Student reaction to Spitzer

By Rohma Abbas

As the evening draws to a close in the emptying halls of the Frank J. Melville library, students react to Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s recent prostitution ring scandal.

“He’s an idiot, that’s my reaction,” said Usman Naqvi, a senior sitting in a group of friends in the library commuter lounge. Some disagreed.

“People do stupid things,” said Victor Valentinyi, a junior sitting at the table. “I just think it’s stupid he took it across the state.”

Jennifer Chee, a junior, took a more calm approach. “I’m sure there’s tons of people that are married that do this,” she said.

“I support it as long as the girls are happy with it,” joked Riz Younis, a junior sitting across from the three.

“He might get impeached,” said Naqvi.

“So what?” respond Chee.

But some students were not aware of the Spitzer scandal.

“I have no clue about that at all,” said Jackie Song, a senior. “I don’t even know what’s going on.”

Outside a lone freshman sitting at a table is surprised by the news. “The only thing I have to say is that I’m shocked because he hasn’t even been in for a year and he already has something against him,” said Amira Soliman.

But others are angry.

“I think he’s a douche bag,” said Geraldine Blanco, a sophomore. “I think he should resign his position. I think our government is just…crazy.”

She continued, “If I were his wife, I wouldn’t stand by him.”

“I’m a little bit disappointed,” said Erica Valdivia, a graduate student. “If the man’s fighting wrongs in society, why would he do that? Especially if he’s a public figure.”

Others echo Valdivia’s sentiments. “I think he should resign,” said Alan Lepinksy, a junior sitting at a table near the center exit of library. “People look up to him.” But Erik Martinez, a sophomore sitting across him said “I’m virtually unaffected.”

Outside, Emily Colbeck, senior, finishes off her cigarette. She said that Spitzer’s personal life has no relevance to his political career. “How does that have anything to do with politics?” she said. “I don’t think it really matters.”