"In 2009 I had the sense if she made it to the White House and I had stayed silent, I could never forgive myself," Frank Bailey told The Associated Press.
Translation:
"In 2009 I saw the need for a bit of income and knew that I could never forgive myself if I didn't write a book slamming a friend who trusted me."
Ahhh, political weasels. It was only about three years ago that a former White House spokesman wrote a scathing book against President George W. Bush and his administration. Anyone remember the author's name? Of course not. Even "moi" with my archival capabilities had to do a Google search. But it is because I hit the delete button after Scott McClellan's book surfaced.
In the case of Mr. Frankly Boring, a joke comes to mind: "How many authors does it take to screw a few thousand emails into a book?"
In this case, it takes three. The snitch requires two assistants: Ken Morris and Jeanne Devon.
Ethical considerations? Plenty. As someone who considers the mini-secrets, concerns, hopes and dreams of my own inner circle of friends to be a private matter, Mr. Bailey resides in a category all by himself. While there may be nothing illegal about his activities, ethics are a matter of character.
This book will be the end of the road and not the pot at the end of the rainbow. And what will Mr. Bailey do with the remainder of his life? And what of the publishing house? I guess if yellow journalism sells, there is money to be made. Now if tomorrow we find that Mr. Bailey exposes Sarah Palin for sharing nuclear secrets with "I can see Russia from here", then give me a call on the telly. Otherwise, I wouldn't consider using the book to prop up a broken couch leg.
There you have it - my own hairball!
Tammy Swofford
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