It’s not unusual to open a newspaper or turn on the television and find a story or stories about politicians. And it’s not always about politics.Within the last several weeks, two high-level politicians made the news because of their personal lives.The former governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger, shocked a few with the news that he had an affair with his long-time housekeeper, with whom Schwarzenegger fathered a child. After keeping the affair a secret for almost 14 years, the ex-governor acknowledged his 14-year-old son and former mistress. Now, Schwarzenegger, married long term to Maria Shriver, could have another “ex” prefacing the title of “husband.” Not long after the Schwarzenegger scandal, Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-NY, was caught with his pants down, literally. The congressman was first accused of sending a lewd photo of himself to a 21-year-old Seattle college student. Weiner initially claimed his computer had been hacked, but later admitted in a press conference that he had lied. He confessed to sending risquÈ texts and videos to other women as well. At the strong suggestion of his colleagues, Weiner resigned after 13 years in Congress.Former Canadian Prime Minister Joe Clark once said, “One of the luxuries of a politician’s life is that you see yourself as others see you.”This month’s Streetwise question springs from Clark’s quote by asking others’ views on America’s political leaders. We asked this question: “Do today’s politicians have a good moral compass? Why or why not?”
| Diane Vigeant FalconI don’t think any politician has ever been a good moral compass. I think to get to where they are at, at a national level; I think they would have had to give up too much of their personal values to get there. |  |
 | Michael Browning PeytonNo, they are not. They are not good role models for the youth. They don’t need to lie, be inappropriate or steal. |
| Cy Johnson Colorado SpringsNo, I don’t think so because of all the negative interviews and scandals going on right now. I think it is a good thing that Congressman Weiner resigned. And I think that it should be a personal choice to resign your office unless you lied under oath or it involves minors. And I just think people should think twice before you do something, because you never know what may happen down the road. |  |
 | Kirk Pollard PeytonI do feel that some of today’s politicians are a good moral compass, and I’m very impressed with the presidential candidate Mitt Romney and his moral standards. I would challenge anybody to find a fault with his moral compass. He’s a family man. He’s a leader. And allowing the Commander in Chief to stay in office, knowing what we know now, has encouraged others to think (that kind of behavior) is OK. |
