Just Go Away!
When Jim McGreevey came out as a "gay American" on national television with his wife at his side and resigned as governor of New Jersey three years ago, I honestly felt sorry for the man. I felt sorry that an office as high as governor in our country is reserved mostly for straight white men. I felt sorry that such a man had to hide his sexuality in order to be elected. And I felt sorry for his wife who was an unwitting pawn in the charade that is American politics. It was a shame all around.
As a former Jersey boy, I liked McGreevey and he was a rising star in the Democratic party. After the blackmail scandal of Golan Cipel in which McGreevey emerged as the wronged party, McGreevey was poised to use his political clout for good. Perhaps to further LGBT causes or join forces with one of the many gay rights groups lobbying congress in our interest. But no. He squandered that opportunity. Instead he went and wrote a tawdry tell all book with all the gruesome details of his indiscretions then made the talk show rounds starting with Oprah. (Talk about going into the mouth of the lion!)
In the meantime an ugly divorce and custody battle ensued during which Jim McGreevey and his rich new Australian boyfriend showed off their lavish lifestyle on TV at their historic New Jersey mansion. This of course was shown by the media in stark contrast to the tiny 1950s ranch style house where his ex-wife Dina and daughter, Jacqueline now live. Details about erotic art in McGreevey's house swirled around the papers further fueling the unseemly custody battle. It didnt't take long before it was announced that Dina McGreevey, certainly the lower-profile of the two, would be having her say in her tell-all book, Silent Partner, which she has been promoting on the talk show circuit all this week. Starting with who else? Oprah.
Not to be outdone by this news, just as Dina was telling her tale of woe on Oprah's couch, Jim McGreevey announced he is going to become an Episcopal priest! Well of course! What else could possibly be next in this literal "holier than thou" battle? Now, I don't doubt McGreevey's religious convictions. Supposedly he either entered the Catholic seminary or was preparing for it at one time but his inner conflict regarding his sexuality put an end to that. He also credits his religious upbringing for his once closeted lifestyle. But his timing of this announcement as his wife's book is being released is highly suspect.
I don't know about you all, but I have had just about enough of these two. And here's a little unsolicited advice from me to Jim McGreevey, one gay man to another: Lay low for a while. Let Dina have her say and take it like a man. You are a disappointment.
By the way, Jim McGreevey will be pursuing his religious studies at the General Theological Seminary. In Chelsea. New York's gay Mecca. Of course.
Labels: Gay Politics, New Jersey, Politics
posted by Michael @ 11:09 AM
12 Comments:
-- I saw the "artwork" which is essentially a life size poster of a naked man.
-- I'll be he does a lot of assuming the prayer position there in Chelsea
-- Ever since I heard someone say he looks like he has Downs Syndrome I haven't been able to look at him the same way again.
I thought I was the only one with these thoughts, and blamed it on me being a conservative.
Foolish me.
I wish just once that someone as boring as me would be the "gay headline" for the world to see. No circuses, no book deals, no rest-area-hookups-then-divorce-then-priesthood. But no one would believe it, would they?
Yes every step of the way he has made my skin crawl.
I'm ready for him to go back into that hole from which he came.
"Just Go Away!"
That sums up exactly how I feel about the McGreevey's. He's gay. He lied. Get over it. Let's move on already! Why is this guy still in the news when gay people who get beaten to a pulp or killed for being gay every single day don't get time of day. I'm talking about the Hate Crimes bill currently being debated in Congress. It sickens me that crap like this make for major headlines and "news" coverage (two segments of this story on Good Morning America yesterday). Who cares?
This is a situation where both McGreevey's have behaved badly; I have no interest in picking a "winner" in this battle, and I'm curious as to why we all pay them so much attention.
But to clarify, the ex-gov is pursuing a graduate degree from an Episocopal seminary -- a lot of people do this with no intention of becoming ordained as a priest. McGreevey hasn't said what he plans to do -- of course, he's had two days to clarify and the fact that he's said nothing tells me he enjoys the chatter -- on his CV, above Governor of NJ and Author should be the words, "Attention Whore."
I agree. All of the publicity just needs to go away. Let these people battle out their ugly divorce in private--like most normal people.
I love your "Just Go Away!" and I love Matter's point about a normal person being the "gay headline" instead. That would be refreshing.
just stopping by to say hello. i do agree with your assessment of those two. it is too much already...what is the point of all this tell all confessions.
"After the blackmail scandal of Golan Cipel in which McGreevey emerged as the wronged party..."
Alleged blackmail scandal. Cipel denies everything.
just go away and shut up. just shut up.
is there some addictive factor in being in the public eye, such that there is absolutely nothing folks won't do to continue in the spotlight? shut. up. mcgreevey.
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