While infidelity is hardly a laughing matter Saturday Night Live does a good job pointing out the hypocrisy how the media is so focused on the crumbling marriage of Tiger Woods while basically ignoring South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford, Senator John Ensign (R-Nev.) and former Senator John Edwards (D-N.C.) (they could have also included former New York Governor Eliot Spitzer, former New Jersey Governor Jim McGreevey, etc, etc.) While Tiger Woods committed the ultimate sin of violating his marriage vows, the three politicians being mocked did so as well as breaking the public trust.
They should all be thankful they do not live in New Hampshire, especially a century or so ago. Adulterers in New Hampshire originally faced standing on the gallows, up to 39 lashes, a year in jail or a fine of 100 pounds. This has been eased considerably to a misdemeanor and a fine of up to $1,200 — with no jail time. And the state is looking to rescind that law as well. Adultery leads to a breakdown of families, which directly affects a state and country’s well being. How differently Mark Sanford might have thought about his Argentinean jaunts if he knew a flogging awaited him back home?
