Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

skipper99 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:51:15 GMT

Ridiculous that Spitzer, who as Prosecutor, went after creeps that behaved as he is now Guilty of, and to let him off the hook, is an insult to all. Almost appears that he and his cohorts are covering their own disgretions as well. Now way with him scott free should the girls be charged, fair is fair. He also enticed these activities across State lines, and that is a felony. Money and conncetions is all it takes in our "legal system". This guy is pathetic as well as the "wife" who stands beside him.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

OhioWoman — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:53:05 GMT

Both parties should be prosecuted, absolutely, and it's outrageous that they are not. Who does US Attorney Michael Garcia think he is? I would never want him representing my interests. Women and men should be angry about this. Supply and Demand. Johns should always be charged and it is just not done, a blind eye is turned. They need to be exposed and paraded around in shame just the the prostitutes are on the evening news. Why show the prostitutes and hide the identity of the men buying it. Either end is illegal. When will there be justice served on this matter? It's 2008 people. Can I get caught buying crank and not be charged, okay? Or rob a bank and not be charged? Cheat on my taxes? Laws are for what exactly?

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

gandoff2000 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:55:13 GMT

I think he should be procisited to the full extent of the Law No breaks for who he is. if it was you or I I would be behind bars as He should be to gnadoff2000

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

the sometimes why — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:02:03 GMT

The phrase "victimless crime" is misleading. True, there may not be a victim in the classic sense of the word, especially when looked at in the short term. But over time, ask yourself this: when was the last time you heard someone involved with the sex-trade industry wax nostalgic about the "good old days when I was a prostitute."

That said, the unwillingness to prosecute Mr. Spitzer is a dagger in the heart of the ideal that no one is above the law. Mr. Spitzer gets an essentially free pass because he says he's sorry. Well, if I was married to the woman standing next to in the picture that headed this article, I would be sorry to--her pain is palpable, and to parade her into the spotlight as the result of my misdeeds would be unbearable.

If anything, Mr. Spitzer's status as an ex-public servant shouldn't be used as an excuse to extend him special privilege. In fact, it should be used as a reason to prosecute him. As a public servant, he should be held to a higher standard of conduct. His relationship to the public is a fiduciary one, requiring more of him, especially in light of his own articulated stance on prostitution while holding the office he demeaned by his actions.

Herein ends the reading...let us attend.

All the Best,

The Sometimes Why

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Marty in Springfield — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:03:08 GMT

What a joke, Spitzer is self rightous and a perfect exaple of a hypocrit. He joyfully talked of how he was ridding the world of the scum bags that he is now one of. Garcia is also a joke, but I suppose that was already said since it was stated that he is a lawyer, just like Spitzer. I guess the laws are for all of us and not for those that enforce them.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

gth00p12 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:03:57 GMT

Typical of modern government in America. If you have power, you are above the law.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

bethere194144 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:04:53 GMT

if it was OJ he would be doing more time

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Kev D — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:07:06 GMT

What a joke! This is, of course, hipocrasy in action. Apparently if you have the money/status you CAN get away with darn near everything. The upshot of not prosecuting Spitzer is that we ALL now get one 'Get Out of Jail Free' card if we get busted with a hooker.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

catersue — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:08:32 GMT

Is anything relative unto the law? We have a president and his cronies who have been responsible for criminal injustice and harm to citizens of the US and the world. Where's the outrage against this. Spitzer has been unjust to his wife and family - prosecute for that?

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

raychamp — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:10:50 GMT

This just goes to show all citizens that if one has political power in the USA, then one is above the law. It just goes to show me that laws are designed for different classes of citizens and that all are not equal inthe eyes of criminal justice. I continue to lose faith in this country.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

ClaudeM — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:12:26 GMT

Spitzer's so-called "victims" were indeed, willing participants. I don't condone prostitution by any measure; however, habitual use of prostitutes MAY be a sign of modest mental disorder, with some harm to the possessor. I would recommend counseling and perhaps, extended psychiatric therapy. I have a strong suspicion that some would prosecute him because of his former energenetic persuit of potential criminals on Wall Street. Dont we wish for 20 like him today!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Tobucks — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:14:42 GMT

No one is really interested in his repayment for his sins, but rather do his punishment for violating a crime and failing his oath of office. This failing of our fair national justice system clearly points to one of the basic reasons President Elect Obama won his landslide victory, based on his promise to begin repairing or flawed government.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Spring2008 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:15:05 GMT

I THINK THIS GUY SHOULD BE PROCECUTED JUST LIKE ANY OTHER CITIZEN.POLITICIANS SEEM TO THINK THAT THEY ARE ABOVE BOARD.THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO SET AN EXCAMPLE FOR THE REST OF US BUT INSTEAD THEY ARE THE WORST KIND.THEY TAKE ALL OF OUR BELIEFS AND TRUSTS AWAY.WHAT A SHAME!!!!!!!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

coolrascal — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:15:23 GMT

US Attorney Garcia should be fired and jailed. He has undermined the criminal justice system and has disgraced his office by playing favorites. Spitzer has enjoyed thumbing his nose to the law by his comments that the choice not to prosecute him proved impartiality. What an absurd conclusion. Spitzer would be required to serve a mandatory minimum sentence of five years under the Mann Act. Under the Adam Walsh Act, he would have to register for life as a sexual offender. Spitzer and Garcia conspired together to avoid criminal prosecution and sex offender registration. What a sorry end to this story, we as taxpayers should demand Garcia's resignation.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Tobucks — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:22:01 GMT

