Governor Eliot Spitzer Hypocrisy Ruins His Career

NY Gov. Spitzer was destined to be a career politician.  You say one thing and do another, it reminds me of something my mother once jokingly said.  Do as I say, not as I do!

The fact is that morality in America continues to deteriorate year after year.  This problem has nothing to do with religion in my view, although  it is curious that Republicans and Christians have had more exposure than any other.  Spitzer was neither; the Jewish Democrat was on path to be the first Jewish President of the United States.  His record spoke for itself, he was tough on crime and especially tough on Wall Street.

Governor Spitzer apologized today and will resign effectively on Monday

“I am deeply sorry that I did not live up to what was expected of me, I will try once again outside of politics to serve the common good.”

The politician in Spitzer insisted that his wife be by his side, and of course he had some rhetoric in hopes of gaining sympathy from the public.

“Our greatest glory consists not in never falling but in rising every time we fall.”

Here’s a quick summary of what is known about the investigation that led to Spitzer’s indictment.

Sources said Spitzer spent more than $15,000 for several encounters with prostitutes. It was revealed Wednesday by sources familiar with the investigation that Spitzer allegedly began patronizing the prostitution outfit, known as the Emperors Club, eight months ago and had used its services on at least eight occasions.

A federal money-laundering investigation led agents to Spitzer. According to two sources, Spitzer hit the federal radar when a bank reported to the Internal Revenue Service that a significant amount of money had been suspiciously transferred from one account to another.  After receiving the IRS report last year, the FBI corruption squad linked the account transfers to a prostitution ring.

The FBI criminal division joined the inquiry to look into the prostitution ring, while the federal corruption team continued its investigation into Spitzer. Investigators are focusing on how Spitzer paid for the sexual encounters, what he may have done to conceal the movement and source of the money, and whether he broke any laws doing it, sources said.

Republicans were cheering and laughing at Spitzer’s fate and why wouldn’t they, they have had a rough 21st century under the direction of President Bush.  Regardless of the politics of it all, Spitzer broke the law that he once promised to defend, and defend it vigorously  he did.  Now, all Spitzer has to show for his lifetime of public service is a major stain that is impossible to look beyond.  This whole scandal will blow over and Spitzer will get on with his life, but it’s ashame to see a man of such “integrity” find himself in a scandal of this magnitude.

The excitement that should follow is who will take his place. 

Currently, the Lieutenant Governor is set to assume the position and the transfer process is no doubt taking place.  Republicans are demanding a new special election for the “good of the people.”  That noise probably won’t go far, but it’ll allow Republicans to smear Democrats by associating party affiliation with the wrongs done by Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

Fred Soto is an Attorney and Entrepreneur from the Silicon Valley.
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