PAF 494 Blog #7 - Hold the Mustard

I think it is quite ironic that I'm in Congressman Weiner's state as I write this blog. As I pass by hot dog vendors on almost every street corner, I can't help but to remember how this scandal was exploited by the media. Late night talk show hosts and comedians ate this story up as they laughed and joked about what Weiner did with his wiener, referring to the lewd photo the congressman tweeted. Social media is being used more and more in the political realm to gain publicity, financial support, and the commitment of voters, but that's not all politicians use social media for. Many of them are using it for personal social interactions with others. I wouldn't be surprised if there are a lot more stories similar to Anthony Weiner's story that just haven't been exposed. One thing is for certain and that is people need to be careful what they communicate and how they communicate things through social media, because social media belongs to the world. 

Leaders such as Congressman Weiner must understand that they have a responsibility to act with integrity. He said that what he did didn't affect how he did his job, but I believe that once something like that goes public it does make a difference due to how people view you. His true nature was exposed displaying the character of a man who hurt and disrespected his wife, had improper sexual communications with multiple women other than his wife, and lied. I once heard the expression, "Never lie to someone who trusts you. Never trust someone who lies to you." No one is perfect, however there are standards, especially when you are a person that occupies an honorable position in society. How can people who once trusted Congressman Weiner continue to do so knowing that he is a liar that lacks strong moral character and sound social judgement? 

When this scandal was first uncovered, Congressman Weiner adamantly expressed that he had no intention of resigning. If he could have had his social media cake and ate it too, he surely would have. I think he made the right decision to finally resign even though that decision was really forced upon him by pressure he received from Republicans, Democrats, and the media. There are consequences for our actions and poor judgments. Congressman Weiner became a student that learned a painful lesson, and a teacher instructing by his example in the largest classroom in the world. Personally, I would have had more respect for the congressman if he didn't try to cover up the truth when he was first found out. I believe that he attempted to use the media as a PR weapon when he came out with his scandal cover-up story. It looked really bad when he finally came back and told the truth. If he was attempting to us media as a weapon I would say he ended shooting himself in the foot with that same weapon. I accept the congressman for his political knowledge and professional abilities, but as for his messy, inappropriately spicy personal life I must say, "Give me a Congressman Weiner; hold the mustard." My last comment as I blog in New York is, "What happens on the Internet many people will forgive, but most will never forget."

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