November 22, 2017

"Mature women"?

Apparently not!
U.S. Rep. Joe Barton, R-Ennis, released a statement on Wednesday apologizing for a graphic nude photo of him that circulated on social media earlier this week.

"While separated from my second wife, prior to the divorce, I had sexual relationships with other mature adult women," he said. "Each was consensual. Those relationships have ended. I am sorry I did not use better judgment during those days. I am sorry that I let my constituents down."

It is still unclear how the photo got onto social media, who put it there, or whether its posting would constitute revenge porn, which is illegal under Texas law.

104 comments:

Danno said...

It will be interesting to see if revenge porn laws work in both directions.

walter said...

"Mature" invoked to avoid cradle robber concerns.
I don't get folks taking nude pics, videos..especially in a fling.
Just asking for trouble..and he got it.

Hagar said...

Time to declare a Genneral Armistice?

Earnest Prole said...

Revenge porn laws have never been tested by the Supreme Court, which I suspect would rule 9–0 in favor of the political free-speech rights of a mature adult woman to make public her sexual relationship with a congressman. If that isn't political speech I don't know what is.

Inga...Allie Oop said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Ann Althouse said...

In the future, there will be naked pictures of everyone on the web.

If you don't keep secrets, no one can ever reveal your secrets.

Inga...Allie Oop said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Inga...Allie Oop said...

I saw the pic. Euwwww. The big belly is distracting the eye away from the penis. Who knew there was another wiener in Congress? I imagine the only women he attracted by that pic was very very very “mature” women, like an 80 year old maybe.

I got so excited over that pic that I kept making spelling errors.

Bay Area Guy said...

Looks like Congressman Barton got schlonged.

n.n said...

Strive.

BarrySanders20 said...

"It will be interesting to see if revenge porn laws work in both directions."

It will also be interesting to see if slut-shaming works both ways.

robother said...

The discerning woman of a certain age who uses online dating sites wants to know what she is getting into, er, let me rephrase that....

YoungHegelian said...

Why is this Congressman anything other than a victim?

The only thing this man did wrong is that he trusted the woman in question. Even if the photo (which I haven't seen) is very clearly posed, if the woman wanted to keep a "time bomb" photo it would be easy to get one. In this day of ubiquitous cameras, in the course of an intimate relationship multiple embarrassing photos could be created in secret.

I have no idea if he's a good congressman or not, but this sure isn't a reason to retire.

Lyle Smith said...

Off with this member!

Humperdink said...

I have not seen the photo. Nor will I search it out. Leave the guy alone.

Comanche Voter said...

I'd say a tricky lady snapped the photo. Either she wanted a trophy to remind her that she had "bagged" a Congress critter; or she knew she and the relationship were headed for the dumpster, so she wanted a little revenge porn.

Either way the old nostrum, "Don't stick your membrum virile in crazy" applies.

Bilwick said...

He shouldn't apologize for the photo. My Mom liked it a lot.

Hari said...

This seems to be the exact opposite of sexual harrassment by the congressman. This is a man who has willing relinquished any power he had in a sexual relationship (or potential relationship) to a woman who has inturn abused him. At most, he is guilty of being pathetic. (And thus far, it has been only the pathetic Anthony Weiner who has gone to jail.)

holdfast said...

I assume "mature" is code for "not jailbait"?

buwaya said...

No matter the maturity of his paramours, this is not a prudent act for anyone.

Unless society changes even more of course.

It may even become de rigueur.
So to speak.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“It may even become de rigueur.
So to speak.“

Chuckling.

Caligula said...

"Why is this Congressman anything other than a victim? The only thing this man did wrong is that he trusted the woman in question."

WHY? He's a man, isn't he? If a congresswoman's nude photo were on the internet she'd be a victim, and a search for someone to punish.

But, he isn't. What did you expect, equality? It's not the season for reason, 'tis the season for outrage!

AllenS said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Big Mike said...

In the future, there will be naked pictures of everyone on the web.

Oh I hope not! Everyone will say my wife married me for my money.

Gahrie said...

I did not use better judgment during those days. I am sorry that I let my constituents down."

What did he do wrong? What does he have to feel sorry for?

n.n said...

Final stop: Sodom and Gomorrah. Why risk anything less?

D 2 said...

Apparently he signed the photo with "It's easy to see without looking too far that not much is really sacred." but his amour didnt get the oblique 60s reference to the congressman's aspirations.
Could happen to anyone, I suppose.

mccullough said...

I don't look forward to a members of Congress collage.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

It may be revenge but it is definitely not porn. I know pornography when I see it, and that is not porn.

What the fuck are these men thinking?

fivewheels said...

I suppose you can be mature but still be a vengeful, nasty c-word.

I was going to say this could be motivated by pure politics and that you can be mature and also be a progressive, but ... not with a straight face, I can't.

Sebastian said...

"Either she wanted a trophy to remind her that she had "bagged" a Congress critter; or she knew she and the relationship were headed for the dumpster, so she wanted a little revenge porn."

