Vitter stated that has received his wife's forgiveness. I hope this
statement is true because in an interview some years ago she declared
herself closer to Lorena Bobbit than Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton
(D-NY). Hillary, of course, has stayed with her husband even though he
has had many affairs. Ms. Bobbit cut off her husband's private parts
while he was asleep because she could no longer tolerate his affairs.
What should become of Vitter? That is up to the voters of Louisiana and
not us. If he has their support to stay in office, he has another three
years until re-election.
He should be looked upon as a public official. It seems to me that we
don't want to keep in high office those who have become a public
spectacle. Yes, he is entitled to forgiveness. But no, he is not
entitled to one of the most important posts in government. That is why I
admire what Livingston did. He could have been the Speaker. If he had
asked for forgiveness, he could have been the number one official in the
House. But he preferred his honor to political power. He gave up one of
the most powerful posts, the third in line for the Presidency, because
of his immorality.
If there are other public officials on the D.C. Madam's list, let them
be treated the same way. If I lived in Louisiana I could certainly tell
my grandchildren that Vitter did something wrong but God has forgiven
him. Afterwards, I would hope to say that he was ashamed of his actions
and left office. That is what is missing from public life these days -
shame. Years ago if something similar had been disclosed, one would step
out of the limelight. Now, no matter what is done, politicians want to
tough it out.
Vitter's future is unclear. Surely he is a man of conscience and
probably regrets his actions. Let us pray for the man. If he chooses to
stay in office, all that can be said is that he has lots of company. If
Vitter decides to follow Livingston's example, so much the better.
Livingston has paid for his shame. Whatever Vitter decides he at least
can know that God loves him. With that in mind, this very bright,
well-educated Senator has much more to contribute. I just hope it is not
as a United States Senator.