The leadership of the Democratic Party is turning up the heat on Rep. Anthony Weiner, to resign while ignoring the potential real crimes committed by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.
According to the LA Times, Pelosi said that Weiner needs to get out of Congress and get help,
“Congressman Weiner has the love of his family, the confidence of his constituents, and the recognition that he needs help,” Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said in a statement. “I urge Congressman Weiner to seek that help without the pressures of being a member of Congress.”
According to Mediaite, Wasserman Schultz said,
“It is with great disappointment that I call on Representative Anthony Weiner to resign. The behavior he has exhibited is indefensible and Representative Weiner’s continued service in Congress is untenable. This sordid affair has become an unacceptable distraction for Representative Weiner, his family, his constituents and the House – and for the good of all, he should step aside and address those things that should be most important – his and his family’s well-being.”
Don’t let these statements about concern for Weiner’s well-being or family fool you. This is all about 2012. Democrats see an opening to take back the House, and they know that every second the media spends talking about Rep. Weiner is time that could have been spend talking about the Republican House’s vote to privatize Medicare.
This has nothing to do with whether Weiner committed a crime, or his right to stay in office and let his constituents decide. Rep. Weiner’s Democratic colleagues are rightly outraged at him because he lied to them. They are livid, and they want him gone. It is that simple.
Ask yourself why Democrats are so obsessed with Anthony Weiner while at the same time they are ignoring the potential 20 years worth of actual serious crimes by Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas?
It turns out that Justice Thomas may have broken 20 years of disclosure rules by not reporting the substantial income that his wife made while engaging in conservative political advocacy. Anthony Weiner was looking into this when Weinergate broke.
Instead of dealing with serious issues, the Democratic leadership has allowed itself to be sucked into and placed on the defensive by a scandal. Democrats panicked when they heard about Weiner’s contact with a 17 year old girl, but the Philadelphia Inquirer is reporting that no inappropriate contact took place,
Daniel P. McElhatton, a Philadelphia lawyer who said he represents the girl’s family, issued a statement saying: “The ‘Tweets’ in question between the student in question and the Congressman were not salacious or in any manner inappropriate. No photographers were ever sent to her or from her.”
The political problem for the Democratic Party isn’t Anthony Weiner. It is their own leadership’s short sighted thinking. Weiner is not going to cost the Democrats their chance at taking back the House in 2012. There are not going to be voters who decide to reelect or reject the Democrat in their district based on Anthony Weiner, but by publicly calling for his resignation Pelosi and Wasserman Schultz have fed the story.
If Weiner doesn’t resign the story will be fracture and dissension in the Democratic ranks.
The decision is easy. If it is found that Weiner broke House ethics rules or committed a crime, he should go.
If he didn’t do anything illegal or against the rules then the voters in his district should decide, Pelosi and Wasserman Schultz are short circuiting the democratic process and are not helping the Democratic cause with public appeals for his resignation.
Weiner is going to take a leave of absence and seek professional help, so if Democrats really care about their colleague maybe they’ll give the grandstanding a rest.
The fact that Pelosi and Wasserman Schultz have each released more statements on Weiner than Clarence Thomas illustrates their misplaced priorities. Political cover is more important that corruption on the High Court.
If they really want to serve their country they should forget about Anthony Weiner, and investigate the disclosure reports of Justice Clarence Thomas.
PoliticusUSA
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Sarah Jones
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 3:44 pm
If he didn’t do anything illegal, why is anyone calling for him to resign – are we the morality police now? Yes, what he did was repugnant, but as you say, the voters will decide.
I agree totally- Dems playing defense – haven’t learned how to reframe yet.
I’d say, “Hey, speaking of concerning ethical issues that are actually our business and where the law is being broken, Clarence Thomas ….”
Whose own sex scandal was personally more offensive to me as a woman since his victims weren’t willing participants and he smeared them in an attempt to save himself.
It’s hysterical that Republicans are the “family values” party – when you can’t find a more morality police driven party than the Democratic party.
Yes, I know. “We’re better than them.” I don’t agree that blindness out of desire to appear moral is any more worthy than blind allegiance. Why not let the law deal with the legal issues and the people deal with the moral issues when election time comes.
In no way am I defending what he did. I just don’t think it’s any of my business unless he was harassing women or girls – and then it’s illegal, and hence, damn well is my business.
