Should Rep. Weiner Resign?

My turn to weigh in:

I suppose I could use my blog as a way to share my opinions about things that effect other people and not just me. I suppose that'd make sense. Seeing as the biggest headline in the papers probably being printed as I type this will be about Rep. Weiner's admission of guilt surrounding inappropriate online exchanges with women, here's my opinion on the matter.

Admittedly, I knew little about Rep. Weiner before the story broke in late May about a "suggestive" photo sent via Twitter to a college student in Seattle from his account. He's a New York politician. I'm a student in Seattle. The disconnect is clear. However, my opinion is based on the question whether or not he should resign.

In my ideal political machine, the constituency that is represented by a particular politician should have the right to elect said representative and also have the right to "un-elect" him. When I vote, I chose someone who I think will best represent my voice on the political, legislative level. My representatives represent me and what I have to say. Therefore, if a representative's ability to represent are compromised, by say a tabloid scandal or questionable ethics, then I feel I should have the right to voice my opinion on the matter. If enough of my fellow constituents are unhappy, with sufficient evidence, I think a resignation might be in order.

So that would never really happen.

There are far too many flaws with pulling this off and basically every politician would be in question just because of the ugly nature of partisanship.

So in the real world, should Rep. Weiner resign?

No.

It's an unfortunate fact that public figures' private lives are often put on trial rather than their ability to do their actual job. What Rep. Weiner did was a completely private (perhaps inappropriate) matter. His having had online relationships with other women clearly did not effect his ability to carry out the responsibilities of representing his constituency, he was an up and comer, a favorite for a future New York mayoral bid. He's a completely capable, if not brilliant politician.

But, ugly tabloid attention, rampant internet rumors and countless jokes made at his expense could (and probably have) profoundly marred his confidence, fearlessness, and drive to do what he was elected to do.

I don't agree with his private actions, but who am I to judge someone I don't privately know?

I sympathize with his situation. You see these things over an over again, with the media the way it is, the instant movement of information from one side of the globe to the other. It makes it practically impossible to have a private life, no matter who you are.

Privacy is a commodity of the past, we all live in public.

In the end, I don't see a necessarily bright future for Rep. Weiner. The flak he's bound to receive from Republicans and Democrats alike will undoubtedly be his downfall. He's good at what he does and it's a shame that a "sex scandal" has undoubtedly destroyed his once promising career.