The New York Times has more coverage of the revelation that N.Y. Governor David Patterson and his wife have both had extramarital affairs:
ALBANY — The day after he was sworn in to replace a governor who left office in disgrace because of a prostitution scandal, Gov. David A. Paterson admitted that he had had relationships with women other than his wife, including one who is on the state payroll.
Mr. Paterson made the disclosure at a news conference at the State Capitol, accompanied by his wife, Michelle, who held his hand as they entered the Red Room.
“I betrayed a commitment to my wife several years ago,” Mr. Paterson said with his wife at his side. “And I do not feel I’ve betrayed my commitment to the citizens of New York State. I haven’t broken any laws. I don’t think I’ve violated my oath of office. I saw this as a private matter. But both of us committed acts of infidelity.”
He said he and his wife had been on a course toward divorce but had been able “to patch things up” with the help of counseling. “We’re very much in love with each other now,” the governor said. “I was in love with Michelle even when I knew the marriage was in grave danger.”
Frankly, I think it’s slightly disgusting that Patterson should have to address these allegations to begin with. All of this happened before he became Governor, before he became Lt. Governor, and back when he was nothing more than a state legislator who, like many Americans, had a bad marriage.
I’m not a particularly religious person myself, but the wisdom behind “Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her” would seem to be particularly applicable here.
Both of these people made a mistake, they’ve gotten beyond it, it doesn’t belong on the front page of the newspaper.
March 18th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I addressed that Bible verse at one time. Calling someone out for their sin is not wrong. The issue is when you believe you are better than a person because of their sins while denying you own.
That being said, I think Americans tend to be pretty forgiving. Finding out this way is better than the Spitzer way I’d say, even if it is still better for them that no one knows.