A circus called politics

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Lessons learned at my mother’s knee were quite simply that everybody makes mistakes. You have to own up to those mistakes and bear the consequences. As I grew up, it became very apparent that so many in this big and crazy world had never learned those early fundamental lessons of life. Especially those who inhabit the world of politics, which is frequently compared to circus entertainment with a cast of bad actors and many clowns involved.

That circus became evident when the New York State attorney-general issued a report into sexual harassment of 11 women by Governor Andrew Cuomo, who had allegedly either touched or groped some, while making sexual comments or kissing others. Allegations are that he had difficulty keeping his hands to himself around several female employees, and is what used to be called a ‘Handy Andy’. Last year, this same governor was a hero, not only in New York but in most of the USA, for the way he handled the COVID situation in his state, and for contradicting President Trump. Now he’s gone from hero to zero in no time flat. His apologies also fall flat, as large sections of his own party have immediately condemned him; from the President to senators and Congress members in Washington and in Albany, the state capital.

Bad behaviour has always crossed political party lines, but when a member of a “progressive” party is accused, it’s easier for cynics to smirk as a holier-than-thou, virtue-signalling, social justice warrior is hoisted by his own petard – to quote William Shakespeare, who wrote a whole lot about sexual dalliances among powerful people.

Things have certainly changed in the 30 years since Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton announced his run for US presidency. Back then, he faced a long list of alleged sexual exploits far more intense than anything Handy Andy is accused of now. His party stood with him as he denied any kind of contact with every one of the colourful characters who filled the nightmares of his wife and his campaign managers. After being elected, his penchant for cheating and lying continued, and we all know the outcome of the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Bill Clinton completed his two terms and is today regarded as an elder statesman of the Democratic Party, even in this era of the MeToo Movement. Politics truly is circus entertainment.

BERNIE SMITH

Parksville, BC

Canada