If you haven’t heard the news yet, it appears that NY Democratic representative Anthony Weiner is caught up in a social media scandal that has caused great controversy. In the beginning he said, that risque photos posted in the public time-line of his Twitter account was the work of a hacker. However, it has since been disclosed by Anthony Weiner that the photos were of himself and that he posted them to women that he “met” in his online relationships.
He’s stated that he has not met them in real life. His credibility is being called into question because of the lies he initially told regarding the scandal. His judgment is part of that controversy in regards to his career. Many people are wondering whether someone who would lie to his constituents, his family, his friends, and the media could do his job with honesty and integrity.
Anthony says that he admitted to his wife of 11 months, before they got married, of his inappropriate online relationships that took place before his marriage; but it appears, that she was not aware of his recent interactions. His wife, Huma Abedin works for Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Media reports say she is consulting with the Clintons about how to save Anthony’s job in the shadow of the scandal.
Questions abound in our world about the role that social media plays in the lives of everyday people and people who are famous, public figures, or people in roles of leadership. How people conduct themselves online has a direct affect on their work, their reputations and in their relationships both online and off.
Whether Mr. Weiner is able to retain his position as a lawmaker will depend on what information is garnered through the ethics investigation that Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi has asked for. If he has violated the rules of conduct or has used government resources in these circumstances…he could lose his standing among his fellow lawmakers not to mention other repercussions if any laws were broken. His marital relationship has to be addressed as well; counseling would probably be advised for the best possible outcome, if they wish to heal the damage. The pressure has to be tremendous as many people are calling for him to resign; which at this point, he has refused to do. One would hope that in his quest to save his job, that he doesn’t sweep the issues under the rug that allowed him to make choices that were so potentially detrimental to his well-being.
It is human nature to try to avoid consequences when we screw up…however, the responsibility of a person in the position that he holds requires that he hold himself to a higher standard than most. I am sure that he wishes he could go back and undo what he says he has done regarding posting those pictures and writing allegedly sexually charged exchanges with those women. His actions supposedly goes back a few years…so this is not new behavior. Yet, it was unchecked because he has continued to reach out through digital means & through the phone to women who are not his spouse to interact with racy exchanges. It is said that these types of relationships can become addictive. We know that they can be destructive. It will take a lot of work to regain trust and respect of those people in his life that he had those things from, before this behavior came to light.
The whole situation goes beyond Democrat/Republican politics…because it doesn’t matter what a person’s political stance…this issue is a human issue. I hope it doesn’t get turned into that kind of a discussion…because outside of his particular offense… both political parties struggle with individuals who have made serious mistakes in their behavior regarding sexual boundaries and values. Immoral behavior is immoral behavior…no matter what party you belong to; in my opinion.
In any case, Anthony Weiner will have to show true remorse and take steps to correct the mind-set that allowed him to place himself in such a position as to lose ground as a lawmaker, and as a new husband. In America we do believe in second chances and the opportunity to turn your life around…whether he will deserve that opportunity to go back and restore his reputation will depend on what they find out from the investigation, how he handles that information; and, whether he reforms how he conducts himself in the future.
Trust, dependability, integrity, honesty = a person’s reputation…the value of those attributes are immeasurable. A person’s name and reputation is important. There were so many plays on Anthony Weiner’s name in the last few days in the news headlines…but, truthfully, all that kept running through my mind was a little advertising commercial jingle that Oscar Mayer had on television, years ago, as I grew up.
IF I remember right, it goes like this. “oh I wish I was an Oscar Mayer wiener, that is what I truly want to be; cause, If I was an Oscar Mayer wiener, everyone would be in love with me”. Right about now, I would imagine that Anthony Weiner wishes his first name was Oscar, so that he too could have the love and support of all the American people, much like the kind of relationship the company Oscar Mayer has been able to forge over the years with the public. Then again, to the best of my knowledge, that company has never been involved in any kind of scandalous behavior…
What is your opinion on the situation with Anthony Weiner…should he remain in office?
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The Congressman and his issues are an indication of a symptom of a seriously problematic legislative body.
The man needs professional help and a different job. Perhaps if he worked a 9 – 5 physical job he would be too tired to carry on affairs online or off!
If he did change his name to Oscar, would the scandal fade any more quickly? The media is orgasmic over the salacious details. Personally, I find the whole thing and coverage of it all SICKENING.
It is rumored that Mr. W is about to become a father. What a lousy role model. He seems to be in the same boat as Tiger Woods.
Sigh…
~Mother Connie