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JPSayles
Jun. 13th, 2011 at 11:10 pm
As usual, unfortunately, repubs control dialogue because they scream louder and have zero shame
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Reynardine
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 3:47 pm
I think they have internalized the presstitute-generated perception that being Republican is “cool;” being Democrat is “uncool”. Weiner is giving them all kinds of stereotype threat.
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KB2
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
I’m shocked at the “boys will be boys” attitude here by the writers! Weiner is a predator, and we really don’t know what else he has done that no one yet knows about. Breitbart has pictures–so is Weiner susceptible to blackmail while voting on issues as a congressman? As a woman, I find his behavior totally despicable and agree with Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Wasserman that he should resign, pronto. I have had personal experience with a couple of men just like Weiner, and they are depraved and morally bankrupt and don’t care about anyone except their own narcissism. We don’t need that stain on the Democratic party. Here’s the guy that accused President Obama of “having no values.” What a prick. Get lost stupid Weiner.
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english saddle
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 4:12 pm
Where are the excuses? Teenager’s parents read tweets nothing bad in them. How can you defend going after him while Clarence Thomas breaks actual laws? I don’t see anyone defending Weiner but what he did was not illegal
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Jason Easley
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 4:18 pm
These aren’t excuses. No one said Weiner should stay. Do you live in his district? If you don’t then why do you think your feelings matter than those of the people who elected him?
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Ingarose
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 8:58 pm
Well, that attitude seems to explain why the Democrats keep on losing. Even when they are in the majority they often lose. The GOP is the holier than thou party and when they mess up they forgive themselves and stay in power. When Democrats mess up they think they really should lead by example and resign.
Sorry, but I am very upset with the Dems, I do understand why they do it but they are mistaken.
Why all of a sudden have the Democrats become the family value police?
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Jeffrey
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 12:35 pm
Breitbart isn’t exactly the most reliable source of information, now is he? Weiner messed up and he should pay the costs whether that is resigning in disgrace or facding the voters at the polls. Clarence Thomas should be investigated fully, and if found in violation, should be impeached. Congresspeople are messed up and that is a fact. A supreme court justice, however, should be above all this.
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1805ugh
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 4:50 pm
I don’t know much about Weiner’s investigation into Thomas, but unless I am mistaken the only action that could be taken is a trial or hearing in the Senate itself, similar to an impeachment proceeding. Does the House have to investigate? Now that would take some doing…
All politics is political. Not all corruption is equal, or equally deserving of politician’s attention. Will it make a difference to being re-elected? That is where we are…
The same sensibility that says it is okay to publicly “dog” our representatives and expose their weaknesses is the same one that says it is okay to sext with teenage girls…it is all a void of judgement and ethical behavior. Me first. Consequences later. I don’t care who I hurt.
And that’s it in our world of public life – behavior doesn’t matter as long as you can go on winning….and no one calls you on it.
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Sarah Jones
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 9:23 pm
He didn’t sext with teenage girls according to her parents. If he had, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. He would join Foley.
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Shiva (Moderator)
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 9:35 pm
The girls lawyer said no photos or sex conversations were had with the girl
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boil
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 5:00 pm
david vitter also… but weiner really takes the cake for stupidity…. and this is from another Ashkenazi east-euro Tay-Sachs carrier… we’re supposed to know better, than the gentile…
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Cathy
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
My response here lies somewhere between Sarah’s and KB2′s. Most articles have taken the boys will be boys tone, and I am appalled by that attitude. Is it too much to expect of our elected officials to act like responsible adults? I do agree with Sarah that there should be an ethics violation investigation, and go from there. Those who live in glass houses should not throw rocks–and there are a lot of glass houses in DC!
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Cathy
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 5:20 pm
And I do agree that it is past time for us to look at the personal conflicts of interest, etc, with our Supreme Court Justices. It will be a very sensitive topic, and I hope the Democrats have the strength to stay with it, and get the answers we all deserve. And if laws have been broken, the stamina to fight for justice. The power and integrity of the court can not survive without total disclosure.
