Eliot Spitzer, Class Act -- Really!

I know the whole world is dumping on New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer lately, but I think his resignation speech today was pure class. He's owned up to his faults, assumed responsibility, accepted the consequences -- and now tries to pick up the pieces.

Some notable lines:

• "From those to whom much is given, much is expected. I have been given much - the love of my family, the faith and trust of the people of New York, and the chance to lead this state. I am deeply sorry I did not live up to what was expected of me."


• "Over the course of my public life I have insisted, I believe correctly, that people, regardless of their position or power, take responsibility for their conduct. I can and will ask no less of myself."


• "I go forward with the belief, as others have said, that as human beings our greatest glory consists not in never falling but in rising every time we fall."

Amen to that. One hates to see our leaders ever embroiled in this kind of scandal, but much to his credit, Spitzer has shown exactly how to respond to one's failings with grace. Godspeed to him and his family.