Fisher reacts to Gov. Spitzer scandal
By Megan Baker
Last Updated:4:14 PM EST 4/2/08 Section: News
Eliot Spitzer's world was turned upside-down when the New York Times reported on March 10 that he had been involved in a prostitution ring known as the Emperor's Club VIP.
He was caught due to an investigation initiated by the North Folk Bank when they noticed suspicious transactions taking place. Further prodding into the mysterious transactions showed that Spitzer had been using funds to pay for the prostitution service, spending $4,300 on one tryst alone.
Spitzer announced on March 12 with his wife at his side that he was resigning and that Lt. Governor David Patterson would be replacing him.
"I have a theory that those involved in public service are often corrupted by the rationale that they have to do special things and take special risks that entitle them to special treatment and place them above the laws that the rest of us are and ought to be bound by," Political Science professor John Harman said. "Hopefully he isn't arrogant enough to believe he can re-enter politics again."
While news of sex scandals has become commonplace in politics, Spitzer's case was held to higher regard.
"It was only bad because it was hypocritical of his policies," sophomore John Quartironi said. "It's like the Clinton scandal, the only reason it's getting this much attention is because he's in a position of power."
Due to the charges, Spitzer was forced into resignation, with the Republican leader of the State Assembly threatening to begin the impeachment process if Spitzer did not comply.
"Prostitution is not a victimless crime, regardless of how attractive or high-priced the call girl is," Peace and Social Justice professor Linda MacCammon said. "Do I think law enforcement officials should engage in this kind of activity? No. Human beings should not be bought for any reason."
He was caught due to an investigation initiated by the North Folk Bank when they noticed suspicious transactions taking place. Further prodding into the mysterious transactions showed that Spitzer had been using funds to pay for the prostitution service, spending $4,300 on one tryst alone.
Spitzer announced on March 12 with his wife at his side that he was resigning and that Lt. Governor David Patterson would be replacing him.
"I have a theory that those involved in public service are often corrupted by the rationale that they have to do special things and take special risks that entitle them to special treatment and place them above the laws that the rest of us are and ought to be bound by," Political Science professor John Harman said. "Hopefully he isn't arrogant enough to believe he can re-enter politics again."
While news of sex scandals has become commonplace in politics, Spitzer's case was held to higher regard.
"It was only bad because it was hypocritical of his policies," sophomore John Quartironi said. "It's like the Clinton scandal, the only reason it's getting this much attention is because he's in a position of power."
Due to the charges, Spitzer was forced into resignation, with the Republican leader of the State Assembly threatening to begin the impeachment process if Spitzer did not comply.
"Prostitution is not a victimless crime, regardless of how attractive or high-priced the call girl is," Peace and Social Justice professor Linda MacCammon said. "Do I think law enforcement officials should engage in this kind of activity? No. Human beings should not be bought for any reason."
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