Maybe we should forgive him, for he may have been one of those rare benefactors that had an erection lasting over four hours during which he could'nt locate his doctor.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

apopa100 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:30:45 GMT

The Judical system in the US is made of of Lawyers and they actuall watch out for each other. This happens all the time. Spitzer violated the trust that the publci placed in him and further more violated the Mann Act. He should have been charged and give a long term in a Prision isttead of just letting him resign from office. This is nto the first time that a judge or a lawyer has been treated differently that the resto of us. This scumball should have been sent to jail and the attorney of record who let him off should be required to resign.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

CJStewart — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:33:09 GMT

The prosecutor who made that decision should be fired. Public officials should be treated like anyone else in a criminal investigation. Obviously, the prosecutor was either star struck by Mr. Spitzer, or aligned with him politically. Either way, the prosecutor made the wrong decision. His decision hinders the application of the rule of law (which we all learned in law school) in this case. Shame on the prosecutor!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Beemd — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:35:30 GMT

Power corrupts... absolute power corrupts absolutely!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

norwell — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:37:18 GMT

If this guy were Joe Sixpack nobody would care about any of this. Prostitution has been around for ever. The only reason this guy was picked on was because he put a few crooks in jail. It's funny how many friends crooks have in law enforcement. He paid a terrible price for his sins. If anyone needs to go to jail, how about the girl.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

cutie pa2ti — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:41:43 GMT

Mr. Spritzer did the wrong thing. He should lead by example and he has hit the top of a terrible rating. This situation is a betrayal of the public trust. This was on television for days as well as in the newspapers across the country. Look what he's done to his wife and family. He has no morals and should be removed from his office as Governor of New York State. If I had that situation happen to me, my husband would be out of our home and we would get a divorce. He would pay dearly for the embarrassment and wrongs to me and our children. If he wants postitutes, he can roll in the mud with them, but his family would be gone forever. Shame on U.S. Attorney Michael J. Garcia. He didn't do the right thing and isn't setting a good example either.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

caseyniam3 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:51:16 GMT

No one is supposed to be above the law, he commited a crime while he was still gov he should pay the price and man up to it. It is my own belief that he should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law and show no mercy on him this is a very bad message to the public, just remember he did comit this crime as gov and should be convicted as such just because he resigned so what he just did what he knew he would have to do anyway anyhow this is my opinion and if you people out their dont like it too bad. I can't believe people said he should get a break because it is a hard job my job is a hard job do I get any breaks no so neithter should he it makes me wonder how many government officials are being paid off.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

4Sir10 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:55:53 GMT

Spitzer was about to make a public announcement regarding White House involvement in the subprime credit crisis. He was "caught" by spy surveillance and if brought to trial would have exposed the "hit" and challenged the legality of it. Hopefully, he will still step forward to testify against the current administration regarding their involvement and whatever other information he has garnered or acquired since then. Hopefully other whistle blowers on Federal / executive office corruption and conspiracies will not be deterred by the threat of blackmail or other surveillance sweeps.

Charges were dropped rather than open up to the public the why and how of the arrest. Notoriety followed for the woman.

The authors have an agenda too and used a well-known name to introduce their real agenda.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

JMReyes6 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:58:29 GMT

Who the hell really cares? You know what, screwing a prostitute is not a crime against society. I don't care who has sex with who for what cost, as long as it isn't hurting anybody. First of all, the only thing prostitutes hurt is the government because their money is tax-free and that's all anybody seems to really care about; it's the same situation for marijuana, the only reason it's illegal is because it's not regulated and because it actually encourages independent thought- a huge threat to our government. Secondly, if you want to talk about "betraying the public" then why don't we discuss the NYPD? Quite literally, they get away with MURDER and nobody has such an outcry against their verdicts. I'll be honest with you, I prefer Eliot Spitzer to David Paterson, just like I preferred Bill Clinton to Bush Jr....regardless of parties. Our culture allows for way too much probing in the personal lives of people in the public eye, too much media-propagated "scandal", and too much law-interpreting hypocrisy. I'm tired of it and my fellow Americans, if not New Yorkers, should be too.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Sifujeff — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 22:58:42 GMT

Unfortunately, women like Ms. Farley and Ms. Ramos don't understand that the solution to prostitution is right in their hands. The reason prositution has been present throughout history is very simple: men like sex. Unfortunately women don't want it nearly as much, so they don't do it enough, hence the need for prostitutes. To end all prostitution, all women need to do is fufill the sexual needs of their men. Of course fufilling the sexual needs of men is "degrading" and/or "disgusting", and nice girls don't do it. A vicious cycle that is completely in the hands of women.

