10 Things You Didn't Know About Mark Sanford

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The word "affair" has been used a long time, sounding rather dainty and "prettifying." But when a spouse demonstrates contempt for marriage vows, describing it as an "affair," it seems to me to be like wrapping something nasty and disgusting in a beautiful-looking package. It should be called what it is-bigamy but without a marriage certificate.

auradawnveirs of CA 9:07PM June 29, 2009

Media said he was photographed at an airport. it seems by accident, where he wasn't expected to be. If that hadn't happened, would it have remained only between him and his blood relatives? I was amazed that emotionally he seemed to be so dazzled that he forgot he was supposed to leave the Lt. Gov. in charge--no matter what reason he'd give. What's all this about his being "human" as if MOST men would flip off marriage if someone's major sexual attractants were strong enough? In a way, it's almost boring, when Kinsey reported such widespread adulterous betrayal of wives. We need atheist public servants who know "sinfulness" is a word used to excuse amoral behavior. Sanford demanded impeachment when Clinton took the bait of whomever sent Monica to wreck his presidency. Bill lost his license to practice law. Impeachment is the proper corrective here. It says he's not fit for public service.

auradawnveirs of CA 1:08AM June 29, 2009

I would like for someone to tell us why he was presidential material to begin with? What has he done in close to 8 yrs? Hyperbole, Excuses, Idealogy, and Image don't count? He's not a leader, not a uniter. Has admitted to his own party he has no economic plan for SC, our unemployment rates stink, he cares nothing about public education (but he's in govt?), voted one of the worst governors by Time magazine, and again he's accomplished nothing!!! It's all about him it seems.
Don't give me excuses, I want substance. Could a CEO or even a high school football coach survive with his track record by saying we could;ve done better if only they would do things my way, etc? What a joke.

ajk of SC 10:37PM June 28, 2009

All of you Sanford supporters, please tell us why he would've made a good president? As a SC resident who's seen him accomplish absolutely nothing in close to 8 yrs, I'm very anxious to know. He is all about image, hyperbole, ideaology, and HIMSELF. His latest foolish, selfish, hypocritical acts prove that. He is irresponsible, has admitted to his own party he has no economic plan for the state, our unemployment is through the roof, and he cares for education only if it's private education.
So please, give me some of his significant accomplishments while in office for close to two terms. Anything! Not excuses, or his "maverick" ideaology, and all that BS, I want substance. Don;t give me any of that "well, he's tried to do this or that but that won't play right" crap either. Heck, could a high school football coach say, we would've been 10-1 instead of 2-9 if they would've just listened to me or run my special offense, so don't fire me. Could someone in the private sector (which he so often likes to refer to, how ironic) have his 8 yr run as CEO and not get canned (let alone leaving town while you should be on the job)?
The point is he's not a leader, not a uniter, so nothing gets accomplished, Meanwhile he and his camp just do nothing but make excuses. So let's hear it, WHY SHOULD SOMEONE LIKE HIM BE GOVERNOR, LET ALONE PRESIDENT???

AJK of SC 10:27PM June 28, 2009

Marriage and infedility has been 'chicken and egg' problem over the centuries and ever since the institution of marriage as far as any one would recall. Despite series of sermons from the pulpits and teachings, the problem is still alive and well.
I honestly do not believe in chastising Governor Sanford for his personal weakness because we are fundamentally humans in all our ways whether we believe this or not.
The cofusing issue is the pseudo christianity of the political party that he affiliates, their hollier than thou attitude and their insensitivity to real common issues of our day.
Since his wife has forgiven him, I will like the people of South Carolina to forgive him as well for a second chance. After all to 'Err is human and to forgive is Divine'

Dr. Francis Offiong of TN 4:52PM June 28, 2009

Your references to Christ create the impression you forget atheists participate in this wonderful public forum provided by USNEWS. "Sin" is a word attached to something that exists only for believers. To atheists, violation of civil law is crime, not "sin." It can't be "forgiven" by law enforcement agencies. Churches invent laws like banning abortion so there will always be tithers, but Roe v Wade made the civil government stop enforcing those laws in 1973. The concept of "sin' is a great source of church income. Sinners are forgiven by a cleric and often give money to a church as a sign of "repentance." There never was a god who created everything. One difference between believers and atheists is that tithers do not spend much time studying the "hard sciences" of biology, geology, astronomy, anthropology, meteorology, etc. It is easier to read and re-read holy books and count beads to remember what part of a prayer is being said. We atheists are out here in the WEB. I'm pleased to be able to read so many comments from so many places. Thanks, everybody, for input.

auradawnveirs of CA 10:10AM June 28, 2009

The sidewise cross on the Rebel flag is the Cross of St. Andrew. The Rebels sang a parody of "The Battle Cry of the Republic." They sang "Down with the Eagle, up with the Cross." The Bible endorses slavery and orders slaves to give no trouble to their masters. Before the War, several churches owned slaves. Grand mansions were built by slaves. Famous "Southern hospitality"--food, drink, comfy beds and laundry came from Sons of Cain doing all that fetching and carrying. Catholic Mitchell wrote the revisionist "Gone With the Wind," and a poem grieving that slavery was ended. The O'Hara's in the film were not shown crossing themselves. Rhett had to be a Catholic to wed Scarlett. His character killed Union defenders as he outran the blockading Union gunboats to bring fancy bonnets, etc. Drunken marital rape made the novel a best seller. Any Governor who respects the flag of those breakaway fascistic freaks is not fit to be a public servant.

auradawnveirs of CA 8:06PM June 27, 2009

Yep, Gov. Sanford and his hypocritical Republican brethren are only human. I'd be more than willing to cut 'em some slack on this front, but you' think they'd realize that their falls from grace are made exponentially more entertaining simply because they have previously been so vocal in their support of the very 'family values' they have chosen to ignore. The cluenessless of these idiots is part of the fun. (Kudos to Mrs. Sanford for electing NOT to stand by her man at his riduclous press conference!)

LF of MA 1:05AM June 27, 2009

This man is human. The only thing that sets him apart from the majority, is that he was found out and confessed to the crime. Every one that critized Bill Clinton, should not have. I do not know of anyone that has not commited adultry in one way or another. This is a terrible burden to bear for any woman, and especially one that is being watched in the public eye. My comments would be if you love your man, as you do your family. Work it out, and enjoy your life together.
Leave this family along, and let them repair or move on in separate ways on their own, and without public opinion. We are all sinners, and are not equipped to judge. As of yet only one person can be assigned to that task. Call his name"JESUS".
If he has done his job and performed his duties in the past, what would make the difference now.I was awful happy with Bill Clinton. My life, salary and profession changed under his leadership. I am in a much better place in life, due to his leadership and wisdom. Maybe Hillery was not always happy with him, but he led the world in a positive way. So I feel that Mr. Sanford is capable of doing the same. His wife apparently loves him and her family very much, other wise she would not have stayed five months after discovering the affair. Stop pushing her emotions.

Joyce M. Kirby of TX 9:18PM June 26, 2009