Perkins on Vitter

Louisiana Senator David Vitter was the first public official to be outed in the DC Madam scandal. He was forced to make a public apology, admitting his "sin" and asking for forgiveness. Here is what, Tony Perkins, a prominent leader on the religious right had to say on his blog about Vitter:

The statement by my friend and former colleague, Louisiana Senator David Vitter, was very disappointing. He admitted to a “serious sin” in a statement he released to the press on Monday, prior to news reports revealing that his phone number appeared on a long list of client’s numbers of the now infamous DC Madam, Deborah Jeane Palfrey.

In the release David assumed complete responsibility for what he did and that he “asked for and received forgiveness from God and [his] wife in confession and marriage counseling.” These allegations first surfaced about 4 or 5 years ago when David was considering running for governor of Louisiana. He backed away from the race admitting to marital problems and he and his wife sought counseling. This public revelation coincides with that time frame.

While I commend him on assuming personal responsibility and working to make things whole in his life, I cannot defend David’s behavior. Adultery is a serious matter that affects not only the individuals involved but families and the well being of the entire community. Voters have the right to consider issues like this when they assess the character of an elected official.

Having said that, the American people have shown themselves to be very forgiving toward a public official who admits their failures and takes redemptive steps. And despite what some have said since he released his statement, so does God. Proverbs 24:16 reads “For a righteous man may fall seven times and rise again, but the wicked shall fall by calamity.” I hope to see David back on his feet again.

Do you notice that there is something missing here? There is no mention by Perkins that Vitter, if the allegations are true, broke the law. He is a criminal. His wife can forgive him for committing adultery. Heck, his constituents can forgive him if they want; Louisianans seem to be OK with electing charged criminals. But it's a significant omission on the part of Perkins to fail to mention the criminal element. Isn't this part of the right-wing agenda - no coddling criminals? I seem to remember hearing something about this when Bill Clinton lied before a grand jury about having sex with Monica Lewinsky.