Everyone seems to have one of takes on Congressman Anthony Weiner. Many want him out. That seems to be about (1) the wanter is a partisan Republican who hates Weiner; or (2) the wanter is a Democrat (a) with a transparent petty score or petty jealousy to settle, or (b) who wants to mitigate the damage Weiner is doing to the Democratic brand.
I espouse a third way. Weiner’s future is not bright in Congress or out. He is unraveling. He is miserable. His is a tortured soul. The shrinks would say that by his behavior, he is asking for help. However, I believe the issues his behavior manifests are not easily treated. One hears the word narcissism tossed around, for example.
But Weiner has sought treatment. Why don’t we pray together that he somehow buys into the treatment and pulls himself together? Why don’t we pray together that he reconciles with his family and supports and is a father to his child?
The question of whether Weiner continues in Congress is unimportant.
Jimmy Walker can be a delusional Weiner’s fantasy model for a womanizer, wide-open town kinda New York City Mayor. But Weiner’s known predilections are creepier and darker than Walker’s were known to be.
Ted Kennedy, on the other hand, is a model for life utterly redeemed through unexcelled service to progressive causes in Congress and to the Congress itself, service to which Kennedy dedicated himself only after it became clear that his higher ambitions would be disappointed. Maybe if Weiner were to follow in Teddy's footsteps, he would no longer be the liberal loudmouth I have so enjoyed and that we so desperately need. That is okay with me. I want Anthony Weiner to be okay.
Many others have found recovery in lives utterly removed from the limelight of earlier fame.
For now, whether Weiner resigns is of no moment. People who admire Weiner and people who do not admire Weiner (but who are human) should pray together for one thing: Weiner’s recovery. The human side of this spectacle is the only side worthy of attention.
We can all go our separate ways and worry about what comes after that after that.