Break the cycle ladies, have sex with your men (even if you don't really feel like it)

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

goverment hater — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:03:46 GMT

well well lets see what would happen to me if i transported some woman across state lines for sex . lets see im poor oh that means im going to jail because im not eliot spitzer myself and the rest of the poor people in this country are fed up with you,re rich abuses of the system that you think you are above i got a word for all you goverment rich scumbags ,movie stars rock stars ya all are scumbags of the highest order but hey its ok just put the poor in jail and let us rich do as we please . i hope that any john that gets caught with a prostitute gets off now. but i know that wont happen because their not as special as mr scumbag spitzer the laws were written for everyone in this country not just for the poor spitzer you,re a scumbag and you,re lawyer friends are punks i work in a prison where most of the guys were told to take a plea bargain or got to jail for a lo0ng time wether their guilty or not eliot spitzer was guilty of the crime but since hes rich and has rich friends he,s walking eliot spitzer screw you scumbag.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

trifruit — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:04:19 GMT

Another example of inequity in America. Why are athletes and politicians and celebrities given a free ride and special treatment? We should all be treated the same. B.S.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Uptown John — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:23:29 GMT

Clinton and Kennedy made very public the abuses of power for sexual favor...without consequence. At least this poor girl got paid for her efforts.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

bondfan — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:24:40 GMT

While the AG he accused and prosecuted many high profile indiviudlas in a variety of industries. Did he provide to them the same conisderation that he has received at the hands of the justice sysytem? I wonder!!!!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

spacekatt — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:27:23 GMT

Sifujeff-I hope that you were trying to make a joke with that post. If not, that is the most idiotic thing Ihave read in a really long time. And it wasn't funny either.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

prophecy — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:31:56 GMT

All men are johns who pay for it in some form or another.. and all women are prostittutes for eithor the quick cash or long term marriage plan.. ha... that's supposed to be a joke to make you laugh, any of you self righteous ones who think you are so good that you wouldn't think of doing such a horrible deed. Come on, so what if women make some cash with their assets and men finally get some sex that their wives don't provide anymore perhaps.

It makes at least a more interesting world. And why is it illegal? Because they can't tax it.. that's why.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

May Justice Prevail — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:32:28 GMT

If Bill Clinton wasn't prosecuted for "not" having sex with that woman, than nobody should be prosecuted. Clinton was impeached and refused to leave office. Once again our laws were ignored. When will the elitest faction, ie, the hollywood and D.C. types, of our society actually be brought to justice with the same rules our forefathers put before us.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

celticfan — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:34:29 GMT

Unbelievable that they won't prosecute. I live in Oregon. Here, if you solicit a hooker, your car is impounded immediately. Then of course, you pay fines to get the car back and whatever the court adds on to that. I don't think a person should get jail time for it because it isn't rape. They are both willing and consenual. However, unless I missed something, it sounds like all he had to do was basically say he regrets his error. That's not right. I'm a construction worker and even though I make 6 figures a year, there is no chance I would get the same deal.

Also, enough of the bleeding hearts going out to prostitutes. Yes, some are forced in to it by pimps. But far more often, in the 90% range, most prostitutes do it by choice. They may not want to make that choice, but it is still the choice THEY made. Yes, their life may be in shambles from drugs or job loss or medical condition. But many (most) do it because the money is good and it's an easy way to make money. If you can sell yourself for sex, then you can just as easily go work at McDonalds or WalMart. But 8 bucks an hour versus what a hooker might make??? What would you choose. If you have a drug habit, don't blame it on the prositution. The drug habit came first, so admit your problem and get treatment. In this case, she was absolutely not forced in to that life. She chose it because of the huge dollars she could make. Whatever their reasoning is for choosing that life style, it does not make them a victim.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

juanspringero — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:41:34 GMT

This editorial didn't deserve publication. The ridiculous, flaming feminism that informs the authors' characterization of prostitution generally, and the Spitzer situation specifically, is so biased and inaccurate as to be offensive. To posit that prostitution constitutes "purchasing women" for sexual exploitation ignores the transactional nature of prostitution. Prostitutes provide a service in exchange for money. Nothing more, nothing less. We wouldn't seriously consider paying a kid a few bucks to mow your lawn a form of "child slavery" or say that the child has been "bought" to perform yardwork. The fact that the kid may "need" the money to buy a new bike doesn't somehow may the situation exploitative. Prostitution is no different. I refuse to believe that Ashely Dupre was coerced into prostitution by anything other than her own greed. And while prostitutes lower on the food chain may indeed be subject to professional hazards and abuse, to cast these women as victims is axiomatically disingenous. It's symptomatic of the obnoxious culture of victimhood that permeates American society. Prostitutes may dislike what they do to get money; but in America, at least, women have a choice to not be prostitutes. This isn't a country where little girls are kidnapped and forced into white slavery; this also isn't a country where the only alternative to prostitution is starvation. The majority of prostitutes in America are supporting drug habits or, like Ashley Dupre, looking for a shortcut to easy money. The authors of this article, in a ham-fisted attempt to advance their divisive agenda and cast men as oppressors, have completely ignored these facts. I'm so sick of hearing about how people in this country, like the sainted and oppressed hookers described in this editorial, are the "victims" of their own terrible lifestyle choices. And that goes for idiots like Eliot Spitzer, too. What the eff ever happened to taking personal responsibility?

