Ron Paul On Eliot Spitzer - He Acted Badly But Didn't Deserve This

Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), he of the quixotic GOP presidential campaign and unique policy positions, is never one to be shy about his opinions. Take the case of fallen New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D), who political career fell apart this week after his liaisons with high-priced call girls became public. Spitzer's resigned his office effective Monday.

Most politicians from both sides of the aisle publicly (at least) offered condolences for Spitzer and his poor family, including his three daughters, but didn't - of course - defend Spitzer's atrocious behavior.

But for Paul, Spitzer's downfall at the hands of a Justice Dept. investigation shows government at its worst. Yes, Spitzer climbed to power on the backs of political enemies he destroyed, making him not a swell guy, but he didn't deserve what happened to him. The FBI should have never been allowed to listen into his phone call in the first place, according to the Texas Republican.

Here's the statement Paul made on the House floor last night. It's worth reading, at least for the enlightment it gives into Paul's view of the world, which basically comes down to who controls the money:

"Madam Speaker, it has been said that 'he who lives by the sword shall die by the sword.'  And in the case of Eliot Spitzer this couldn't be more true. In his case it's the political sword, as his enemies rejoice in his downfall. Most people, it seems, believe he got exactly what he deserved.

The illegal tools of the state brought Spitzer down, but think of all the harm done by Spitzer in using the same tools against so many other innocent people. He practiced what could be termed 'economic McCarthyism,' using illegitimate government power to build his political career on the ruined lives of others.

No matter how morally justified his comeuppance may be, his downfall demonstrates the worst of our society. The possibility of uncovering personal moral wrongdoing is never a justification for the government to spy on our every move and to participate in sting operations.

For government to entice a citizen to break a law with a sting operation--that is, engaging in activities that a private citizen is prohibited by law from doing--is unconscionable and should clearly be illegal.
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