So, since leaving the convent I've had loads of time on my hands (unemployment's uneasy gift that keeps on giving), enough time to be at home watching in real time Rep. Anthony Weiner's stunning implosion and heartbreaking mea culpa on live television. I say heartbreaking because I've never witnessed a public figure give such a brutally honest press conference where he basically laid himself bare for all to scrutinize, analyze, and sneer at. The ensuing nearly thirty minute period of questions from reporters, who in a better world would have politely averted their eyes from a fellow human experiencing such abject public humiliation, dragged on into the ridiculous. But still, in what appeared to be a deep, cathartic need for self immolation in personal shame, Anthony Weiner took all the questions, no matter how intrusive or debasing.
On a whole, it was one of the most astounding, and extraordinary performances by an elected official of humbling public self-exposure I've ever witnessed. All I can say is that I felt for him. Watching Rep. Weiner over the last couple of years; his feisty cable news performances; one could only imagine how difficult it was for him to stand there in front of the very press he had himself treated so antagonistically at times. The smell of blood in the air must have been heady.
As for his "crimes"of indiscretion, all I have to say is they're better left between him and his wife. It seems this was an issue before their marriage, and his addiction (for that is what this is) needs attending to if the marriage is to have a viable future. I do feel he should resign, not so much for the behavior, but because of the damage this is and will be doing to the Democratic Party. He can come back; after properly addressing his problems; and be a better public servant if he should wish it, at a future time. At any rate, it's time for the press to politely bow out on this issue, regardless of any new pictures surfacing. We know all there is to know about Anthony Weiner's fall from grace, and no amount of titillating sexting revelations will deepen the subject. Rep. Weiner fucked up, big time. Now move on.
One thing that still surprises me is the MSM's feigned indignation at the fallen humanity of the political class each and every time this sort of "scandal" surfaces into the public domain. If we don't already know that our politicians are human, and act accordingly, then we will never get ourselves out of this cycle of failed government. Politicians should be elected because of their ability to craft good legislation, not their supposed moral purity. If we know anything by now, it's that one or more of them will let us down in the morality department, in some stunning and debased fashion, but what was it that we sent them to Washington for in the first place, was it to represent us in the legislative process or be an poster boy/girl of moral correctness? Let's keep things in their proper place, shall we? Anthony Weiner may have lied, but he lied about something that had nothing to do with any of our concerns on the governing of the United States of America. And let's face it, how would you react to an impending disastrous public humiliation? Let's be real: I think many of us would lie, or throw someone under the bus to save our asses.
So, I'll be sad to see him go, but go he must. He was a much needed Democrat who fought for good policy, but now his pitiful side show is stretching on ad infinitum. The juvenile MSM and the GOP would like nothing better than to have this topic to bandy about all the way to into 2012. It gives cover to their lack of addressing the real issues, and muddies the democrats message. It's basically bad timing. Sadly, he needs to take one for the team, and resign.
Update: I just heard this referred to as the "Pound of Flesh" press conference. How appropriate.
The press conference was an appalling circus, with shock jock plants heckling from the press pool in an attempt to, to, what? Who only knows, but it just added to the sordid side show atmosphere this issue has become for the congressman. Hopefully, once all the dissecting of it has run its course we'll be able to focus on more pertinent matters. I can only hope Rep. Weiner and his wife can get time to heal their relationship and move on with their lives. 
