/2007
Has anyone considered that he may have used a goverment phone to make the calls to solicit a prostitute? If nothing else, this is definetly conduct I would not expect nor accept from my Uniterd States Senator.
Written by Mark
on 7/10/2007
So...what I am reading in here is that "standards" are not to be applied when it is your ox being gored. Clinton, Jefferson, Vitter...does party trump what's right? If so, that would explain the current problems at the state governments and the federal government.
Written by LT
on 7/10/2007
ANJEE - How do you know that Senator Vitter had intercourse with anyone other than his wife? He hasn't admitted to any wrong doing. Why are you insinuating that Senator Vitter had intercourse with a call girl, and, if he did, that they both were unprotected? What does that have anything to do with abortion? Are women that stupid? The madam of the DC call girl ring had thousands of "politico" clients, Democrats and Republicans. I wonder who else is going to be revealed?? Remember Teddy Kennedy, and Mary Jo Kopechne? No? well he drowned her, AFTER BANGING ON HER FOR MONTHS!! JFK having sex with Marilyn Monroe, in the White House? Oh yes, there is proof, remember the staff members that were witness to JFK taking Marilyn up to the President's bedroom for hours, while Jackie was roaming the Globe? There were others - Angie Dickinson, and on, and on! The liberal media enjoyed all of that, and the Democrats just grinned and "looked the other way". HYPOCRISY AT ITS' WORST. Typical leftist whacko!! PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 7/10/2007
Your comparisons seem valid. However I take the stand that if Ted Kennedy still holds office and is esteemed by his peers and the media, then why should David Vitter resign.
Thank you
Written by Leslie Clark
on 7/10/2007
you have got to be kidding! resign, prosecution for being involved in an escort service. i believe this is a personal thing and like he said God has forgiven and so has his wife. he made a mistake but i don't beleive it should ruin his political career, at least he is doing something favorable for louisiana politically not including his personal doings. we can also look at all the democrats that have done the same thing or worse yet. give him a break!
Written by RHONDA
on 7/10/2007
If vitter and the hooker conceived an "unborn child," would vitter change his views on abortion? I think he would!
Written by anjee
on 7/10/2007
Stephen, Stephen, Stephen, I read this on another blog before comming here and I clicked on Bayoubuzz (which is on my favorites list by the way) saying I bet this is all over the Buzz and sure enough YOU have Two articles about it. WOW you have been a busy boy haven't you! You know that during the Clinton affair (how appropriate is that word!) you were telling us that we DIDN'T have a right to know what President Clinton was doing with Monica. True when he lied under oath he broke the law, and you called him on it, BUT I believe your premise was that he shouldn't have been called to testify about sex,so now why hold Vitter to a different standard?
Written by Ole Jarhead
on 7/10/2007
Steve:
I'm sure you'll get "stoned" for this one! I just feel like crying. Although I don't support your position, it's just one more nail in a coffin that has more than enough nails.
Our laundry is not only dirty,torn,smelly and hanging out for everyone to see; its also covered in blood. The blood of all those who tried to change this place and failed.
It hurts!
Written by Raymond Brady
on 7/10/2007
Get a hair cut
Written by Lloyd williams
on 7/10/2007
I'm not in favor of his resigning over this obviously embarrassing
faux pas as the stakes are too high. We can't afford to have Blanco appoint a Democrat to the Senate as it would upset the already delicate balance of power and allow a Democrat-controlled Congress to pull some of their usual shenanigans. He did a grand job of helping to derail the Bush/Kennedy/McCain immigration reform bill so, in my eyes, he's already redeemed himself.
You'd think a Tulane-trained lawyer and Rhodes Scholar would have the good sense to use a pay phone when calling an "escort service".