You evil misogynist. Women are better than that. They'd never trade sex for power and money, they'd never take pleasure in bagging anyone, and they are too nice for revenge.

Sebastian said...

"What the fuck are these men thinking?" I think you got your answer right there.

robother said...

I just hope Paul Ryan can keep a straight face when he has to say on CSPAN "The Chair recognizes the Member from Texas."

Anonymous said...

robother @4:08:

Good one.

Nyamujal said...

Seems like not everything is big in Texas.

tcrosse said...

What the fuck are these men thinking?

More to the point, what are they thinking with ?

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

A relevant twitter feed.

HoodlumDoodlum said...

AReasonableMan said...What the fuck are these men thinking?

Victim blaming, straight up.
I hope the mob is busy with their Thanksgiving protests, ARM, or you could have your hands full with this one.
Victim blaming is objective support for rape culture, man. That's as bad as it gets.

I will understand if you immediately resign from the board. You should probably spend more time with your family anyway.

MikeR said...

Why is this news?

Bay Area Guy said...

If you dissect it, it's not a big deal:

1. Barton is old (not a big deal)
2. Barton had sex with a woman (not a big deal)

3. Barton was nude (not a big deal)

4. Barton allowed himself to be photographed nude (a bit odd, but not a big deal)

So, under the totality of the circumstances, I say - not a big deal.

Clyde said...

As I wrote yesterday:

"Give it a couple of months and there won't be a man still working in Hollywood, Silicon Valley, the television networks, the comedy circuit or in Congress. And then they'll start in on the music industry and the sports world, and other target-rich environments."

The only ones left standing will be Teflon Trump and No-Women-But-Wife Pence.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Barton is a Republican, so it’s not a big deal.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

I think we can all agree that it is not a big deal.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Ah yes, not a big deal. Just a small matter. A teensy weensy distraction.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

A mere nothing.

Dust Bunny Queen said...

The only ones left standing will be Teflon Trump and No-Women-But-Wife Pence.

I still think that Pence looks like a EFFING genius right about now :-)

The people who are lamenting the "talent" drain in Hollywood seem to think that they are the only ones with talent. Hint, there are plenty of talented people out there.

Plus....I'm not so sure that these so called actors and actresses are actually talented.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

If it was any less insignificant it would just disappear altogether.

Drago said...

Unknown: "Barton is a Republican, so it’s not a big deal."

Joe Biden is famous for prancing about and swimming naked in front of assigned Secret Service females.

Doesn't seem to get much media play.

Must be because he is a democrat, so it's not a big deal.

https://www.usnews.com/news/blogs/washington-whispers/2014/08/01/biden-swims-naked-upsetting-female-secret-service-agents-book-claims

“Agents say that, whether at the vice president’s residence or at his home in Delaware, Biden has a habit of swimming in his pool nude,” Kessler writes in the book – due for release Aug. 5. “Female Secret Service agents find that offensive,” he writes."

Drago said...

Can't wait for Biden 2020!

His campaign theme? "Transparency!"

Drago said...

Biden is precisely the kind of new blood the dems need to be successful.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

If it’s Democrat it’s a huge deal! Yes Siree! Large, very large deal.

fivewheels said...

Well, we can see in this thread who's NOT mature. Regardless of age.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Just havin’ a little fun. Don’t be one of those “It’s not funny!” bores. Lighten up, upwards and onward!

Mr. Groovington said...

Blogger Ann Althouse said...
In the future, there will be naked pictures of everyone on the web.
If you don't keep secrets, no one can ever reveal your secrets.
...
Yes, indeed. I think we haven't seen anything yet. I think all our on-line secrets will be revealed one day quite soon. Maybe a couple of years away. I have a couple and fortunately they're (enthusiastically) hetero, (enthusiatically) consensual and as a single man can do me no harm other than colossal, horrifying, embarrassment.

Mr. Groovington said...

Half of me goes LOL and the other half wants to puke.

Fabi said...

So the member in question is not exactly firing a bazooka down there?

Birkel said...

He should consider a lawsuit in the same way Hulk Hogan did.

He should also recognize that his decision to allow such a photograph was a poor idea.

Laslo Spatula said...

I just touched on this a few days ago:

The Guy Who Searches the Internet for Nude Pictures of an Old Girlfriend.

I am Laslo.

Mr. Groovington said...

Blogger Fabi said...
So the member in question is not exactly firing a bazooka down there?
...
No. It's the tattoo down (up) its length that says "brace yourself".

madAsHell said...

That guy is getting nookie? He looks like the Pillsbury dough boy.

I had sexual relationships with other mature adult women," he said. "Each was consensual. Those relationships have ended.

I wonder if he paid these women to go away......

madAsHell said...

It wasn't a picture. It's a video of him pulling his pecker!! He created it, and sent it. He's Anthony Weiner all over again!

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Made videos of himself mastrubating?! He makes Franken look like a choirboy.👼

Bob R said...

"If you don't keep secrets, no one can ever reveal your secrets."

This is true, but I'm having a hard time remembering an idea of yours that was worse. I hope its a joke.

