Through The Eye Of The Beholder

Do you ever wonder how the rest of the world views our government?  We  know many of the world leaders consider our President a lightweight; weak.  It isn't widely known what they think of Joe Biden or Hillary Clinton.  The photo ops are always programmed to show everyone smiling and shaking hands.

The only member of the Cabinet that really says it like it is seems to be Bob Gates and unfortunately he's leaving the end of the month.

Then we drop down a tier.  To Congress.  They often go off on junkets to learn first hand about various situations around the world.  I wonder how they're viewed.  Do they give men like men like Anthony Weiner a pass because they too are a little loose when it comes to proper behavior with women?  I really don't know.

The bigger question is how we feel about such men.  Everyone and his pet dog has suggested Weiner resign but somehow he thinks going into therapy is going to solve all his problems.  And continue to draw his salary while he's away.  That's all fine and dandy.  What bothers me is this man is one of the faces of the United States government.  Is he acceptable to us in that role?  Will therapy erase the image we have of him? Is it sincere or merely diversionary tactic?  Who's to know?

During the time we were agonizing about how we extract information from enemies, it was often said, "That's not us, we're better than that."

Not that I expect everyone to be perfect, but I expect more from our Representatives than what we're getting from too many of them.  What ever happened to respect and common decency, be it toward a spouse or a constituent?  I'd like to think, "That's not us, we're better than that."

But what does the rest of the world think?  Does it apply at all any more?