In the interests of full disclosure I must say that I have had therapy on more than one occasion owing to my lifelong struggles with disability and the attendant circumstantial depression that so often accompanies lives of physical difference. I will also say upfront that I believe in health care for all and that means, in especial, care for those who face mental health issues. Such matters are central to human rights and should be central in a great society. Given that I hold these beliefs it is with more than passing interest to me that Rep. Weiner has declared that he will take a moratorium from the U.S. House of Representatives to get therapy for his sexting addiction. I’m sure you see my quandary: I believe that people with disabilities shouldn’t lose their jobs because of mental illness; believe ardently and unequivocally in disability rights. And here’s Mr. Weiner attempting to hang on in the House by entering a rehabilitation program for sex addicts. I want to hold my nose. I am distressed. If Weiner was an alcoholic I would afford him the benefit of the doubt. Oh yes, my quandary is the liberalist’s quandary par excellence. I must bid Rep. Weiner farewell, ever so briefly, imagining his breakthroughs, and live by the laws of protection that I so fervently believe in. Mustn’t let the latent Calvinist in me take hold and give in to hypocrisy. But I believe that he and David Vitter should resign.
SK
Planet of the Blind 