After New York Governor Eliot Spitzer resigned following his involvement with a prostitution ring, many television pundits and talk radio gurus claimed he should be left alone, that cavorting with a prostitute is a "victimless" crime.

Victimless? Are you kidding me?

I examined his wife's face during his resignation press conference and saw, as all of us did, a haggard, drawn visage. Silda's eyes were puffy and swollen. She was a robot running on auto-pilot. Clearly, she had not slept since she heard this news and had been crying for many hours, if not days. And she an accomplished Harvard-educated attorney, known for her painting, letter writing, and homemade jam. What utter and complete humiliation. I enter into evidence Victim #1.

Mr. Spitzer has three daughters who have seen him abuse and mistreat their mother and the prostitute(s). I am deeply and sincerely worried about the emotional health and sanity of these young women forced to endure public disgrace. Enter Victims #2, #3, and #4.

The prostitute involved in this latest rendezvous, "Kristen" or Ashley Alexandra Dupre, is only twenty-two years old. According to her myspace page, she left home when she was seventeen to escape a broken family and abuse. She has abused drugs and even been homeless. Too bad we don't have governors intent on helping people down on their luck get back on their feet instead of taking advantage of people low enough to sell their own bodies in order to survive in a competitive city like New York. Enter Victim #5.

Now let's think about the people of New York state who thought they elected a white knight who would fight for the rights of the little guy. You know, people like "Kristen." Of course, he also looks like a hypocrite, prosecuting people for participating in prostitution rings at the same time as he himself is partaking in such.

When Eliot Spitzer became Client #9, he was doing nothing less than victimizing his wife, his daughters, the prostitute, and the people of New York who had elected him in a landslide. Because no one dies, doesn't mean there are no victims. I find that argument both inane and offensive.

March 2008