Really bad boss roundup – The Elliot Spitzer et al. edition

A little over a year ago, Elliot Spitzer was forced out of office after his frequenting of high priced prostitutes became public.  Adulterous affairs by very influential and powerful men have become almost commonplace in today’s world.  But what made Spitzer’s indiscretion so news-worthy was the fact that he railed against the very kind of illegal activity he was engaging in.

Over the years I’ve become cynical enough not to be surprised when these stories break.   Back in 1988 when Jimmy Swaggart’s secret life was made public, it came as a shock to much of the country.   Not only because he was a religious man, admired and revered by many, but because Swaggart  frequently preached sermons condemning the very behavior he engaged in.  When someone in charge publicly chastises behavior while privately indulging in that very behavior, it deserves special mention.   That takes a particular kind of arrogance and it begs the question of whether or not these men can and should be trusted in positions of leadership.  Its even worse, when after being accused, these leaders choose to lie about their involvement.  Former president Clinton did it and more recently former Detroit Mayor Kwame- I should have deleted the text messages - Kilpatrick, presidential candidate John Edwards and Pastor Ted Haggard.

Spitzer currently works in his family’s real estate business in DC and has an online column.   We all know what former president Clinton has been up to. And Swaggart and Haggard are reportedly still strong men of faith each with their respective following.  So…should and can powerful politicians and leaders be trusted after committing moral infractions?  Are these serious character flaws or merely indiscretions that don’t affect their ability to do their jobs? 

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