NY Times 9.10 Over the Line in South Carolina

The Mark Sanford matter should have been dealt with by the Republican party within days of the revelation of this sordid matter. Sanford’s attempt at diversion and apology for this type of immorality and unfaithfulness to wife, family and solemn oath, is not assuaged by assertions of love for the mistress or unwillingness to resign due to his election. Frankly, the state and nation await this resignation and until it is reported, the Republican party loses credibility at a time when it needs more support not less.

As a Republican speaker, I frequently talk with people in various parts of the country, I find little support for politicians of immoral and unethical persuasion. I have never been an advocate of quick mea culpas when resignation and departure from office is required. Living in Illinois, I know first hand what political deception can do to family and state. That is why I continue to encourage people to look at the private sector for honest nominees for public office who possess an ethical and moral base.

I have spoken with friends in South Carolina who are fervent and outspoken in wanting this governor to leave office. South Carolinians are fine people, respectful of family and moral values. Obviously, these friends are joined by Republican state legislators who have signed their names on a petition calling for this man’s resign ation. When the resignation occurs, hopefully today, then his mea culpa can be analyzed for its credibility and ultimate validity. At the moment however, the governor appears to be a morally bankrupt individual, refusing to relinquish what power he has left open to him. In the words of a real saint, the Apostle Paul, he has become a tinkling cymbal, and sounding brass, he makes noise and frankly no one should listen.