The GOP's recurring nightmare

Gov. Mark Sanford (R-SC) is a clear example of what is wrong with the Republican party. The GOP is supposed to be the party of principle, or at least they try to sell it as that. Ask any South Carolinian two weeks ago whether they thought Gov. Sanford was a family-man and they would have probably answered with a confident "yes". Now, the national media, as well as the governor and his family have shed light on astonishing facts that he was involved in an affair and his 4 day hiatus was not the "hike in the Appalachians" as described by his staff, but a short rendezvous with a mistress in South America. What is even more astonishing is the Politico report that the governor had previously traveled to China and Brazil through the state's commerce department, logging a bill of $21,488 in travel expenses. All this from the staunches opponent of accepting funds from the federal stimulatenothing plan. I guess there would not have been no way to spend money like that if you had "strings attached to it". As for his family, they are in my prayers, and out of respect for his wife, children and the people of South Carolina, that is all that I will say about their governors indiscretion. 

There seems to be this trend in the political system as of late. Especially for the Republicans. Right when they think they have what it takes to gain control of the majority, something huge like this happens. This is massive when it comes to the Party of Lincoln, because morals and ethics hugely define the party as Republicans, the other side of the aisle could care less for anything close to ethics--hell, look at President Clinton, and dare I say it, Ms. Lewinsky. It was fine and dandy then and we were quick to squash impeachment because he was a Democrat. No issues here.

Now, I will say this for the Republicans, they do have a lot of rebuilding to do, and they do have a lot of great leaders that can take the the reins on a horse perceived to have gone wild. We the people are waiting for a great leader in a time that is void of real leadership. We want our politicians to say one thing, and then have the audacity to do it. After all, we vote you into office because we believe what you say on the trail. Remember that as we race towards both the 2010 and 2012 elections. 

Politicians regardless of party affiliation should also remember this. Political careers can die quickly, but "Government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from this earth."*

*Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg Address