On Religion, Politics and the GOP

Politics = Power.

Power is an Aphrodisiac.

Power Corrupts.

Powerful Politicians Sleep Around.









Well, three out of four ain't bad. There is, unfortunately, more than a grain of truth to that last. The latest example, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, is less of a surprise than it should be. There's a long history of politicians having their way with all manner of constituents and others. I don't condone, excuse, or in any way want to mitigate what's done by people in power.

That said, it really is a fact of life. And, if the person in office is married, it's an act of betrayal between the spouses (assuming they don't have any understandings allowing for such behavior).

American politics, in the spirit of our puritanical past, have embraced the idea that our politicians must somehow be holier than all the rest. And that their personal choices (or mistakes) imbue or sully their ability to lead. It's an absurd stretch at best, prudish priggery elsewise.