Sympathy for What?
Ellen Goodman, strangely, expresses sympathy for Larry Craig. Remarkably, she seems to find it strange that gay rights groups haven't risen to Craig's defense. And it's true that Republicans might be tempted to join her in pointing out their perceived hypocrisy.
But wait a minute. Craig wasn't arrested for being gay. He was arrested for trying to arrange a sexual encounter in a public men's room in the Minneapolis airport -- a restroom that apparently was known as a rendezvous for this kind of behavior.
Even Goodman notes that "I don't want to send my grandson into a public restroom used for assignations." Indeed. Well, thank you for that concession, Ms. Goodman.
But then she goes on to insist that "There must be saner ways to keep a restroom from becoming a meeting ground, better than using a dubious law that shames men into pleading guilty for the same reason Craig did: humiliation and the fear of exposure."
Really? And what might those ways be? And shouldn't someone rightly fear humiliation and exposure when they enter a public space -- a space that's supposed to be decent and usable for everyone -- with the intent of engaging in sex there, gay or straight?
But wait a minute. Craig wasn't arrested for being gay. He was arrested for trying to arrange a sexual encounter in a public men's room in the Minneapolis airport -- a restroom that apparently was known as a rendezvous for this kind of behavior.
Even Goodman notes that "I don't want to send my grandson into a public restroom used for assignations." Indeed. Well, thank you for that concession, Ms. Goodman.
But then she goes on to insist that "There must be saner ways to keep a restroom from becoming a meeting ground, better than using a dubious law that shames men into pleading guilty for the same reason Craig did: humiliation and the fear of exposure."
Really? And what might those ways be? And shouldn't someone rightly fear humiliation and exposure when they enter a public space -- a space that's supposed to be decent and usable for everyone -- with the intent of engaging in sex there, gay or straight?
posted by LadybugUSA at 8:01 PM
7 Comments:
I too feel sympathy for Mr. Craig, and I respect Ms. Goodman for expressing her sympathy. I don't for a moment condone his actions, but I still feel sympathy for him. Those who cannot feel sympathy for Mr. Craig certainly cannot call themselves true Christians. The ironic thing is, I'm an atheist, but in this respect I honor the teachings of Jesus Christ more closely than those who cannot feel sympathy for Mr. Craig.
I will concede that I did not read the Goodman piece and the "sympathy" that I do have for Sen. Craig is that a good career, and that should be a post for a smaller government and part-time congress, is shot because he could not control his carnal urges. The gay part is not the issue. Also, I do feel sorry for his wife and family. Even if they have known all along, this is not wanted publicity on their part. But, the reason no one on the left-wing gay side is coming to his defense is that they would have to defend trolling for sex in a public toilet. Not something they want to do. Also, there is the fact that Sen. Craig keeps denying he is or ever has been gay. Well, he may very well be one who likes both sides of the fence. Again, keep in mind that a career of public service ended on such a terrible note. Should serve notice that people need to exhibit self-control. But, in this age, everyone ends up sounding and acting like Bill Clinton!
Righty64, your comment inspired an interesting hypothetical question in my mind: suppose that Mr. Craig was discovered to have had sex in his Senate office. Would his resignation have been a necessity in such a case?
I don't feel sympathy for Sen Craig because it appears he acted badly, unlawfully, hypocritically, and is lying about what he did and who he is.
He is a member of a party that treats gays as if they are not human beings or do not have equal rights, this has been a political tool used to gain power over others. So now, he can learn by being a victim of his own corrupt politics.
Earth to Carol, I don't believe in "an eye for an eye". Yes, I think it appropriate the Mr. Craig resign -- although I consider it a close judgement call. But I still feel sympathy for any human being who makes a small mistake and suffers hugely for it.
I don't see it as an eye for an eye, rather that Senator is a high office of responsibility requiring excellent judgment, intelligence and wisdom. Craig's behavior clearly indicates he does not posses these traits.
Craig should either resign or the people should not re-elect him.
Chepe,
In answer to your question, yes Sen. Craig still should have resigned for it is not anymore appropriate to have sex in an office any more than in a public toilet. I am not saying that Sen. Craig can not be forgiven, but there is something called cheap forgivness, like those who would try to "save" someone on death row like a Stanley Williams, who never admitted to his crimes. Anyway, not to belabor the point but yes, Sen. Craig should have resigned no matter what.
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