Old Law Makes Sanford's Affair Criminal

(AP)  South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford's admitted extramarital affair with a woman in Argentina could cost him his job. It could cost him his marriage.

And, under an antiquated state law, it could also cost him up to $500 and a year in jail.

A state law that dates to at least 1880 says adultery is a crime, no matter where it occurred, and that adulterers "shall be severally punished."

But constitutional attorney John Harrell of Charleston says the law hasn't been used in decades, possibly not since 1907.

A spokeswoman for the State Law Enforcement Division says the agency can't waste limited money on trying to prosecute or arrest Sanford on such a charge. Jennifer Timmons notes there are murderers and other violent offenders to pursue.

[thebob-bob]

If Sanford moves to Utah, he can just line 'em all up and marry 'em all. Utah loves Republicans! They all share 'women are for baby-making' values. Go West Senator. On the way stop in for a little cattin' with Senator Vitter, he knows all the hot spots in New Orleans. And if you don't feel like marrying them, just keep going to Nevada, adultery isn't a crime, like it is in S. Carolina.

Now what was that you said about Bill Clinton and Larry Craig and resigning?

[BigtotheBone]

Just how many days can the liberal media such as CBS continue this story? Let's see, could there be any other stories that are perhaps a little bit more important?

How about the disaster of the economy Obama and the democrats have created?

How about Unemployement will be reaching 10%?

Perhaps the Supreme court overturning Sotomayor's racist decision?

What about both Iran and North Korea having Obama back down like a weak puppy?

How about the deomcrats passing a "Cap and Tax" that will cost Americas as much as $3,000 more in energy costs?

Hasn't there been an increase in the number of US soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan? God knows the liberal media made note of that every minute during Bush...

Democrat John Conyer's wife was convicted of corruption, not a peep?

How about how Obama and the democrats wanting to give healthcare to illegal aliens, who are part of the so called 47 million uninsured?

What about the Senator Chris Dodd scandal on his dubious real estate deals?

Have they considered Rep. Charlie Rangel has been under investigation for 10 months for tax issues and other alleged misconduct?

Certainly they could have covered the Congressional Black Caucus going on a Citigroup-funded getaway to St. Maarten last fall?

What about democrats Reps. John Murtha, Peter Visclosky and Jim Moran ? the top recipients of donations from a lobbying firm since busted by the FBI in a pay-to-play investigation?

Couldn't they cover the 1 trillion dollar waste of money the democrats voted by calling it a stimulus, but was payback to their liberal alies?

So in conclusion, the media will continue to run Mark Sanford stories, Micheal Jackson 24/7, and a lot of other crap to hide the real problems caused by Obama and the Socialist-Democratic party.

[stn_sage]

There you have it folks! A law that covers this situation IS going to be conveniently IGNORED because of WHO broke the law!

IF it was the 'town drunk', or a beligerent activist, or an un-popular local Black 'agitator', that person would be 'beat over the head until he was silly' with this law, but because it's the Republican governor, it won't be applied! THAT'S the REAL justice in the South and America today, my friends!

SO, if Sanford was smart---and HE's NOT---he'd shut up and move on! And, be glad that they're letting him 'get away' with breaking the law!

[licht1]

Why did the Governor talk to AP today? He's paving the way for his next job.

He told reporters that he counseled Ms. Chapur on her failing marriage.

Look out Dr. Phil!

See:

http://notionscapital.wordpress.com/2009/06/30/mark-sanford-hes-back/

[cattiej]

The most "Old Law", the Bible, makes adultry a sin. This is what Sanford has to worry about,of course, he won't know his answer until the writing on the wall says it's time, just like for the rest of us. But then perhaps Sanford doesn't care about what's in the Bible, just what's in his pants.

[cbsantispin]

South Carolina Republican Gov. Mark Sanford has nothing to worry about, Republicans are exempt, U.S. Laws don't apply to Republicans.

[specialty8]

Just like they didn't apply to Slick Willey or Edwards?

[nanc12]

Um, specialty, if you remember, Clinton was impeached, and Edwards wasn't in office when his philandering came to light. Try again.

[ToddSentell]

Dear Mark,

Oh, boy.

I?ve cried real tears for you, old friend. But I know you too well: you have always done what you were gonna do and you did. God almighty, son, you did it up good this time.

When I begged you to go a little more crazy and have some college fun thirty years ago you wouldn?t. While I was sitting in front of the dean of students for streaking naked around campus you were writing speeches and studying in the library. You were our student body president and the campus mischief maker was your roommate. As your best friend at the time, I was proud of you then and I?m proud of you now. New York hot shot to real estate tycoon to congressman to governor of my beloved South Carolina, all in khakis and button downs. A real preppy hurricane, you. I have followed your career and admired every minute of it since we first met outside the freshman dorm in 1979. But you?ve got some fixing to do now, wild man. Who?s to say the first lady does, too. I know. I was married once, for a long time. To a Palmetto State beauty. Funny, we met in Columbia. Anyhow, hunker down with the first lady the best you can. It?ll take a bunch of time. But I guarantee you: life will go on, but with a limp. I know.

And there?s one more thing I really need to tell you ... man to man ... old friend to old friend ... from a father of sons to another: all the answers to anything and everything in life you have from this point on until you die are going to be found in those precious sons of yours. If you devote the rest of your life to what your sons need and want from you everything will be fine. All of your questions about what to do in any situation?professional, political, personal, familial¬?will be answered after you ponder your boys. Just do that simple, but vital thing every moment. I know this, too. It's the secret to living well. Hell, it's the secret to life.

You?ll do this because I know you and still understand you and love you as a friend. You?ll do this ... I know you will ... and you?ll be fine. So will the first lady and the people of South Carolina. Tell them hello for me. I miss them, and I'm pulling for them, too.

Your Friend,

Todd


An award winning journalist, Todd Sentell is the author of the lunatic adventure, Toonamint of Champions. He teaches at a north Atlanta school for kids with learning disabilities

[realitychec6]

... wha??? .... whoever wrote this: you expect anybody to think this is for real?!!

[playhockey]

Uh.. Todd,

If you are an award winning journalist and good pal of the fallen governor, why are you rambling away on a news website -- instead of contacting your so-called friend in person?

Why put all of that out there for the world to read? Ugh!