Written by Bill Mayer
on 7/10/2007
HAS SENATOR VITTER BEEN BEFORE A GRAND JURY? HAS HE BEEN INDICTED OF ANYTHING? HAS HE BROKEN ANY LAWS? HAS HE ADMITTED TO HAVING SEX WITH A CALL GIRL? WHERE'S THE EVIDENCE OF ANY WRONG DOING? TYPICAL LEFT-WING, RADICAL, LIBERAL DEMOCRATS - LOOKING UNDER EVERY SINGLE GRAIN OF SAND, AND SEARCHING FOR ANYTHING THAT WILL DETRACT FROM THEIR PHILOSOPHIES - THAT OF "THE AMERICAN TALIBAN"!!! CALL OFF THE GESTAPO ATTACK DOGS. THIS IS AMERICA, NOT RUSSIA!!!! PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 7/10/2007
What would be the prosecutable charges?
Is what you say a capital offense?
Are you for real. Asthe lord said " Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
We would be loosing a good worker.
Written by Joe P.
on 7/10/2007
When people ride the high horse of moral superiority the fall is great. It doesn't matter if it is a felony or a misdemeanors, he was elected by the people to be a leader and to show something more than those who elected him. He has failed and needs to go. I just wish that Stephen held all those elected to the same high standards. As far as Dollar Bill goes...he isn't going anywhere. We all know that. There are 2 Americas...and in his (Jefferson's) America the laws do not matter. LA-Land...I know that you have good, honest, smart people somewhere in your state...you can do better.
Written by LT
on 7/10/2007
Mofromno - of course you can have degrees of wrong! They're called "misdemeanors, felonies and capitol crimes". And, even within each of those clasifications, there are degrees of severity. You go to jail for DWI (a misdemeanor) while you just get a fine for speeding (another misdemeanor). And, if we must compare the 2, then compare them like this. Who did each of them harm? Vitter harmed his wife, children and religion. I did not trust him to not cheat on his wife, therefore he has not broken MY trust. However, I did trust Bill Jefferson not to steal my money (as a taxpayer). I trusted Bill not to peddle his authority in office (authority given to him by ME) into personal gain for him, his wife, and his family. I trusted Bill to not use personal privledge to garner favors for himself at the expense of others in more need during a national emergency. So, yes - if you want to compare the two, then let's have at it. This is one arguement that you KNOW that I will win!
Written by Another Matt
on 7/10/2007
Let's put the players( excuse the pun)in the right perspective. David Vitter, at the time a state legislator coming in after a neo-nazi by the name of David Duke held that district's office,cheated on his wife and family. Now guys, put yourself in his shoes at that moment of confessing to his wife, Wendy. This was not some weak little woman, counting on a man for her survival in this big ole tough world. Wendy was a PROSECUTER in the New Orleans District Attorney's Office!!!! My god( pun again)just put yourself in his shoes. How would you liked to have been a fly on the wall in that home? At that moment? Anyway, here's my point. Forget god, forget the priest and church. Wendy Vitter chose to accept her husband and his committed flaws. They have stayed together, obviously have grown together and David Vitter eventually became a U.S. Senator, apparently performing his duties to the satisfaction of the majority of his constituents. I am not of their religious faith. But, isn't this exactly what all major religions preach as the right way to demonstrate sincerity in turning lives around in dealing with sins? Personally, I hope the senator does not resign, and continues to demonstrate through his actions that he is a good husband and father.
Written by Nat
on 7/10/2007
Please.....don't throw stones.....I disagree totally with having a senator with any faults, but then he wouldn't be such thing as a senator....this level is where the survivor's of hell and a low-class lifestyle end up.....decent people don't get involved in national politics....we all know this !!!
Isn't it a matter of the lesser of the evils ?
What's "worse" Jefferson stealing or Vitter getting a hooker !
You gotta' choose and there's no third choice !
