Newt Gingrich: Sex, Lies and Politics

3 Comments

marcia

1/23/2012 8:02:43 PM

It seems the so called ‘poly-amory’ is gaining grounds. A modern tradition, when someone is allowed extramarital affairs, or simultaneous affairs, and all parties know about it. Even changing boyfriends/girlfriends one after the other is considered poly-amory. So, where does our tolerance stop? Everyone has their own criteria. I forgive everyone else, including politicians, as I know people are weak. Myself, I wouldn’t forgive, as I know I am not able to go astray. Neither would I forgive my family, but again I know they wouldn't be able to get off track. Certainly in case of a politician, he is expected to respect the values he preaches, or should be preaching. If despite of his less than perfect conduct, he still is popular, that means two things: 1. Every other politician around is even worse. 2. The people who vote for him, are like him. Finally, tradition and values start in the family, and this is about the spectrum of influence we can hope and expect to achieve. For anything outside this, it will be really hard to exert influence. As for the politicians, we all know, the really honest and good ones usually don’t live very long. There are so many examples in history. I loved this article.

DDA

1/28/2012 12:29:18 AM

Marcia, that is VERY insightful! I love the part on why we accept it. Please copy and post this on the ‘Psychology Today’ blog. The readers there need to see this.

marcia

1/29/2012 5:12:23 PM

Sometimes I wondered how I could put my thinking in effect and do something for the world, by being a minister (of culture, or a politician let's say). But my mother advised me early on: this path is not for you, you need to learn to lie, and if you don't you get wiped out. There are some exceptions of course. But those exceptions exist in order to validate the rule. Anyway. Not to underestimate the qualities of a good diplomat and a good lawyer!