Politics and sex seem to go hand in hand, as unlikely partners. What does one have to do with the other? Why should we care? And how long have sex scandals plagues political leaders?
Politics and sex seem to go hand in hand, as unlikely partners. What does one have to do with the other? Why should we care? And how long have sex scandals plagues political leaders? In the US, we like to see our politicians in cozy martial relationships that seem bland, the headlines light up when someone has an extra marital affairs or liaisons which deemed sexually inappropriate. We are equally horrified, and titillated and intrigued. But instead, should we be excited, knowing that a high sex drive makes for great political decisions?
What drives these people, when they know if they are caught it will result in political suicide? Is it love, is it lust, is it blowing off some steam after a hard days work? Is it the thrill that, because they are in power, they can dazzle and do anyone they want? Or it something more nefarious, something more ingrained in the psychology of the person?
In some ancient cultures, the leader be it Genghis Khan or Attila the Hun, was supposed to be a mighty warrior as well has have a huge sexual appetite. Just as a large army was a status symbol for a warrior leader, so was having a harem. In fact, the truth of Genghis Khan's sexual prowess weighs out that 8 percent of the current male population of Mongol are direct descendents, through DNA testing.
Somehow it got switched around, we have equated sexual prowess with not being morally good and therefore that person shouldn’t be in politics. And yet, according to renowned astrologer, Rob Hand, what makes an outstanding politician or leader capable of doing good things for his or her constituents, is also the same astrological configuration that makes him or her rather sexually naughty in our eyes. In fact, the more sexual laisions the better the politican. Just think of Bill Clinton, not only of his laison with Monica Lewinsky, but Jennifer Flowers and many others according to gossips.
The French have a slightly different attitude, as long as their politicians balance the budget and keep the country in good running order, they don’t care what sexual proclivities someone has. In fact, it was reported that most French were amused and proud of the fact that their President’s wife had had sex with Mick Jagger when she was young, bringing a scintillating allure to the country. But then again, they are French. Still it’s fun to look at indiscretions across the ages. Some seem so pallid by today’s standards, some shock no matter how long ago they happened.
One of the earliest sex scandals was Queen Hatshepsut, in Egypt in 1500 BC. She fell in love with a lowly carpenter, which at the time, for its culture was considered the ultimate no-no, considering the only appropriate marriage was with one of her brothers. There is much conjecture as to why she dressed like a man and a king. Perhaps it was to hide her affair? Queen Catherine of Russia was reported not only to have affairs with many of her generals, but also, because her sexual appetite was so insatiable, she was reported to have sex with horses. Horses? Half of a regiment isn't half as good as a horse.
Early in American history, sexual indiscretions were known, but whispered about in hushed tones. President Thomas Jefferson had a well known affair with his black slave, Sarah "Sally" Hemings, who was also his deceased wife's half-sister. Does the word incest mean anything? He had six children with Sally. President John Kennedy apparently had a revolving door at the White House where women came and went, the most famous of which was Marilyn Monroe, and although everyone knew, nothing was formally said.
President Bill Clinton had the famous "affair of the blue dress" with an intern, Monica Lewinsky, which resulted in his impeachment. Though most people, questioned, why the most powerful man in the free world didn't choose an affair with a super model, we can only speculate who else he might have had an affair with, given his history. Looking at his presidency, he was a rather good President. Did his extra curricular activities help his abilities?
Paradox is never so finely met than with former New York Governor. Eliot Spitzer. One hand he promised to bring integrity and ethics to the state of New York, while spending more than $80,000 on hookers and call girls. Of course, hiding sexual relations can take on a clever twist when you are a politician. Gov. Mark Sanford announced he was going to rough it and hike the Appalachian Trail and then disappeared and could not be found, much to the concern of his wife, his staff and eventually the country. However, in sharp contrast, he was in Argentina drinking cocktails with umbrellas while visiting his mistress, Maria Belen Chapur.
Massachusetts Representative Barney Frank has had several scandals. For many years, it was wondered if he was gay. First, it was reported he had an affair with a Congressnal page boy, and then the scandals burst open when in the 80's it was discovered he paid a male prostitute, finally leading to his political demise. As many affairs as there are that we know of, what affairs have been successfully hidden. Are our politicians and their voracious appetite for sex what makes them so good at running the country? Some of the most successful rulers in history, had large harems. Some of our most successful politicians have had wild affairs. It seems sex and power are linked. And why should we spoil their fun.