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Sarah Jones
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 7:07 pm
Not to suggest that I personally give him a pass or would vote for him – I’m torn, and as a woman, I’m disgusted. But I figure I’m not married to him. How do I feel about what he did, does it impact his ability to do his job? was he doing it on govt time like Vitter was? If he wasn’t, are we going to monitor everyone’s sex lives and anyone who has a fetish or does something we find objectionable is out? Not easy questions – but then, this shouldn’t be so black and white.
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Shiva (Moderator)
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 8:07 pm
Weiner to follow the path to the letter. He is seeking rehab
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Sarah Jones
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 9:26 pm
If only he were a Republican, he could announce that God has forgiven him. As it is, he’s on his own. Let’s hope he gets help.
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Cathy
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 12:30 am
I agree Sarah that this is not a black or white issue, but lying is never the right answer. He lied to protect himself. It is very hard to trust someone you know has not been truthful.
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Sarah Jones
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 1:09 am
Of course you’re right. I’m not suggesting lying is acceptable. He has a problem. But what I can’t get away from is if he lied about a personal matter, what business is it of mine? Yes, he lied on air and I was mad when I found out. I can’t help thinking, though, that as Americans, we have such a puritanical and provincial idea of what people are supposed to be, and most people can not live up to those expectations. This puts us in a real bind. e.g., I was in France when the Clinton scandal broke, and their take on it was what in the heck are you people so upset about? Sex? Really? It bothers me that we are more upset about a sex scandal than a criminal scandal.
Would you go to a good surgeon if he lied about cheating on his wife? Weiner was doing good work, from all accounts, on behalf of the people though I’ve heard he was a jerk. I haven’t met many politicians or high profile celebrities who weren’t jerks sometimes. Does it come with the territory or have we placed such privilege on these people that it attracts narcissists? If it were up to me, we’d be having three discussions right now and none of them would end with this situation: We would discuss attitudes towards women in this country (unpleasant at best), we would discuss privacy issues, careful to distinguish between need to know issues and those that are unsavory but irrelevant to job performance and lastly we would discuss our idolization of famous or powerful people and the damage that does to a culture.
Imagine if anyone could get fired for their use of the web at home, for instance? Where does this end? And why isn’t the discussion about the attitude behind the sexting, which is prevalent and anyone who denies that is either lucky or working in a business I’d love to know about.
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Shiva (Moderator)
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 5:09 pm
No doubt in my min d iof he quit today he would be reelected in 2012. I think the Dems want to ignore Thomas. If they didnt there would be more Dems after him.(thomas)
Weiner is not popular for his attacks on Thomas. Pelosi might consider not getting rid of him in case he talks when out of congress.
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george frideric
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 11:25 pm
Anthony Weiner should put the ball back in the Republicans’ court and make a statement that, even though he did not break any laws, he would be willing to resign from Congress if David Vitter, who repeatedly violated laws against patronizing prostitutes, and Clarence Thomas, who has had over two decades worth of ethics violations, also tendered their simultaneous resignations.
Unfortunately, since Weiner is Jewish, he can’t use the standard evangelical Christian excuse of “I have asked for and received forgiveness from my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” which has been used so often by Republicans who exhibited questionable moral behavior.
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shelby
Jun. 11th, 2011 at 11:42 pm
I wonder if anyone has touched on the fact that some people practice open marriages. I feel really bad for the people who still live in “june and ward” days. I am not saying that is what is going on here. Let’s remember that the the dems (me being a dem) have continued to fill the air waves with there demands of rep weiner and not demanding that boehner act like an elected official on the tax issues. Remember what’s important people!
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Say No to Corporate America
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 12:09 am
The TRAITORS in CON-gress (Pelosi included) violate the Constitution all the time! What about that rule… not so ethical to detain People indefinitely, or create the Police State like they have… that’s a burnt pot calling the little tea-pot black, if you ask me. The [Dems/GOP] Uniparty Inc has killed American jobs and wealth for the People… that is a crime!
Weiner made a bad judgment call, and he was stupid, but he did not break the law… Thomas and a whole lot of politicians and judges have. Obama, GeeW, Dick and gang are WAR CRIMINALS, so they, and all the traitors need to resign… but they won’t so ‘We the People’ need to FIRE THEM!