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

prophecy — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:41:56 GMT

That is about normal. You can just about guess who these days is a whistleblower or about to expose the system... they get NAILED by the media or some scandle. Every time you hear the word scandle of some polititian your first reaction should be... WHAT ARE THEY TRYING TO EXPOSE, AND why are they being hit. It's probably 90 percent true and if they wanted to all polititians would be arrested for some thing. That is how they are kept in control.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

JFlynn33 — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:41:57 GMT

There is no question in my mind that Spitzer should be prosecuted to the fullest extend of the New Yort state law that he was sworn to uphold. This is a glaring breach of the public trust, especially given New York's strict anti-trafficking laws. As there seems to be a general consensus of this, I comment rather on our broken system of curbing human trafficking and the sex trade in general. US State's ongoing failure to prosecute "johns" serves to maintain the demand and market for sex workers. On rare occasions, there may be public outcry, or at least sympathy, in defence of sex workers, but only in circumstances where they are underage and/or demonstrated to have been coerced into the trade. What is categorically dismissed is that most sex workers are forced or coerced into the trade at a young age and the public focus quickly turns to identifying prostitutes as a social and moral evil after they have attained legal age. The vast majority of sex workers have been exploited at an early age and given the circumstances, remain in the sex trade because they do not possess the education, experience or qualification for other work. Most US sex workers endure an unending cycle of criminalization - by first being forced into the sex trade, and subsequently as the target of anti-prostitution efforts that focus very little on the "johns" that make up the demand. Until the "demand" component is acknowledged and addressed, there will be very little progress made in curbing the problem. Eliot Spitzer is a glaring example of the US's failure to understand the problem.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

terrazzo27zyx — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:02:56 GMT

When you think of politicians, or any person in a high profile leadership position of authority,allowing themselves to fall prey to temptation, there is no excuse for this type of irresponsible behavior. Ones self-gratification can only be summarized as selfish with no consideration of the outcome. They are no different than girls-gone-wild and boys-behaving-badly.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

finallyfedup — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:06:52 GMT

This happens all to often, we have laws, but they are not enforeced. If you break a law, get caught, but don't get punished, did you actually break the law? We need to start handing out the proper punishment for people who break the law, period. I don't care who this person is, what this person has done, or what this person can do in the future. we have to abide by a set of laws that are designed to keep our society civil. What are we telling our children here??? It is ok to break the law as long as you APPEAR to be sorry? A victim less crime? I think not. the victim in this case is America. Drug users don't hurt anyone, but yet if you are caught with a minimal amount of certain substances, you are off to prison for a stay, no questions asked. Send this guy to the big house and watch the stats for picking up a prostitute drop. this is just another example of people in power skirting the law, just like the Alaskans who have voted for a convicted felon to represent them in the Senate? WTF???

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

eber — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:08:59 GMT

double standart, he should be prosecuted as any normal cityzen. shame on them

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

northdds — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:09:55 GMT

It is unfair, for people in positions of power, to get away with crimes against humanity(Bush) and their Government positions(Spitzer, Mark Foley) and the average "Joe the Plumber" goes to jail for such breaches of law, such as prositition ring! This tells every woman and child, enslaved to prostition.. that there is NO hope for them, as victims of this heinous crime against women and children on this planet!! When, will the USA have the courage, to convict their own?? Such blatant disregard for the law; shows society; that every man and woman in prison; is in prison but, others that do the same crime.. never get the time!! Totally, what is causing the USA to be a disgraced country of this planet!! Shame on the men, shame on the law, which "tiers the law" for the rich and powerful.. if the USA don't impeach Bush and Cheney; then I lose respect for the USA as a country.. all I see the past 8 years is lies, cheats, pedophilia, addictions of drugs and alchohol and sexual addiction/perversion.. what the damn kind of country you folks running over there!!!??

And so folks, if you are rich and powerful and famous; go ahead and break the law any ol' way you want; because folks.. that's the "AMERICAN WAY." Proof, is in the "harm."

dds

http://www.myspace.com/northdesigns

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Anna2007 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:13:20 GMT

I found the article offensive because it was written by radicals who threw in all kinds of smoke screens to detract attention. And, yes, I'm a conservative woman. They are the modern day Helen Steiners and go overboard in their interpretations (ad nauseum). I don't want to support "special interest groups." We are one nation (in case anyone forgot). As far as the law, Spitzer should be prosecuted. He showed no mercy on others he ruined when he went after prostitutes and other men. It's not the moral issue of "is prostitution right or wrong"; it's a matter of "he broke the law". The alarming trend I see in this country is -- SPECIAL LAW-- the law professors are not teaching and are probably cringing in their classrooms because they lack any idea of what to say. If they aren't cringing, they should be. Just as George W. Bush put $700 billion back into the hands of the criminals, that was the beginning of SPECIAL LAW. One day Congress gets out of bed and knows something is wrong; the next day, Congress gets out of bed and says "We must do this." If any one else had intentionally robbed Americans (i.e. ENRON) we would have been sent to prison. And to add fire to the wound, these Board of Directors and C.E.O.s have stuffed their money ($440 million for the C.E.O. of Lehman Bros.) into offshore accounts or Swiss bank accounts so that the money they should give back is safely out of reach for their own greedy little hands.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Pvanb — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:13:26 GMT

