Political Sex

We've all heard that David Paterson was sworn in as the first Black and first legally blind governor of New York on Monday following Elliott Spitzer's resignation due to revelations that he spent tons of money on "high class" prostitutes. On Tuesday, Governor Paterson held a press conference to discuss his and his wife's extramarital affairs (BOTH of their infidelities - and I hate that word) during a rough patch in their marriage. I don't know about you, but I feel like none of this is any of my business. Furthermore, I don't get why some politicians are forced into resignation (or at least feel they should resign) while others are able to weather the scandal and keep on trucking.

Let's review, shall we...according to Wikipedia the following are a few of the Sex Scandals that have rocked the political world since 2006:

Mark Foley, R-FL (2006) sent sexually explicit texts to pages RESIGNED
David Vitter, R-LA (2007) D.C. Madam client
Gavin Newsom, D-CA (2007) SF Mayor/affair with wife of campaign manager/former chief-of-staff
Bob Allen, R-FL (2007) soliciting a police officer in a men's room RESIGNED
Richard Curtis, R-WA (2007) blackmailed/outed by male prostitute RESIGNED
Larry Craig, R-ID (2007) duh!
Elliot Spitzer, D-NY (2008) NY Governor, "high class" hookers, yadda yadda yadda RESIGNED

So a few broke laws and maybe that 's what the deciding factor should be when we consider if resignation is in the best interest of the government, the individual, their family, and their constituents. On the other hand, I don't think that our government should be spending so much time and money enforcing prostitution and solicitation laws when the activities involve consenting adults. Isn't there a war or something going on? Not to mention all those folks on the Gulf Coast who still need a place to live.

Lastly, shouldn't all couples and individuals have the freedom to make choices in their sex lives without the input and scrutiny of the nation even when they are public figures? What if Elliott Spitzer had come forward and said that he had sex with a prostitute and his wife was cool with it before it hit the front page of the New York Times? If you admit your sexual indiscretions before the press gets hold of it are you somehow a better person?

I support David Paterson's decision to be honest. I just don't know if it was any of my business.

Read more...

Support Human Sexuality Studies: A few upcoming events

Thanks to Kara Wuest, for passing along information on an event featuring an HMSX alum.

Amy André, a 2004 graduate of San Francisco State's Human Sexuality Studies department, will be reading from her piece, "The Study of Sex", which is featured in the "Best Sex Writing 2008". Amy's contribution includes a description of Professor Rita Melendez's work.

Rita is a much loved professor in the Human Sexuality Studies Department, as well as a respected scholar who does very important work at the Center for Research on Gender and Sexuality.

The book includes other local contributors Violet Blue, Paul Festa, and Melissa Gira. The reading will take place March 27 at the Center for Sex and Culture at 7pm.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to invite you all to the Grand Opening of the National Centers on Sexuality, an organization that encompasses the CRGS, HMSX Department and NSRC. Click on the links to uncover the acronym's.

The opening is this Friday, March 14th, 3pm-5pm. 835 Market St, Ste. 517. All are welcome!

Read more...