Phil Reisman

Paterson and the Death of Honor

March

Gov. David Paterson’s startling admission that he had extra-marital affairs was a politically calculated strategy meant to preempt the sensation of any independent snooping into his private life.

I have a problem with this for two reasons.

First, did Paterson ever think about the women he carried out these liaisons with? By outing himself, he unilaterally outed them, too. And one of them, Lila Kirton of White Plains, has had to suffer the humiliation of having her name and photo plastered in the pages of every newspaper in town. Her life as a married mother, must be a living hell right now. Chivalry and honor once were virtues. No more.

Second, Paterson’s preemptive strike has officially made it OK for reporters to ask every candidate, who wishes to serve, whether or not they’ve had affairs in their lives. It’s no one’s business.

We will be talking about this and other political matters on the radio today at noon. Tune in to “High Noon,” at 1460-AM or log on to wvox.com.

Calls will also be taken at 914-636-0110.

UPDATE: Here’s the podcast:

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This entry was posted on Thursday, March 20th, 2008 at 11:07 am by Phil Reisman.
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7 Responses to “Paterson and the Death of Honor”

David V. March 20th, 2008 at 9:09 pm
Is there nobody with any sense of decency left in private life?

I guess Paterson released the information because he knew it would come out anyway. Still, it's distressing that all our politicians seem to have feet of clay. Not a good start to his administration.

If he's somehow swept away by scandal, I wonder who would take his place, since there's now no lieutenant governor.
ed March 20th, 2008 at 10:25 pm
Joe Bruno, unless he's indicted first. Then Shelly Silver, unless…
ball March 21st, 2008 at 5:28 am
I still say that's the cha-cha version of 'Springtime For Hitler" playing in the background of the T&R. Jewelry spot at the midway break.
ed March 21st, 2008 at 7:35 pm
Hadn't thought of that. By trying to make himself look good as a reformed "sinner," he effectually gave up his fellow trysters.
el estudiante March 22nd, 2008 at 12:48 pm
I think it's an unfair criticism because this stuff rarely stays buried for very long. It would have been worse had it come out without him admitting it. He wasn't lying at least. He shouldn't have done it in the first place. That's what it comes down to.
David V. March 24th, 2008 at 10:46 pm
Now I hear it has come out that Paterson was using his state credit card to stay in hotels in Albany even when he has a house less than 20 minutes away. I wonder what that's all about.

I also heard he has now admitted to cocaine use. Was this guy vetted at all before Spitzer put him on the ticket in 2006?
Phil Reisman March 25th, 2008 at 2:46 pm
I said in Sunday's column that Paterson has a "confession fetish." The question is—what's next from Paterson?
Picking a lt. gov is a purely political move, based on the favor-spoils system. The job comes with no real responsibilities or pressure of any kind and carries a $151-grand salary. Sounds great, huh?
No one expects the person holding that job to be ever heard from again, let alone rise to be guv.
Go ahead and try to name the lt. before Paterson. Clue: It wasn't Stan Lundine.

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