Revolution begins June 14th… see what YOU can do:
Say NO to Corporate America!: http://saynotocorporateamerica.blogspot.com/
Get Up! Stand Up! Get Involved! http://saynotocorporateamerica.blogspot.com/2011/02/get-up-stand-up-get-involved.html
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NOT 1 Penny from US
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 6:11 am
NOT 1 Penny from US…Until you Support US and Rep. Weiner…You are a disgrace to those the elected you!
Dear All Democratic Representatives;
You are supposed to be the Representatives of the people and have some spine. But with the Leaders announcement today of throwing Rep. Weiner under the bus, you show that you DO NOT represent US and are gutless, spineless, pantywaists that have no backbone or loyalty, and you completely DISGRACE US that elected you….
Our words and polls in complete support of Rep Weiner you pay no attention to, and are destroying everything we have worked so hard for this spring in opposition to the Republican agenda, and now you make it impossible for anyone to support you and destroyed your hopes for re-election in 2012. You have a lot of work to do and a lot of apologizing, to gain any resemblance of support. And the first you need to apologize to is Rep. Weiner for throw him under the bus for his simple indiscretion.
And to make it clearer we will talk in the only language you understand…MONEY.. NOT 1 penny from US until you start to stand behind and start supporting our own…Rep Weiner…as long as you throw him under the bus, before even any investigation into anything criminal…(We know now you will throw us under the bus just as fast)…
So we will throw you under the bus and not support you…
you do not stand up for us any more than you stand up for him then we don’t stand up for you!
Have some loyalty for your own and us and get a set!
Your constituents
Sign the Petition:
http://www.change.org/petitions/letter-to-congress-on-their-spineless-lack-of-support-for-rep-weiner-2
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Eykis
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 1:43 pm
Not 1 penny,
Thank you, signed.
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Magginkat
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 10:44 am
Finally! Some common sense. I am an almost 70 yr old grandmother and have been thoroughly digusted with the screeching from the so-called media, followed the by Pelosi, Wasserman cowards jumping in this mess. The man did not commit a crime. He did something stupid. If we take everyone out of Congress who did something stupid we would have the world’s largest ghost town. Pelosi, by deciding that their would be no punishment for war crimes against Cheney, Bush, etc., became an accessory to that crime. We could probably name more offenses by the dozen against Pelosi, Reid or other members of Congress. California…throw that old bag to the wind next time she is up for reelection. Now that would be patriotic!
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Burgesses1619
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 11:22 am
The Democrats in Congress should not pressure Anthony Weiner to resign until the corrupt Republican politicans in Congress and judges like Clarence Thomas resign. Pelosi has made enough bad judgement calls that have really affected Congress, so she should back off.
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Brian Semple
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 11:00 pm
I agree 100% If pelosi is gonna go after Weiner, she should also go after the repubs that are guilty of worse!
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vjack
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 12:55 pm
Don’t forget that these Congressional democrats also ignored the war crimes committed by Dick Cheney. They do not seem to support accountability except in the case of minor offenses.
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Anne
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 1:54 pm
While Weiner exhibited exactly the kind of stupid, immature behavior that teenagers are constantly warned against by their elders, the Democrats need to stop allowing the hypocritical Republicans to define the conversation. They have rolled over too many times for the GOP, and they need to stop doing this. With the GOP’s record on morality, which is 180 degrees removed from their rhetoric on the subject, they are the very last people that the Democratic leadership should be allowing to drive the conversation.
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Shiva (Moderator)
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Whioch keeps a theory I have had for some time going. Is this an orchestrated dance between the Reps and Dems??
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annaB
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
please show your support for Congr Weiner: http://www.facebook.com/WeSupportAnthonyWeiner
nothing illegal, no resignation!!!
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Brian Semple
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 10:56 pm
Why is Vitter getting off scott free? HE BROKE THE LAW!
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Sarah Jones
Jun. 12th, 2011 at 11:19 pm
Didn’t you hear? God forgave him, Sanford, Ensign, et al even for the illegal activity because they are CHOSEN.
The Republican Party owns the brand of God, Jesus, and the flag. GOP = God, Inc. ($$$$$$$ for Jesus) Come, join the GOP, where the sin is free and the money flows! All you have to do is hate on the more than 75% of the country, and you’re in.
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Brian Semple
Jun. 13th, 2011 at 12:02 am
Oh! God forgave them? Yeah, right.And I take it that they are all reading the sermon on the mount and taking it to heart?
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