With a failing economy, troop casualties in the Middle-East and high unemployment, it seems frustrating that the country’s attention has been shifted to Anthony Weiner’s cyber-scandal. In a time when we need our nation’s leaders to be worrying about bigger issues, instead we’re talking about a Congressman’s unwillingness to resign.
Earlier this year, when Congressman Chris Lee of New York was caught in a brief cyber-scandal, the Congressman swiftly resigned within three hours of the news breaking. Much of the push for his resignation came from his party’s leadership, John Boehner himself, who believed Representative Lee could no longer be effective in Congress anymore.
In contrast, “Weinergate” is nearing its second week in the headlines and the only reason for such attention is the fact that Representative Anthony Weiner, along with the majority of his fellow party members, do not see his resignation crucial at this point.
Only eight members of the Democratic Party have called for Weiner’s resignation as of June 8th. While House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi called for an ethics investigation surrounding the case, that could take up to months to play-out while, in the meantime, this scandal continues to be the center of our nation’s attention.
With all judgment aside, it is not conceivable that Anthony Weiner can be as effective for the Democratic party as he was leading up to this scandal. Once an outspoken voice for the liberal activists in Congress, Weiner now faces a chamber full of colleagues who will find it politically risky to side with the Congressman even if they find themselves agreeing with his politics.
If left untouched, this scandal could define the Democratic Party in a negative way much like how the Mark Foley scandal of 2006 cost Republicans the House of Representatives. The most advantageous thing for Weiner, the Democrats and the efficiency of Congress is for Anthony Weiner’s quick resignation. However, since Weiner has showed his unwillingness to see the vast majority of Americans dissent with his decision to stay in Congress, he now brings down with him his own party who is unable to reach any collective agreement on this issue either.
It’s time to hold our elected leaders accountable for their actions and send the right message to the youth of this country. The United States Congress should be seen as an honorable institution with offices held by only the most upstanding of citizens. Instead, we’re left with a man who is unable to put ego aside and do what’s best for his party, his constituents and this country at this time.