John K Dufour
Mandeville
Written by BigMax
on 7/10/2007
Why not compare Dollar Bill and Telephone Vitter. Wrong is wrong. Can't sugar coat it. If it is wrong so be it. Can't have it in degrees. We will tolerate a little wrongdoing, but the crooks must not cross the line. Just doesn't add up. Smear Vitter with the same fervor used to smear Jefferson
Written by mofromno
on 7/10/2007
Do not, repeat - "DO NOT", compare Senator Vitter with "Dollar Bill" Jefferson. What law has Senator Vitter broken? Just because his telephone number shows up on a list of more than 15,000 other numbers doesn't prove "doodl-liy squat"! Just more liberal democratic election year(s) bashing. Let's wait until "ALL" of the numbers are verified before you get on the "bashing train". On another note, I just saw an Alabama license plate that read - "IN GOD WE TRUST". Let's see now, those plates are made by prisoners in a STATE of Alabama prison - a "GOVERNMENT" institution. Now, ACLU, are you going over to Alabama and force them to remove those plates? Remember - "the separation of state and religion"!!! Sounds more and more like the Democrats and the ACLU compared to the Kremlin and the KGB, doesn't it!! PATRIOT WARRIOR.
Written by PATRIOT WARRIOR
on 7/10/2007
He apparently cheated on his wife. If she has forgiven him good, do we have to forgive him? Yes, if he asks. But if you cheat on your wife, what else are you cheating on? Can he be trusted? If not vote him out next election. Jefferson was caught breaking a law. Clinton broke our trust and lied about it. At least Vitter is admitting his mistake.
Written by Sid
on 7/10/2007
Jefferson and Vitter should not be compared as the magnitude of the offense differs greately.
$90,000 OF MARKED BRIBERY MONEY IN YOUR FREEZER (AND VIDEO OF TAKING KICKBACKS) DOES NOT WEIGH IN AGAINST HAVING YOUR TELEPHONE IN A PROSTITUTES BOOK.
PROSTITUTION IS A VICE CRIME THAT IS ACCEPTED IN MANY PLACES AND IS ....LEGAL....IN SOME AREAS OF THE UNITED STATES.
BRIBERY AND EXTORTION IS ON A DIFFERENT PLAYING FIELD AND IS NOT LEGAL ANYWHERE, THOUGH ACCEPTED IN CORRUPT STATES LIKE OURS.
Written by David
on 7/10/2007
How can you compare using your office to get bribes with a moral issue? I agree if there is a legal issue it should be investigated but to compare a man who has used his office to pad his pocketbook and those of his family members with what Vitter did is ridicilious. What Vitter did has nothing to do with the office he holds.
Maybe we should set a new standard - if Republican then a traffic violation should result in expulsion, but if Democrat then using your office to take bribes or getting a BJ in Oval Office is business as usual.
Written by Big Dave
on 7/10/2007
I also don't think he should resign over this. The real point, I think, is the question of whether people like Mr. Vitter who market themselves as defenders of the moral high ground should adhere themselves to a higher standard. While the details of what actually happened is none of our business the fact that his name appeared on the list certainly is and is fair game. There are conservative voters out there who might feel decieved, and rightly so. And liberals out there who revel in seeing their adversary stumble. But resignation, no. If the electorate is outraged enough they can vote him out in 6 years. And for the record, I live in Vermont and would probably be considered a liberal in most parts of the country.
Written by John
on 7/10/2007
WRONG, John Doe: "Mr. Vitter has received his wife's forgiveness and the forgiveness of God and His people". Don't speak for God. I don't think he forgives hyprocrits. Vitter has been "defending" the sanctity of marriage from gays, while he cheats on his wife - many times apparently. You want to defend marriage? Start by making divorce illegal. Start by making adultry illegal. Then we can talk about how - Christ almighty - gays and lesbians threaten marriage. Give me a break. We can write Vitter's name right underneath Mark Foley and Ted Haggard.
Written by Darrel
on 7/10/2007
Another point. If he broke the law, he should be held accountable. I do not know (and don't feel like researching) if soliciting prostitution is a misdemeanor or felony in Washington, DC. I also don't know exactly what the regulations are in the Senate concerning someone who commits a misdemeanor or felony. But, if the regulations state that he step down for committing the crime, then he's outta there! But, if he's allowed to stay if/when convicted, then he should stay.
