The circus of hypocrisy surrounding the Weiner scandal.

I have resisted writing a piece on the scandal involving now former Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) for a while now (I refuse to call it "Weinergate"). Every time that the story seemed like it was over a new piece of information, be it more photographs or a transcript of Facebook conversations, entered the public domain and suddenly it all started again. Following American news media over the past weeks has felt rather voyeuristic. With complicated, serious issues which effect the everyday lives of Americans and people of the world to discuss, the media went for the very simple, scandalous narrative of a Congressman's penis.

Anthony Weiner was, before this storm began, one of the loudest voices for the American left in Congress. He was quick-witted and passionate when arguing his case on the floor of the House of Representatives or on cable news. While many claim that his time in Congress was primarily to lay the foundations for a possible mayoral campaign in New York City, he did not shy away from contentious issues. He was one of the most vocal, and most articulate, advocates of health care reform. In fact, he was able to make an excellent case for a single payer national system. Yes, he was brash and arguably obnoxious, but the Democratic party needed someone like that. They no longer have anyone to be that voice. In the Senate, the loudest voice of the American left is Bernie Sanders, an Independent.

Having said all that, Weiner's actions online were nothing short of stupid and reckless. As a sitting United States Congressman, he should have been well aware of the repercussions that would surely follow from sending pictures of your penis to women over the Internet. It was a foolish mistake which should (and in all likelihood has) lead to a serious discussion between him and his wife.

That is, in my opinion, where this should have ended. Obviously, the late night comedians would be more than welcome to exploit this comedic goldmine (Weiner's weiner practically writes itself), but no crime was committed. As far as I am aware, no House ethics rules were broken. This was a personal matter that, while funny, should have had no impact on his status as a lawmaker. For the record, I also think that about the case of former Republican Congressman Chris Lee. Both men made rather large but personal mistakes. Neither man should have resigned over it.

Which brings me to Senator David Vitter (R-LA) and Governor Eliot Spitzer (D-NY). Both men were caught in prostitution scandals while in office. Prostitution. A crime. Laws were broken in both cases, so their resignations would be absolutely justified. There is just one problem. Only Spitzer, a Democrat, resigned. Vitter is, to this day, still a member of the United States Senate. He received the support of a large number of Republicans in his re-election campaign. So when a Republican gets caught in sex scandal in which laws are broken that is perfectly acceptable, yet when a Democrat gets caught in one that breaks no law at all the entire Congress and media call for his immediate resignation. The double standard is as infuriating as it is blatant.

The reaction to this scandal has not only shown the hypocrisy of the Republican party, but also the cowardice of the Democratic party. Weiner, while apparently not too well liked in Washington DC (something that does not surprise me in the least), was one of their best, most articulate advocates. Were it not for someone like Weiner, the Democrats seem like anemic pushovers. They need a loud, strong voice. Despite this, a large number of Democrats were quick to call for his resignation, including Minority House Leader Nancy Pelosi and even President Barack Obama. They were so quick to abandon a member of their party for reasons I can only guess at. I will say, however, that their failure to demand that a Senator who broke the law in his scandal resign while calling for Weiner to is sheer cowardice.

So Andrew Breitbart (the conservative hack responsible for this story hitting the headlines) and the Republicans have succeeded. The loudest voice of the American left has been shamed and silenced. I am not attempting to defend the stupidity of Weiner's actions (they really were stupid!), but I just ask that this scandal be looked at in context. Specifically, in the context of previous sex scandals and their fallout.

Vitter remains in Congress while Weiner is banished from public life. Those who publicly called for Weiner's resignation had better be squeaky clean for the rest of the time they are in office, otherwise they have provided a rod for their own back. Unless, of course, they are a family values Republican.