Sanford Didn’t Use Public Funds…Does that Make Things A OK?

July 2, 2009

Mark Sanford left his post in an irresponsible fashion.

He left is wife and family on father’s day weekend.

And although, as a news report stated today, he did NOT use tax dollars to take his trips to see his mistress, does that mean he still should serve as the Governor of South Carolina?

I definitely do not think so. I wrote about this in an earlier post. Aside from the immorality associated with the actual extramarital affair, he has shown a poor record as a good leader. You don’t just leave your job and not name someone in charge. You don’t just come back and act like nothing happened and then lie about it. You don’t resign from one position with the Republican Governor’s Association without believing somewhat that you are not in a position to lead effectively.

Maybe he believes that he can win South Carolinians back with determination and persistence. Those are admirable traits. In fact, one of my favorite quotes is from President Calvin Coolidge who said:

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; Nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; Unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; The world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “Press On” has solved, and always will solve, the problems of the human race.

Persistence and Determination are so important. But maybe Sanford should pick his battles. His wife issued a statement today saying that she hoped they could work it out along with her sons. Take that win, and resign from the governorship. If “Joe the Blue Collar Worker” (insert profession after ‘Joe the’…by the way, what happened to Joe the Plumber? Another time, another blog I guess) had randomly not shown up for his job for four days straight, came in and acted as though nothing happened, he would have been replaced.

Sanford should not be admitting to only having an affair. He should be admitting that he has done less than the job he was elected to do as a governor and leader. Rather than forcing the people of SC to make amends with him, he should step back and listen to public opinion and give them what they want – ESPECIALLY since it is clear he has not performed the responsibilities of his job well.