Written by Another Matthew
on 7/10/2007
OK - forget Clinton, forget Livingston, forget Jefferson - we're talking about Vitter here. First off, the Republican party (of which I am a proud member) needs to stop running on its Family Values platform. We hire (aka: vote for) these politicians to do a job. That job is to debate, devise and enact the laws of the United States. No more, no less. It is not their job to raise our children. It is not their job to provide a moral compass. It is not their job to be marital role models. If you want to look-up-to someone in those regards, look closer to home. Look to people you know personally. Look at your parents, your other family, your spouse, your preacher/priest, or your friends. These are the people to whom you should look for guidance. Do not look at someone who has a multi-million dollar, carefully crafted marketing campaign!
Written by Another Matt
on 7/10/2007
It's the hypocrisy you fools! Playing the God card once again. I said I was sorry but God forgave me. Hey Vitter while you're talking to god can you have him explain the platypus while you're at it?
When someone runs on the "God" ticket to appeal to the undereducated of our country, then put themselves on a higher pedestal, they deserve to be wrenched from it.
But before they get through too many phone numbers let's if suddenly a bill to legalize prostitution shows up in Congress.
Written by Willie Boy
on 7/10/2007
why do you need to know what transpired b/w mr. vitter and the woman. he has spoken on his behalf and provided you with enough information for one to make his or her own assumptions as to what went on. this is the problem with the media and bloggers like yourself. always medling in others personal and family business. and why should he resign? what about your "hero," bill "i did not have sex with that woman" clinton. maybe you should resign yourself to telling lies and slander at you local beauty parlor with the rest of the gossipers.
good day to you sir
Written by matt
on 7/10/2007
Remember Bob Livingston, whom Vitter succeeded in the U.S. House of Representatives?
Another one who seems to love to talk the talk about family values, etc. and point fingers at others but doesn't apply it to his own self or at least until he gets caught.
If Livingston thought the right thing to do was to resign then Vitter should leave, too.
As to Clinton, when was Clinton ever trying to be the family values point man or pretend he was holier than anyone? It's the GOPer's who spent millions going after Clinton prosecuting him when they couldn't beat him at the polls who made all ruckuss about morality, integrity, etc.
At least Clinton was competent which is more than can be said for this regime that we've been having to suffer through these past 7 years. BTW I seem to recall Bush mainly run on his promise of "greater integrity" -- could he/should have run on his competence to be an effective chief executive? -- in the White House back when he was running in 2000. So how can you square that with this unprecendented sentence communtation ofr a perjurer? Is it that you're allowed to do those things if you're Republican but not if you're not?
Written by Richard P.
on 7/10/2007
The author of this article has one thing right. He is a liberal.
Written by rleloise
on 7/10/2007
I have always known Stephen Sabludowsky to be a joke. Now he proves that he's not a "journalist" by demanding that we all be told more about a man's private mistakes that in no way were connected to his elected office. To draw a parallel between Mr. Vitter and President Clinton or Mr. Jefferson is completely irresponsible. Both Clinton and Jefferson used their positions of power to break the law.
Bayou Buzz and Sabludowsky... promoting the same old Louisiana bulls***.
Written by Johnny
on 7/10/2007
While Mr. Vitter has been morally lacking, his crime bears no similarity to that of Mr. Jefferson. Mr. Vitter has received his wife's forgiveness and the forgiveness of God and His people, this act of moral turpitude should be left in the past. Afterall, Clinton did much worse and people like you said nothing.
Written by John Doe
on 7/10/2007
This is the stupidest reason I can think of for someone to resign. I did not think Clinton should have resigned for "not having sex with that woman" but there were many other reasons he should have resigned. This is the only country in the world that is so uptight about sex. Why dont you get yourself prosecuted for being stupid.
Written by Carl Boyanton
on 7/10/2007
I am sick and tired of the loonies and oonies in our society that seem to think that the ultimate crime in the universe is sex. The fact of the matter is that it is simply none of your business. Do you get some vicarious thrill out of peeking between other peoples bed sheets. What is your next move, smelling bicycle seats? Go home and grow up. There are a lot of serious things worth worrying about without playing the little old lady in sneakers pulling Playboy off the magazine racks.
Shouldn’t David Vitter resign from the Senate?
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