So having sex with a prostitute is a victimless crime huh?? Let's ask his wife what she thinks of that statement.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Firebee — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:15:04 GMT

Spitzer getting off the hook is just another example of any big wig in Washington being able to cover up or get out of any problem they seem to get into. For an example to which any one in our dear country can readily see and understand: Ted Kennedy on Chappaquiddick, John Kerry on not revealing his military records, O.J. Simpson getting away with murder. As I am sure you would agree, any one of the common citizens in the US would have gone to prison. (Kerry commited

treason after coming back from Viet Nam) The lieing rat.. You know the rest and I am sure much

more.. Our constitution is not being abided by, by many congressman, senators, and judges. Lets

put God back in government as our forefathers did, and get this country back to being loved, looked

up to with the patriotism it deserves. John Shelton

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

punknhead — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:16:48 GMT

This is DISGUSTING to me. Charge the man with all he can be charged with, throw him behind bars and be DONE! I am FED-UP with double standards for our "great" politicians. There is NO call for this -- or him NOT being charged. I am OUTRAGED! PUT HIM IN JAIL or at MINIMUM make him pay FINES!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

travelerONE — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:17:59 GMT

Yep, Democrats win the election...Spitzer walks..."Change We Can Believe in" Yeah, Right!

Where's the moral leadership and indignation from our President elect?

Don't hold your breath...campaign is over and its business as usual...

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

westtexdart — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:20:08 GMT

I say forget about it. Look what Bill Clinton did and received no punishment. Now the doors are open for this kind of garbage.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Donnathevoter — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:33:28 GMT

are you frakin kidding. why is he better that anyone esle he went after?????????

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

agwat — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:37:24 GMT

Let's see . . . how many laws did he break? READ THE COMMENTS AND PASS THEM ALONG TO SOMEONE WHO CAN SEE THAT THIS COUNTRY IS TIRED OF THE DOUBLE STANDARD!!!! Someone in this country has got to say "NO MORE" and put this guy in jail and every one hereinafter who committs crimes! I am SO dissapointed in that ATTORNEY and judge - they should be ousted from their positions too. READ THE LAW AND ABIDE BY IT! HELLO ??What example is this to my son who is in LAW SCHOOL?? Think about the examples these idiots are setting for our children AND how they are governing our country. It's terrible.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Hugh Jass — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:39:44 GMT

People, people.....wake up here. Are you so self righteous in your puritanical witch hunting that you don't see the forest for the trees? Get off your hang 'em high posse and THINK. This whole fiasco isn't about Spitzer getting caught....this is about WHY he got caught.....or how he was set up and fell for the bait. There were axes to grind here. I can't recall all the specific details, and need to go back to Michael Savage's info, but he did tick off the wrong people. There are deeper currents here and exposure of Spitzer's transgressions are a distraction. [sorry, i'll have to post the details later]

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

OOOOOBAMA — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:43:29 GMT

*** you all. so what if he had sex with some prostitute. We all *** up in life. he got embarassed in the media, let him go. If your gona charge him with any crime then you better pick up everyone else that does the same stuff.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

calvinbrickrock — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:45:30 GMT

I'm so fed up with crooked politicians. Spitzer weaseled his way out of these charges with the help of his dear friends in the judicial system. You can't blame Barrack yet for all the sins that the politicians are commiting. This is just another slap in the American citizen's face. We probably paid for his high priced hookers, like were paying for AIG's lavish trips. The CEOs, and board of directors shpuld all be arrested, and made to pay the money back. If the hiring of a Prositute is no big thing, then why did good old Elliot go after that sector of crime? I feel like I've been let down by this latest Hooker scandal, and he should be sharing a cell with all the other defendants that are sitting in jail. What makes him so special. He's a snake. I am a NYS resident, and we all are glad to see him gone. - thank God. Now I am waiting for January to see the first real honest politician in office. He has some real values. Let's hope it rubs off on some others !!!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Le Voyageur — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:00:04 GMT

Women should have a RIGHT to CHOOSE if they want work in the sex trade. Sex trade workers should be protected by our laws from conditions of abuse and exploitation to the same extent as anyone working in any other field. Prostitutes should have access to the police and to the courts so they can defend and protect themselves should they experience conditions that threaten their lives or livlihood. I feel that it is disingenious to argue that all prostitutes are victims. It is the POOR who are victims, whether they be women or men, whatever kind of work one does. I would also like to add that SEXUALITY can manifest magical and healing qualities for the HUMAN SPIRIT. Prostitution is afterall only one form of HUMAN INTERACTION. These activities have the potential to be BOTH GOOD and BAD.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

kolobok — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:03:24 GMT

I am surprised to read so many negative comments. Whats wrong with having sex for money? Sex is a basic human need, just like eating and sleeping. When you go to restaurant you pay, when you rent a room in a hotel you also pay. Why do you think sex should be always free?

