Let me start by saying I am a big fan of Senator Al Franken. Starting from his days as a writer and infrequent performer on Saturday Night Live, to his Air America liberal radio commentary. I remain a fan of his politics and service in the U.S. Senate. Contrary to the wishes of a lot of his fans, I think he did the right thing yesterday, for the all the right reasons. He resigned because he crossed the line of propriety with more than one woman, despite the arguments for degree, he copped to it. He pointed out what he termed, “the irony” of a President who has admitted, on videotape, sexual assault, and a potential Senator denying very credible accusations of child molestation.
Thank you, Newt, for pointing out that Democrats are the exact definition of Progressives.
There is even a political reality that made his decision the right thing to do. The Republican party for years has perched itself on the mantel of moral certitude and covered themselves in the flag of righteousness. This, despite their saint, Ronald Reagan, having questionable racial attitudes, a speaker of the house [ Newt Gingrich] pursuing a divorce following his wife’s cancer surgery and currently having a diaper wearing prostitute’s trick in the Republican caucus, David Vitter, Senator from Louisiana. In fairness, the Kennedy scandals, the Clinton years and other Democrats come to mind, but Senator Kirsten Gillibrand ( D-NY) made it clear the Democratic Party no longer will tolerate juvenile boorish men. For those of you who question my impartiality, Gingrich just yesterday on Fox News ridiculed the “free love” Democrats for demanding the resignation of Franken, “These are people who grew up in a party which used to preach free love, which used to think that all of the hippiedom was wonderful…”
So, Mr. Franken in good conscience defied Mr. Gingrich’s caricature and placed the onus on the Republican Party to make Spike Lee proud and, do the right thing. He stood before his colleagues, his detractors, and his fans, and with a controlled resignation in his voice, said I was wrong, I quit. There will always be complaints of not enough emotion, contrition or self-flagellation but he did the right thing for the right reason. The restoration of the truth, credibility, and the bravery of coming forward, for a group of aggrieved women.
I have read lots of angry tweets and columns over the past 48 hours of those accusing the Democratic party of turning tail and running. Some even suggested that the Democrats foolishly do the right thing and the Republicans laugh their way to tax cuts. This may sound a little Pollyannaish, but I feel at ease when the face staring back at me in the mirror has a clean character behind its grin. I am not saying I am not angry and disappointed a good Democrat has fallen by the wayside, but better him than honor. I cannot speak for Senator Franken, but I am sure he would agree, or he would have taken the Trump low road; called all the women liars, insulted their looks and threatened a phony lawsuit.
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