Comments | alenac: Crazy local politics

alenac

Crazy local politics

Aug 13, 2004 11:10

Not sure how much of this made national headlines, but I am curious of what my NJ friends (and other "locals") think of the whole McGreevey fiasco. Most of the stories I found are password protected, but the following link should work for others haven't heard and care to ( Read more... )

Comments 11

gretchenshah August 13 2004, 16:12:04 UTC

My take is, I wish he hadn't resigned. I think it would be a good thing to have a gay person in a prominent position. Heaven knows he's not the first politican to screw around on his wife. I am already more than a little sick of the jokes and the innuendo that the affair wasn't the real reason--that he's guilty of embezelling or whatever. He's been investigated for what seems like forever and they have yet to charge him. You'd think that might count for something. Mostly, I'm just sick of hearing about it.

clarkger August 13 2004, 16:20:49 UTC

I agree. But sheesh...talk about doing a disservice to your fellow Gay Americans. Now all the gay-bashers are gonna hold him up as an example of why Gay Folk Are Evil -- the lie, they cheat on spouses, etc etc etc.

gretchenshah August 13 2004, 16:54:24 UTC

Yeah. My sad thoughts, exactly.

webhill August 13 2004, 16:38:31 UTC

Well, were it just the gay/affair thing, I'd think he should stay in office. My understanding, though, is there is much suspicion as regards how the boyfriend got his job - that he was appointed inappropriately or something. I know I'm being vague - I don't know too much about it - but if that is true, then I think it makes sense for him to resign.

tara_scraps August 13 2004, 17:06:40 UTC

In terms of him being gay and a politician, I think it's too bad he resigned. However, I can totally see why he did. Coming out is (by all accounts -- I've never done it ;)) a difficult thing and can through one's whole life into upheaval. And most people only come out to a few people at a time. Imagine coming out to the world. Scary stuff. I personally can't imagine life as a political figure -- the scrutiny they are subjected to, particularly over things that, IMO, have nothing to do with political service. So I don't blame him for resigning. While the gay community needs pioneers, it's a lot to ask one person to stand up and take the heat, especially when they are already taking the heat for other issues. (And from everything I've heard, he's been through the wringer. It reminds me of Clinton and all the accusations that people tried to make stick ( ... )

tara_scraps August 13 2004, 17:11:52 UTC

and can through one's whole life into upheaval

Let's just pretend I said "throw", okay? :)

Ok, but.... alenac August 13 2004, 17:47:58 UTC

having an affair (regardless of gender) is one thing, but from your professional work, I would think you'd agree that having an affair with someone who works for you is not the same thing. I know such situation would not be acceptable in our company, especially if it came out that the exec hired that person while already having relationship with him/her. Anyway, since having an affair with your subordinate is a giant no-no in the corporate world, I think it certainly should be in politics. IME, such situations do affect negatively the work of everyone involved, including co-workers who have to live with the situation. Plus in this day and age lawsuits are always just around the corner, so the potential liability is huge.

Re: Ok, but.... tara_scraps August 13 2004, 18:46:10 UTC

Hrm. I'm not saying that it was okay for him to have an affair with a subordinate. I was referring to the financial allegations (misappropriating funds, illegal fundraising, etc.) that have plagued him for a while. As a matter of fact, it wasn't until I started really delving into the news stories during lunch that I became aware that the affair was with a subordinate, or that there were questions about how he was appointed, or that he might file a harassment suit. (I know, bad me, I didn't watch the news or listen to NPR last night or this morning.)

I'm simply saying that political figures undergo an extreme amount of scrutiny -- and only some of it is deserved. So I don't blame him resigning if only to nagivate life out of the closet in a little bit more peace.

Thread 6

mijven August 13 2004, 17:24:50 UTC

Mostly I think I'm confused. I don't think he should resign because he is gay. Resigning because he had an affair is a choice he's welcome to make (and would do a nice job of showing up Clinton) but again, I don't see it as a compelling reason in and of itself ( ... )