To say that women are victims of prostitution is ridiculous. Lots of women love to have sex for money and do it becoz they want it. They dont want to work hard and get paid meager wages, they prefer to go after a quick buck if their looks allow it. They are not destitute. They make a lot more than average woman, certainly enough to pay for school and get a job. And in the U.S. where before the recession there was a severe shortage of labor, all the talks that women had no choice but prostitute themselves is just feminist bull. They could get a job in the supermarket or McDonalds who would hire anyone, but chose not to. It is true that human trafficking exits in the world and it should be vigorously prosecuted, but this refers to women who are DECEIVED into being hired to work as waitresses or entertainers, and then had their passports taken from them and forced into prostitution. Spitzer never lied to that woman, nobody took her passport and nobody forced her to travel. She knew exactly what she was doing, so to make her look like a victim is really dumb. The man was tired boning his old wife and wanted to nail a young meat. He paid out of his own pocket for this. So what is here to prosecute? Prostitution was, is and always will be and it is a hypocricy to suggest that it could be somehow banned. As for Sweden mentioned by these feminist authors, I have seen so many Swedish men traveling overseas for sex, that it looks like sexual exile. This is on top of tax exile, coz ridiculous Swedish laws tax people on their foreign income forcing all rich people to live outside their country. Prostitution is legal in all civilized countries. In America there was a dry law in the 20s making it illegal to drink alcohol. This only created an underworld doing business in illegal alcohol, but did nothing to diminish the amount of drunks. Finally the government had courage to legalize alchohol. Its time now to do the same w prostitution. Legalize, tax it, regulate it, make sure girls have regular check up. And you will see that sex related crime will go down dramatically.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

BAMagnus — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:10:22 GMT

Of course we cant prosecute Mr Spitzer, he is a Democrat, they are above the law. Now if he was a republican, they would probably be building gallows.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

dog lover — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:18:45 GMT

I find it extremely interesting that a goverment official gets off hiring a prostitute with a slap on the wrist while someone who's not a goverment official gets jail time. What's wrong with this picture? Last time I looked, goverment official or not, Mr. Spitzer should have been charged just like any other person, not treated special with just a slap on the wrist. It's time that something be done to change that. Hopefully, Barak Obama will change that. Nobody should get off scott free.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

barry fox — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:21:12 GMT

It doesn't surprise me that in New York that they would turn a blind eye. Hey we don't want to take down a Democrat. Oh he is such a good guy, just like the current election nobody really cares and people want to hear what they want to here. In twenty years we won't have the same freedom we have today. It will be so unpopular to disagree with the government that nobody will do it. Most people won't care and most people will believe anything the press tells them. (WE ARE LOSING OUR FREEDOM) Just remember that our founding fathers started a revolution over a corrupt government, well folks we have one in DC and I blame both parties.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

kj10 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:23:45 GMT

This is OUTRAGEOUS! This will sure set the stage for all the poor johns out there to get out of a prosecution for the same. This just confirms that MONEY can buy you anything...They should have been tougher on him than the average person considering his position & his reputation for prosecuting the same crime. I am once again embarrased that i am from the state i love so much.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

tiredofmorons — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:27:05 GMT

What it comes down to is the DOJ is saying that all women are whores and will get your money one way or another. Hey morons he's not the governor anymore...it's ok to take his $50 fine and slap his wrist.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

jsnyc — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:27:10 GMT

We all wonder why?? Let the guy go. He liked sex. Geeez so do I.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

jackspita — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:38:49 GMT

With people like Spitzer in office not being punished to the full extent of the law, along with many,many, other things that are illegal & supposed to be punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both, in this country, it makes me wonder if we are living in a democracy or a glorified dictatorship. I think the politicians need to be held accountable, just like the average citizen. Too many must not realize what their priorities are, or should be. They overspend on less important things & then when the really important issues can no longer be put on the back burner, the money isn't available. ie: infrastructure, environmental, medicare, social security, to name just a few. So, I guess I got off the track here, but, there are just too many things that are screwed up because of screwups that are not efficiently doing there jobs. What a sad state of affairs.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

EdG0000 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:40:17 GMT

If anything, "normal citizens" should get a break and a successful lawyer who was elected to enforce the laws of the state should receive the maximum sentence. No one knows better than he that he was breaking the law. His job was to put criminals in jail and now we let him off? Pathetic. I'm so glad I left NYC some years back.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

ajoboy — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:43:17 GMT

"If Government becomes the law breaker, it breeds contempt for the law" Justice Brandeis 1928

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Sifujeff — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:45:31 GMT

Spacekatt - maybe I used a silly tone, but I meant what I said. If more women would have good, fun, and frequent sex with their mates, those men would not go to prostitutes. If every woman did, then no-one is going to the prossies, and they (and the terrible men who make money off of them) are out of business. Case closed.

I suspect that you are one of those women who thinks that the once or twice a month you "submit" to your husband should be more than enough, and if he doesn't like it - too bad for him. It's women like you who are generating the demand that enslaves these poor girls.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

ajoboy — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:46:18 GMT

"If Government becomes the law breaker, it breeds contempt for the law" Justice Brandeis 1928

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

bluethunder018 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:47:31 GMT

As a Law Enforcement Officer for the past 22 years, I was told that I must keep my personal and professional life above reproach. Therefore, I've seen many good officers have lost their jobs due to poor judgment in their personal lives somewhat similar to former New York Governor Spitzer. I believe the justice system in Spitzer's case is somewhat CORRUPTED, he was not properly investigated or punished as a public servant? We the officers do not receive the same treatments as Spitzer. Spitzer should be tried as an example to all public servants, just remember, "There's no-one is above the Laws."

