Mark Sanford

I don't really know what to make of the whole Mark Sanford disappearance/Argentina/affair/scandal. Part of me wants to laugh and say this is just another example of politicians having affairs and acting strangely. But there's something here which makes me like and respect Sanford, in a way which has nothing to do with his politics.

The State has been sitting on a few emails they obtained back in December, but were unable to verify until now. These messages seem to reveal someone who is completely in love with this Argentinian woman, and seems honest and straightforward (how's that for a politician?).

To me, and I suspect no one else on earth, there is something wonderful about listening to country music playing in the cab, air conditioner running, the hum of a huge diesel engine in the background, the tranquility that comes with being in a virtual wilderness of trees and marsh, the day breaking and vibrant pink coming alive in the morning clouds — and getting to build something with each scoop of dirt. It is admittedly weird but one of my more favorite ways of escaping the norms, constant phone calls and formalities that go with the office — and it probably fits with my weakness in doing rather than being — though you opened up a new chapter last week wherein I was happy and content just being.

I'm sure we'll see some calls for Sanford to resign, and it'll be interesting to see what happens next. Will both of them leave their spouses and start new lives together (in Argentina?). Maybe we'll see a repeat of this...