Another Watergate?

By: Alberto Aquino and Prabjot Kaur

“Politicians go to college to be gangsters,” said Michael Watkins, a City College graduate. “They learn how to push the papers, shake the hands and kiss the babies.”

Along with Watkins, New Yorkers around the city are exclaiming their frustration over the scandal involving Governor Spitzer that was exposed yesterday. “I think it’s tarnishing what people think about the government,” said Watkins.

It was uncovered that Governor Spitzer’s aides, along with one of his top advisors, were unlawfully using the State Police to collect information about the governor’s principal rival, State Senate majority leader Joseph L. Bruno. They were looking for important information that would damage Bruno’s political reputation and career, according to a report by the attorney general’s office.

“My first perception of him was that he was someone who will bring more change,” said Jose Negroni, a Summer Youth teacher at Lehman College. “But I think what has been going on gives you more doubt again if it’s just all talk.”

“It’s like a second part to modify Watergate,” said Kyria Perez, a graduate student and math teacher at Lehman College.

The state government’s actions yesterday reminded New Yorkers of the infamous Watergate Scandal involving former President Nixon in which he used his top officials to gain information on the Democratic National Committee illegally. However, although the similarities are present,many feel that this latest scandal does not compare much to Watergate.

“I don’t think it’s as serious as Watergate. It seems more like a petty rivalry,” said Lavern Rhynie, a student at Lehman College. Although the similarities between the two scandals are minimal, they both succeed in hurting citizens’ trust in their government. Other scandals have been revealed in recent years; one involving the former NJ governor, James E. McGreevy, and his subsequent resignation from office.“Nothing surprises me about the politicians and their ways,” said Perez. “If you want to be a public servant, you need to have integrity for the people.”