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

JaTru336 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:49:41 GMT

Spitzer is a f%cking scumbag political hypocrite like a lot of the politicians out there! If it were you or me getting caught with a prostitute we would get our @$$es reamed out in prison! They ought to knock Garcia off the bench since he is such a corrupt S.O.B! It's judges like him that makes people lose faith in our justice system! This whole story makes me sick to think that people can get away with this but poor or middle class people get hammered! Prostitution is disgusting and is for people who can't get women to begin with. This is why it's hard to believe that Spitzer had a hot wife to begin with. She should leave that poor excuse for a politician and come with a real man like myself!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

JaTru336 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:52:39 GMT

Spitzer is another dirty politician who doesn't deserve to live. I love when hypocrites like this are brought out into the light. If the average person did what he did they would have their @$$es reamed out in prison! To his wife, i'm sorry he did this to you. I'm not sure how he got a woman like you but if you want a real man you are always welcome to come to PA and get the chance to experience a real man!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Trish32780 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 01:58:26 GMT

The fact is that prostitution should be legalized and regulated. Health cards, taxes , and protection by the law would get alot of these women from under the thumb of the men who control them, allowing them more freedom in deciding whether this is the life they want. Just another law that doesnt work floods our courts and waste tax payers money. No matter what laws we have it will always be there so lets take the crime out of it and save alot of money time and probably lives.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Trish32780 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:02:08 GMT

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Sparky51 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:03:33 GMT

This is so pathetic, just for defined somehow. The point is not just that he was engage in prostitution schemes, that he in fact broke federal laws, not to that brought disgrace to his wife and family. Gentlemen, we are talking about an individual that BROKE THE LAW, it doesn't a matter if was the president of the USA, or some horny john. What the heck is going on in our country????So where is the blind lady?. This man was a public servant, even worst; this is the kind of examples that our politician gives us. Mr. Spitzer, you have not honor at all sr. you are a disgrace to our society. And with all my due respect Mrs. Spitzer, I really feel sorry for you and your family.

My only suggestion to you Eliot, when you are a man, a real man you face the consequences of your acts. Coward! Shame on you

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

ciaobaby — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:06:39 GMT

This is SOOOOOOOOOO wrong. This man is less than a man. Unfortunately, he is a father of lovely children. I would hope he would seek some serious therapy for himself, as well as, his family. My heart goes out to his family and friends.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

jroliver2 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:18:22 GMT

Again we what happens when a Good OL Boy brack a law that only pertains to regular people. I think I'll run for Office so I can also be above the LAW that only affects regular people

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

aaron26 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:24:52 GMT

This isi total BS. As a retired police officer, I would have arrested this person and followed through with t he prosecution. He is not abot the law to have charges disimissed! Don't tell me he has paid his dues, BS. Put him through a trial, find him guilty and sentence him, just like anyone else.

He is no one special. Jail time is fitting for h im. Maybe he will find some STD's out there!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Sowhatski — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:32:44 GMT

I don`t think he Spitzer should be prosceuted ,but I do think the Prostitute should have to pay all the money back to the city.I don`t think that it is Spitzer`s fault at all considering how much tension he is under the man just needed a release. I think however that he should still have his job.There are alot worse things that could have happen he is still a good guy. His only crime is be so gorgeous.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

bigjef — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:43:58 GMT

What I meant to say earlier was "it's not who you know but who you blow." I feel sorry for his wife standing there by him. She has got to be so embarrassed by this jerk. And what's with the USAG not prosecuting? Sounds like he doesn't have the spine to do his job. Like others here I am a current police officer for the past 26 years and if I pulled what this guy did I'd be de-certified and hung out to dry. I suppose it's too much to ask for equality and justice for all?

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

BoomerSemperFi — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:53:03 GMT

They're all rotten to the core. Obama's next ... let's see what our boy Barack comes up with. How much above the law will he be? .... we've seen indications of this in his past. America's so called leadership needs many lessons on how to lead. We're simply not blessed .... how else do you explain the mess confronting our country. We're internationally embarassed. Amazing, 300 million people and no great leaders or statesmen. Why do we waste the blood of good Americans to watch the imbiciles in government and the greed, corruption and arrogance in the boardrooms across America. Spitzer merely epitomizes these sleeze bags. Come on America, don't tolerate this, revolt aginst the pukes!!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

rsavary — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:53:59 GMT

Golly, I would have thought with mister spitzers former impressive position, that he would not have to be dealt with as a criminal. Good heavens no; thats only for the rest of us, certainly not this pimp. As far as his punishment; he hasn't had any (and won't), but his kids and his wife probably suffered some humiliation as well as a hit in the kids college funds. Apparently a New York hooker is really an expensive venture, but he probably had more than one lobbyist handing over cash to help out. So he probably didn't have to wipe out his kids college future all at once. He might even qualify for some bailout money (most every criminal does), since he is but another new york icon swirling in lifes tidy bowl. I hope this works well for those of you that give a damn, cause I don't...

