New York Governor Admits Prostitution Involvement
As seems to happen so often in life that it's almost to be expected, a public crusader against vice has been uncovered as a skulking, back-alley participant in the kind of activities he most denounces. Eliot Spitzer, governor of New York and a leader in the fight to criminalize and prevent online gambling, has been implicated in an investigation into a high-dollar prostitution ring.
The governor was caught on a federal wiretap that was part of an investigation into the Emperors' Club VIP, a callgirl service that charged up to $5500 to meet its hookers. Spitzer gave a press conference today, apologizing for his behavior and the effects it will have on his family.
While the New York State Attorney General, Spitzer pursued banks and credit card companies involved in cash transactions for online casinos, setting the background for the passage of the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act by the U.S. Congress. Spitzer also brought the case of the People of New York vs. World Interactive Gaming Corporation, establishing action against a foreign company for providing online services to New Yorkers.
When speaking in 2003 about his battles with online casino companies, Spitzer stressed the devastation that gambling could invoke on a family. The potential financial and mental problems, in his opinion, were reason enough to prevent access to online gambling.
Of course, Spitzer has now probably done far more damage to his family, himself, and his political future than wagering online might have.
It is the eternal and persistent irony of American politics that those who most wish to control the behavior of others are often the most guilty of sin. Whether it be Congressmen decrying gay rights while crusing mens' rooms and fondling pages, or religious leaders fighting strip-club locations while piling up escort bills, or now Spitzer protecting families from gambling money and moral troubles while dropping five grand per sex stop, the act grows tiresome. Perhaps individual choice should be the law of the land, especially where vice is concerned.
