In today’s New York Times, there’s an article about how New Yorkers are trying to cope with the Spitzer, now Paterson, sexual indiscretions.  As you might expect, there’s a variety of opinion.  The article is worth reading.

But let me cut back to the chase and, this time, borrow something from President Clinton’s first campaign:  It’s the man gene, stupid.  New Yorkers now sound like the pychobabblers who tried to analyze Spitzer’s plight.

New Yorkers seem to be saying that politicians (at least those who hold elected office) should be held to a high standard of ethical and moral conduct, like CEO’s.  Like CEO’s?  Read the article.  That’s what they’re saying.  I’m not making it up.

Here’s the deal.  Put a wire tap on all elected officials and all CEO’s for a reasonable period of time.  Or put them under surveillance.  Or retrieve all their emails.  If you apply the standard applied to Spitzer, a lot of them will be unemployed.  If you apply the kinder, gentler Paterson standard, they can breathe a sigh of relief and continue to govern.  And they’ll say, “Never again.  I’ve learned my lesson.”  Keep them under surveillance or tap their phones for a longer period of time.  They’ll do it again.  It’s that damn man gene.