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

i'm_a_dem — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 02:55:04 GMT

Wow, Spitzer will not be prosecuted, how surprising (sarcasm). Did we really as New Yorkers or others expect it? For all of you people rambling on about Spitzer being a democrat (blah, blah, blah), wake up and smell the Rose-Bush----Republican. How many crimes against humanity has that educationally-challenged President been guilty of and has he been prosecuted for any, did'nt think so. Oh, I forgot, he is too stupid to understand the crimes he has committed and as a society we tend not to prosecute the mentally challenged. Spitzer on the other hand is quite intelligent and knew the crime he was commiting, but as usual in our society the hand is being washed by the DOJ because the DOJ's hand was washed previously, funny how that works in government. For the blogger who made the comment let's consolidate as a people and revolt, I respond, "that would be great". There are two (2) problems with this plan of action, #1 we the people have become so complacent that we can't rise up out of our recliners to make a stand (unless it's a bad call by an official during a football game, sorry Ed Hoculi, could'nt let it rest could I?) and #2 we don't live in a democratic society anymore (oh sure our voting procedure is the model of a democratic society but we live in a psuedo democracy) if we rose up and revolted as a people we would be squashed like bugs by the same officials and departments (police, national guard) that have been sworn in to uphold the laws of this dem----er, fast becoming dictatorship. By the way, both the police and the national guard are both feeling the pinch of our economic woe's but they would have to uphold the oath they are sworn to............go figure!! So in closing I want to say that I do not condone the actions of Elliot Spitzer and or the prostitute, they both should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, but don't hold your breath. I can tell you one thing though if you want to know where the end of this issue is just wait for Hollywood to give Spitzer huge sums of money for the movie right's on his mega $$ book deal, pay good money to go see the movie there-by effectively continuing our romance with the reality-based Bulls--- that we call real life. Is that "Irony, or "Poetic Justice" I love New York doesn't stand anymore, maybe we should change it to "Hire a hooker in New York, don't worry you'll get OFF!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Sowhatski — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:00:08 GMT

No if it were OJ they would have looked the other way. Your missing the point ,what you really don`t understand is what you don`t know .Mr . Spitzer is hot and he just has to have what he creaves. What happened was so natural and the prostitute in my opinion should never have charged him that way Mr. Spitzer could have paid her under the table and there would have been no crime. I am sure he just got confused being in the heat of the moment. Oy Yoy Yoy .He should have hired a male prostitute there wouldv have been no scandal believe me. sowhatski

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

i'm_a_dem — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:01:10 GMT

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

kolobok — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 05:35:27 GMT

To say that women are victims of prostitution is ridiculous. Lots of women love to have sex for money and do it becoz they want it. They dont want to work hard and get paid meager wages, they prefer to go after a quick buck if their looks allow it. They are not destitute. They make a lot more than average woman, certainly enough to pay for school and get a job. And in the U.S. where before the recession there was a severe shortage of labor, all the talks that women had no choice but prostitute themselves is just feminist bull. They could get a job in the supermarket or McDonalds who would hire anyone, but chose not to. It is true that human trafficking exists in the world and it should be vigorously prosecuted, but this refers to women who are DECEIVED into being hired to work as waitresses or entertainers, and then when they travel to a foreign country had their passports taken from them and forced into prostitution. Spitzer never lied to that woman, nobody took her ID and nobody forced her to travel. She knew exactly what she was doing, so to make her look like a victim is really dumb. The man was tired boning his old wife and wanted to nail a young meat. He paid out of his own pocket for this. So what is here to prosecute? Prostitution was, is and always will be and it is a hypocricy to suggest that it could be somehow banned. As for Sweden mentioned by these feminist authors, I have seen so many Swedish men traveling overseas for sex, that it looks like sexual exile. This is on top of tax exile, coz ridiculous Swedish laws tax people on their foreign income forcing all rich people to live outside their country. Prostitution is legal in all civilized countries. In America there was a dry law in the 20s making it illegal to drink alcohol. This only created an underworld doing business in illegal alcohol, but did nothing to diminish the amount of drunks. Finally the government had courage to legalize alchohol. Its time now to do the same w prostitution. Legalize, tax it, regulate it, make sure girls have regular check up. And you will see that sex related crime will go down dramatically.

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

forex962 — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 13:31:18 GMT

It is disgusting all around. Ms Ramos, however is a far-left feminist who has hostility towards men for being men. Prostitution IS disgusting - Spitzer IS a hypocrite, but Ramos is in bed with Gloria Steinem and the man haters and the lunatic feminists who want to feminize men and put women in control. Beware of VERY ANGRY women like Norma Ramos. She truly is an ANGRY WOMAN!!! Men who are aware, stay away from NORMA RAMOS - the ultimate ANGRY WOMAN!!

re: Sounding Off on the Spitzer Scandal

Mekhong Kurt — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 15:18:24 GMT

I would say that if the lady isn't prosecuted, it's arguable that SPitzer shouldn't, either, at least on the face of it.

However, that he held high public office -- especially since it was in such an influential state -- may cast somewhat of a different light on it. The article quotes one reader who offers the idea of Spitzer serving community service with an organization dedicated to helping former prostitutes rebuild their lives. Not a bad idea at all.