The Eliot Spitzer scandal is difficult for many rational people to understand. How could he have been so careless? The real question should be: What is the psychological pathology that caused this self destructive behavior? Like many crimes of morality, the pathology of the brain is usually the last suspect. In this case, there is no other rational answer. Elliot Spitzer is a sex addict who cannot control his sex drive. Much like a drug addict, he really has no choice. This condition is sometimes called "irresistible impulse" that was the topic of the 1959 movie, ANATOMY OF A MURDER.
The film Anatomy of a Murder (1959) is probably the finest pure trial movie ever made. The film is based on a powerful 1958 novel by Robert Traver. It centers on a gripping small-town murder trial of Lieutenant Manion (Ben Gazzara). Manion clearly gunned down Barney Quill in Quill’s bar. But why did he do it?
The film is loaded with fascinating legal issues, such as the validity and applicability of the irresistible impulse version of the insanity defense. Defense lawyer Paul Biegler (Jimmy Stewart in an unforgettable portrayal) would rather be catching trout. He claims it happened because Manion was seized by an irresistible impulse–he just found out that Quill had raped Laura after picking her up in the bar. The defense psychiatrist is asked whether Manion was capable of understanding right from wrong. The psychiatrist states clearly that the issue of right and wrong is never contemplated by one who is in the grip of irresistible impulse or dissociative reaction.
Manion is acquitted in the movie. Otto Preminger, the director, knew this movie would be controversial because it dealt with sexuality, violence, and language never before shown in previous 1st tier Hollywood movies. The issues raise in this movie questioned the social values of that period in American culture. Since that time the subject of sexuality has been broadened primarily because of the events in the 60s that has been described as "the sexual revolution." The feminist movement has also been an important factor in dealing more honestly with sexuality. That has not been the case for crime and punishment in this country.
The United States has developed a cottage industry for the penal system. There are more people incarcerated in this country per capita than any other nation. Close to half of the prisoners have committed non-violent crimes. Many are suffering from severe psychological disorders that are undiagnosed. Some of these prisoners suffer from irresistible impulse and need psychiatric help. Spitzer may well be the next victim of our penal system.
There is no question that Spitzer should resign and get the help he needs to treat this problem. He is a sexual addict and cannot control his behavior. The irresistible impulse prevents him from rational contemplation of the consequences of his actions. He needs rehabilitation, not incarceration.
novamradio.com
Sheldon Drobny was the co-founder of Nova M radio and Air America Radio. He has supported many philanthropic causes and is currently involved in purchasing radio stations for liberal talk radio with his new company, Nova M Radio, Inc. Mr. Drobny specializes in business and tax matters and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Tax Court as a non-attorney. Less than 200 non-attorneys have been admitted to practice before the U.S. Tax Court since its inception in 1942. Mr. Drobny received a Bachelor of Science Degree in accounting from Roosevelt University in Chicago and is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, an honorary fraternity recognizing acadamic achievement in colleges of business administration.
Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto Him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, they say unto Him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what say you?
This they said, tempting Him, that they might have to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. So when they continued asking him, He lifted up himself, and said unto them, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, "Woman, where are those thine accusers? Has no man condemned thee?"
She said, "No man, Lord." And Jesus said unto her, "Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more."
In this day and age I guess we all forget that we are weak in the flesh, LORD God knows that temption is always before our eyes, whether it be male or female.
Obviously many in this country forget that they sin too and we are supposed to forgive each other and support each other. Instead I see a bunch of people throwing the stones and judging the man in what I would deem a very PERSONAL issue that should remain between himself and his family.
The SIN is against the NSA for not taking up the issue with Mr. Spizter personally, they should not be delegated as the SIN police. We should all be screaming about the waste of our TAX dollars on spying against American citizens and their daily lives instead of what it is supposed to be used for, PROTECTING us! NATIONAL SECURITY not personal sin busters.
by
LJ B (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 2 comments)
on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 4:29:38 AM
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