It's Okay if You're a Republican--Maybe

Earlier I posted a picture but it was actually of Ensign and his wife of how ever many years, Darlene. I deleted it. I don't want to post something wrong.

However, the AP does have a picture of Doug Hampton here. I haven't seen any of Cynthia so far. I am sure that will change.

Because of the junior senator of Nevada's woes, Republicans weren't quick to make excuses for his behavior:

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in accepting Ensign's resignation from the Republican Policy Committee, said: "He's accepted responsibility for his actions and apologized to his family and constituents."

Several Republican senators tiptoed around the matter of Ensign's affair Wednesday, declining to comment or saying they were not ready to weigh in. But it was becoming clear that the Nevadan's hold on his leadership post was becoming tenuous.

Before the disclosure that Ensign was stepping aside, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., said he did not think that the Nevadan should be removed.

But asked whether Ensign could still be an effective spokesman for the party, Graham said, "No."

"I just think he needs to take care of his family situation and get back to work," Graham said.

Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., said Ensign could use forgiveness.

"If you look at it in the light of everybody makes errors, at least he fessed up and resolved the problem with his family, so I think it speaks well of his corrective force."

"Corrective force" = saving face

I like this comment after the article:

Mr. B wrote on June 18, 2009 07:34 AM:

"Democrats get a pass for immoral behavior and conservatives get the wrath."

Reply:

~Bill Clinton and his family hardly got "a pass" from the media or GOP members of Congress (including Mr. Ensign)...1998-2000 was a nightmare.

~Did Governor Eliot Spitzer get "a pass" for his affair?

~Did Sen. John Edwards get "a pass" for his affair?

~Did Sen. Gary Hart get "a pass" in 1988 when running for president?

I guess it all depends on your definition of "pass."

Oh, let's not forget the distinguished Sen. Vitter from Louisiana (R)...he seems to be doing alright despite "the wrath" he incurred.

Regardless of whether a Republican does it or a Democrat does it, adultery is wrong. Nobody's perfect, but we really ought to be able to hold our "leaders" to a higher standard...especially when their decision-making skills affect our lives.

Neither party is above scandal. The inherent hypocrisy, though, that oozes from Ensign's party (a party which so sanctimoniously prides itself on "family values" and unfairly judges others on their lifestyles) is beyond reprehensible.