Spitzer (repost – commentary)

Governor Eliot Spitzer (D-NY) tonight faces allegations by the New York Times that link him to the services of a high-end prostitution ring on, what sounds like, at least two occasions. Speculation has Mr. Spitzer resigning his office, although that has yet to happen. Instead, he delivered a short but unremorseful statement.

My first challenge in writing this post is deciding on the blog headline. Lots of ideas came to mind:

• Schadenfreude!
• Let he who is without sin …
• Did he realize the Governor’s Mansion was a Glass House?
• Talk about “pay for play!”
• He paid HOW MUCH?
• Eliot Ness now Eliot Mess
• Good Riddance!

I decided to keep it simple and let you summarize how I feel once you’ve read my commentary. So … sit back, get a cup of coffee, light a cigarette, whatever … I might ramble for bit!

Since I don’t want to devote my entire post to regurgitating the news headlines, these links catch you up on the story:

• Spitzer is Linked to Prostitution Ring
• Wiretap Recording Said to Implicate
• Video: Eliot Spitzer apologizes
• Read the Criminal Complaint (FUN READING LOL)

Why am I so worked up about this story? I don’t live in New York. I enjoy my share of Gentlemen’s Clubs; obviously, I’m fine with the career choice these girls have made. And, there are more important stories in the news. I care because of this guy’s political history and the way it touched my life over the past few years.

During his tenure as the state’s Attorney General, he became known as “The Sheriff of Wall Street” for prosecuting insurance providers, investment bankers, and corruption. Near the end of his term, while contemplating his gubernatorial run, he took full advantage of the headlines music stars like Jennifer Lopez and Good Charlotte would bring his crusades and campaigns by placing charges of payola in the radio and record industry in the spotlight for the first time since the days of Alan Freed in 1960. The litigation resulted in millions of dollars in payments by radio companies and major labels, a change in the way music promotion is conducted, the near abolition of independent record promotion, and numerous colleagues losing their jobs.

I’m not saying the radio and record business was better off during the days of “hookers and blow” or outright cash payments for airplay; however, the end result is that commercial radio exposes less new music now than it did previously. Let’s be honest, slimy or corrupt people in our business will find a way around the new systems if they want to continue being slimy or corrupt. And, if a radio programmer can really be influenced by a free meal, concert tickets, or box of CDs, they probably should not be programming a radio station. Personally, I’m proud of my reputation.

But, I digress. I did set out to write a post about the implications of Spitzer’s payola investigation. I wanted to write about the hypocresy of Eliot Spitzer. That’s where “schadenfreude” comes into play (German, meaning “pleasure taken from someone else’s misfortune“).

This guy became Governor based on his pledges and successes ending corruption. This guy prosecuted several high priced call girl rings. This guy has a loving wife and three daughters.

Don’t get me wrong, I don’t necessarily have a problem with the prostitution aspect. My problem lies with the very public corruption this guy fought his entire career. The Emperor’s Club VIP service he used is run by the Gambino crime family. I don’t care how discreet he may think he was in hiring the escorts, but somebody on the Commission knew about it. His indiscretions put the state’s government at risk for the very blackmail he hated.

I can only wonder if this will be the catalyst to uncover more skeletons in his pristine closet. Where did he get this cash? What government resources were used during his trysts? Who in the State Police hid these meetings from the public?

I think it’s only the beginning of a long sordid tale for Mr. Spitzer. And, although I’m sorry for the pain his wife and daughters must feel tonight, I’m not one bit guilty in taking great pleasure from Mr. Spitzer’s misfortune.

Schadenfreude!