Whether it is an affair of sorts or foul play, politicians are often caught involved in scandals. Should a politician’s job excuse their actions and lifestyles?

Absolutely not. These people are not just doing a job. A job is meant to be a source of income. Politicians are in positions of leadership, and should live as an example for all to follow.

Rob Ford and Anthony Weiner are prime examples of what not to do.

Ford, mayor of Toronto, has been under an immense pressure to step out of office lately, and it is no surprise.  While being interviewed outside of his office on Nov. 5, 2013, Ford admitted to smoking crack cocaine. However, he only said that he may have smoked it during a “drunken stupor.”

He has also admitted to drunk driving and purchasing illegal drugs while in office. There was also a video released of him ranting about how he was going to murder someone by ripping his throat out. There was also an instance where, after being scrutinized in office, he charged at the condemning crowd, knocking over councilor Pam McConnell.

Ford refuses to step down from office, and is running for reelection.

What Ford lacks in character though, he makes up for with claims of political glory.  After all that has been brought to light, he is still convinced that he is the best mayor Toronto has ever had. Even if that were true, it would not matter. A person’s character says much more than their job performance does.

A politician who did own up to his mistakes is Weiner, although he did try to deny it at first. Weiner was a member of the House of Representatives in New York and stepped down in 2011 due to a sexting scandal in which he was involved. Good move, Weiner.
Of course though, you cannot keep a good man down. He ran for mayor of New York last year, and this time continued his campaign after once again getting caught in a sexting scandal. During this scandal, he operated under the alias “Carlos Danger.”  He ended up losing the election.

Weiner got onto his Facebook page and posted that he was optimistic about the year 2014, and communicated remorse about the events that took place in the past year. He also made a quick mention of watching his son grow up, and added “Did I mention Jordan turned two this week?”
For someone who has twice proven unfaithful in his marriage, Weiner appears to be quite the family man.

Of course, people should be forgiven for their actions. Holding a grudge against someone only adds to the damage already done. Especially in the field of politics though, such behavior cannot be allowed. Yes, politicians are human, and yes, they make mistakes. However, when there are constant offences, there has to be some form of consequence.

Politicians are not above the law, be it those of society or human nature.