Governor Mark Sanford is headline news today, and will be until the next shocking moment of American politics.

His actions are inexcusable, shameful and irresponsible. They are unbecoming of someone as brilliant as Mark Sanford; unbecoming of one who represents the people of South Carolina.

At the end of the discussion, a rational question remains- a question that will not be asked for some time, if ever: What is the difference in the arrogance, selfishness and stupidity of this ongoing affair and the outright theft of our children’s future; of the private and public immorality of theft or of irrational government intrusion in the lives of Americans?

I did not watch the Governor’s press conference live, though I have watched a big part of it this evening. When I did hear the news earlier in the day, I felt as though I had been punched in the stomach. Sanford was one that I looked forward to supporting for President, and I think would have been a good one. His breach of trust has ended that opportunity- reports now indicate that he made at least three tax-payer funded trips to Argentina. His political career has ended, and understandability so.

The story of Sanford on the news program I watched tonight was followed by a story on Citi- regarding bailout monies paid to employees. Salaries there will increase by 50% for many- that’s after (or by utilizing) $45 billion in government bailout money. This, while my employees and I-and taxpayers across America- have taken cuts in pay and reductions in hours, while financing these bailouts.

It is interesting that Governor Sanford did not get his wife a job, or a “special” land deal in the Eastern part of the state. Also of interest is the common thread of personal trips funded by taxpayer dollars.

The bottom line: What is the difference in an affair- lying to family and friends, doing wrong by a spouse, children, and the people of a state- and in stealing money from those who produce of wealth or in obligating people to debt that cannot be repaid? What is the difference in a selfish affair and the selfish abuse of public money for personal gain.

Republicans often talk of family values, and make no mistake, these values are critical to the sustenance of this nation. We cannot preach family values as we have affairs. But no less important are individual rights; the freedom to take risks and to earn wealth; the inherent right to keep what you earn; the ability to trust your government to follow the constitution. It seems that our standards are not consistent.

There is no excuse for the indiscretions of the Governor; I understand this better than most. However, there is also no excuse in the theft of the value of our productive ability, or that of our children and grandchildren. Let us hold all public officials to the same standard to which we will hold Governor Sanford.

If we are going to be critical of the Governor’s breach of trust-as we should- we must be equally critical of the breach of trust in other areas of governance, including those of the former Governor of North Carolina or the President of the United States.

See Moral Foundatins of Capitalism