McGreevey's autobiography gives too much information

By Elizabeth Tabasko
Collegian Staff
September 27, 2006

Former New Jersey Governor James McGreevey does not deserve support from the public. Not because he came out as a homosexual, but because he lied to the public, disrespected his family and took advantage of his position in office. Now, two years after the scandal, McGreevey has reentered the public eye with his autobiography, attempting to explain his actions and seek sympathy. While I believe he is entitled to the same freedoms as anyone else, I refuse to believe he deserves any further attention – let alone sympathy – from the public.

During the summer of 2004, news of the scandal circulated all over the country. I was on vacation out of state with my family, and we read about what had happened on the front page of the local newspaper. Late-night talk show hosts had yet another reason to make New Jersey the butt of numerous jokes.

Behind the sensational headlines, there was a story of lies and corruption. Aside from his personal affairs, McGreevey abused his power and used his position to advance his personal life. He appointed an unqualified man to the position of Homeland Security Adviser. This man, Golan Cipel, is not even a citizen of the United States. His only qualification for the position was his role as McGreevey’s romantic partner. The two hid their affair from the public for almost four years.

After lying to the public, we cannot be expected to believe anything he publishes in The Confession. I’m sure he will explain the blackmail and the fear of rejection by the public, but he cannot explain his lies and corruption. At this point, excuses are futile. McGreevey did not choose his sexuality, but he did choose to exploit his position in government.

Before the scandal, I supported McGreevey as a politician. He withstood criticism from the Catholic Church and made important advances in stem cell research and rights for single sex couples. McGreevey pushed for women’s rights and managed to keep the already high taxes in New Jersey from increasing. Unfortunately, his poor decisions in office overshadowed his successes. The corruption of his term discredits the advances he made in favor of certain causes. He made a permanent negative mark on this period in New Jersey history.

I am not opposed to giving McGreevey the sympathy he desires because he came out as a homosexual and broke up his family. In fact, I sympathize with other celebrities when they endure criticism because of their sexual orientation. However, it is McGreevey’s decision to come back with a book two years later that keeps me from respecting him as a politician.

Following the release of his book, the former governor has made several public appearances. On Oprah, he took the time to read a passage from his book, which included personal details of his relationship with Cipel. He also openly discussed his unsatisfying physical relationship with his wife.

I do not advocate censorship, and I believe in free expression of opinions and ideas. However, I am against people being irresponsible and disregarding the effect their actions have on the people around them. As a father, McGreevey should recognize that his actions will affect his children as they grow up. The words he publishes will be available for all future generations. His family will live with what he has done for years to come. If his children choose to pursue careers in politics – or really any field – their name will be tainted. Besides being the children of a man who corrupted government offices and lied to the public, they will be mocked for the explicit details of his love affair which he chose to share with the public. The McGreevey family and the state of New Jersey will deal with the repercussions of his actions while he can return to hiding like a coward.

James McGreevey should not lose respect because of his sexual preference or his controversial stand on issues while he was in office. He should lose respect because he is selfish. He thinks of no one but himself. Supporters of McGreevey praise him for his honesty and his help in advancing gay rights. But McGreevey is not honest and should not be a role model for the gay community. He is being honest about the details of his scandal to make himself feel better at the expense of the honor of his state and his family. When beginning to feel sympathy, we should remember that McGreevey is a liar who has no regard for anyone but himself.

tabaskol1@lasalle.edu