Cain did (albeit belatedly) bow out of the Presidential race, but not truly for the stated reason. While Cain was wont to accuse others of his “high-tech lynching”; it was in fact his own lack of candor – and likely truthfulness – which were his real downfall. I have to believe people could forgive a politician for an indiscretion a decade and a half ago but will not forgive his (her) bald face dishonesty in a public forum.

See, the world is a different place than it was when I was young (MANY years ago). Neither the press nor public look the other way when those we entrust with our government fall from grace. The days when Presidents and Senators enjoy trysts with blonde Hollywood bombshells (individually, collectively) with nary a headline are gone for good.

“…give us dirty laundry…”- Don Henley

Nixon rightfully resigned because he lied repeatedly then caught, not because he was a ruthless SOB (certainly not the first such President). Whether “Tricky Dickie” would been able to admit his wrongdoing and still survive we will never know. But it was the loss of public trust as much as his wrongdoing which brought his presidency crashing down.

Conversely, we elected Bill Clinton knowing he “inhaled”. We also had an inkling he had issues with downward gravitational pull on the zippers of his slacks. Heck, we elected Bush Deux knowing he not only inhaled, but reloaded repeatedly. However, Bill Clinton was (in my minds eye) impeached not so much for his taste for Rubenesque young interns (or creative use of cigars) as for the way he lied unflinchingly into camera after camera and the now famous “…what the definition of the word is is…”.

Which brings us to Weiner. While as a Democrat he never espoused morality as an agenda item, he is not relieved of the responsibility of honesty and faithfully discharging the duties of his elected office. You can’t do that while lying repeatedly to your constituency. Weiner’s road to political survival ended via dishonesty, not debauchery. Had he been honest, shown remorse and candor he might still be in office. In this way, I see him as the same light as Cain, except we never got to see Cain’s “smoking sun” on Facebook or YouTube.

This is also where I believe Gingrich has a greater degree of survivability than many give credit for. Even though Newt bats just over the Mendoza Line in the “I DO” department, he forthrightly admits to being a horndog in his younger days. Newt sells the “I have matured and changed” story well. The public at large can see some humanity in that (given that only about 51% of American couples today are legally married), and it gives him a chance. Not much perhaps, but a chance nevertheless.

And all this wraps up in a paragraph regarding character. Character should matter, and it should be at the forefront of the selection process of all elected officially – regardless of which side of the aisle they sit. Sadly however, most potential leaders who have character cherish it, and do not want to be trounced in the vile and distasteful character assassination which is our current electoral process. As such we are left with the cast of “characters” (pun intended) we enjoy today, which while not providing us the morally upright leadership most of America thirsts for, gives us who enjoy watching the drama which inevitably follows much to write and guffaw about.

As with most bodies Political, hilarity ensures…

M

I am in charge of our soccer recruiting program here in Venezuela, i wanted to let you know that if you are or will be searching for players for next year (Spring 2012 /Fall 2012), I would love to provide you with info and Video of one of our prospects.
Name: Giancarlo Soprano
Email: giank94@hotmail.es

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMQRgXAMU58 and another video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4CpzBKt3_I

Sat: january 2012
Toefl: january 2012
Grad year: 2011