August 13, 2004 4:55 AM

Doing the right thing, or falling on his sword?

Unless you live in New Jersey, this one probably took you by surprise. I know it did me. I'm just not quite certain what to make of the news just yet. Of course, I imagine there is more to the story than what is no doubt being carefully being stage-managed here, but could this be as simple as a man doing what he thinks is the right thing?

New Jersey Gov. James E. McGreevey unexpectedly announced his resignation today, disclosing publicly that he is a homosexual and had an extramarital affair with another man.

With his wife standing by his side, McGreevey, a Democrat who has been dogged by several fund-raising scandals, said he has long struggled with his identity. He said he was revealing his sexual orientation and the homosexual affair to counter the vulnerability he faced from "rumors, false allegations and threats of disclosure."....

[H]e said that at some point, "one has to look deeply into the mirror of one's soul" and come to grips with the "unique truth" there.

"My truth is that I am a gay American," McGreevey said.

He acknowledged having caused "pain and suffering and anguish" to his family, adding that he felt compelled to confess his involvement in an affair.

"I am also here today because shamefully, I engaged in an adult consensual affair with another man, which violates my bonds of matrimony," McGreevey said. "It was wrong, it was foolish, it was inexcusable."

Although his homosexuality by itself "makes little difference" to his performance as governor, McGreevey said, "given the circumstances surrounding the affair and its likely impact upon my family and my ability to govern, I have decided the right course of action is to resign."

McGreevey clearly is a man who has travelled a road that few us ever will, so for any of to pass judgement would be disingenuous. He has made what he feels to be a right and moral decision. Whether or not resigning is the appropriate decision under the circumstances should be left to the pundits, who will have their say regardless.

Of greater concern to me is the impact that McGreevey's revelation and his decision to resign will have on his family. I admire his wife for standing by him; I can't imagine that was an easy or pleasant thing to do. To deal with the most personal of issues like this in a very public forum would be hard on the closest of families. I can only wish them the best from here on.

As to what impact McGreevey's admitted homosexuality will have on the future of American politics, I'll leave that to the combatants in this cultural war: Gay Activists and Social Conservatives. Depending on who you believe, this is either a crowning blow for gay rights or this week's sign that the Apocalypse is upon us. My guess is that the truth lies somewhere in the middle. I just don't have a whole lot of interest in finding out exactly where.

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This page contains a single entry by Jack Cluth published on August 13, 2004 4:55 AM.

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