There is a great Issac Asimov short story, "The Dead Past." One of the themes is the horror of complete transparency.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

This might be a premature ejaculation, time will tell for sure, but it’s being reported that the woman who released the video and photo of pot belly Barton says he is harassing her.

Drago said...

Unknown: "This might be a premature ejaculation, time will tell for sure, but it’s being reported that the woman who released the video and photo of pot belly Barton says he is harassing her."

Then there should be a police report and easily obtained evidence of phone calls, etc.

Drago said...

Unknown: "Made videos of himself mastrubating?! He makes Franken look like a choirboy."

So NOW Inga is claiming that Leeann Tweeden, Lindsay Menz and the 2 others anonymous accusers were ACTUALLY Franken girlfriends at the time Franken assaulted them!

Well, I wonder if Franken's other sister wives will go along with that story.

Isn't it nice that Inga has "come to her senses" and has returned to the "those dems are just rascals" mode?!

You just knew Inga couldn't keep up her faux outrage at dems charade for long, didn't you? Just like Lena Dunham and all the rest of the "Extremely Woke Feminists!"

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Oh boy. It’s just keeps getting more interesting. An alt right journalist, Laura Loomer is the one who released this photo of Barton and says there’s far more where that came from. It doesn’t appear she is the woman that Barton sent this to, but for some reason it was sent to her. @LauraLoomer

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“Talk radio host Alex Jones published a disgusting video of Freedom Caucus Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) masturbating today on his social media account, having obtained the video from disgraced Twitter personality Laura Loomer.

“People are asking me why I gave exclusive video footage of [Rep. Barton], a Republican, to [Alex Jones]. I’d be a hypocrite to report on Democrats who get caught up in sex scandals and not do the same for Republicans,” Loomer said in a Tweet, congratulating herself for tearing down a conservative Republican. Barton has been divorced since 2015.

Desperate for clicks and relevance, Jones published the revolting video on his conspiracy website, Infowars, as well as several affiliated social media outlets. Soon after, Jones lost his nerve and took the video down. He may have done this as an attempt to shield himself from criminal liability.”

http://www.thelibertyconservative.com/alex-jones-and-laura-loomer-release-revenge-porn-video-of-conservative-lawmaker-could-face-jail-time/

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“So NOW Inga is claiming that Leeann Tweeden, Lindsay Menz and the 2 others anonymous accusers were ACTUALLY Franken girlfriends at the time Franken assaulted them!

Well, I wonder if Franken's other sister wives will go along with that story.”

Really? That’s news to me.

Drago said...

Unknown: "Really? That’s news to me."

Most things are.

https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/al-franken-two-more-women-groping_us_5a15a455e4b09650540ec295

Hey, that makes 4 women accusing Franken, who, apparently, is just a loveable rogue!

But whose counting, eh?

But hey man, those chicks had it coming, didn't they Inga? Don't they know that Franken is a member in good standing of the "Leftist Possessor of Special Indulgences To Do Whatever They Want To Any Nearby Gal 'Cuz Lefty?".

Whats important is that these woman bite the bullet and keep such a strong defender of #TeamDem#ISupportWomen in the Senate.

And by the way, there is no way Franken is resigning. Ever. And you and your fake outrage p****-hat wearing pals aren't going to say "boo" about it!

You know you place.

Drago said...

Remember, according to Inga, Franken is a choirboy!

How many women would Franken have to assault to not be a choirboy, one wonders?

The dems/left/LLR's proved long ago that a dem could actually whack a chick and still be a hero, so I'm guessing there is no upper limit.

Drago said...

My favorite part of the "Inga Designated Choir-boy Franken" story?

This choirboy actually grabbed a gal at an event HONORING WOMEN!!

LOL

That kind of behavior could put your Inga-approved Choirboy status at risk.........NOT.

From the article: "One woman told HuffPost that Franken had grabbed her backside at an event honoring women."

Nice.

Very nice.

I'll bet Inga is so upset with Franken now that she will call Trump Voters "Double-Nazi's" and tell us that South Carolina should be fire-bombed.

Achilles said...

While we are on the topic is it time for Obama's cock dance on a plane to make and appearance?"

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Oh my! What is going on here?!

Laura Loomer
Laura Loomer
@LauraLoomer
·
22m
The woman who originally posted the pics & sexts of @RepJoeBarton says she was “harassed”. Those were HER words.

He said it was consensual.

Funny how Republicans have no issue slamming accused Democrats, but for some reason they are quick to defend Barton.

Investigate him

—————————
Laura Loomer
Laura Loomer
@LauraLoomer
·
31m
According to the woman who uploaded the pic of @RepJoeBarton masturbating naked @ 1:29 PM on a Tuesday, she felt harassed by the Congressman’s sexts.

Barton claims it was consensual.

Was he on Capitol Hill when he took his pants off,filmed himself,& sent sexts to a constituent.

Achilles said...

Unknown said...
Made videos of himself mastrubating?! He makes Franken look like a choirboy.

Inga makes her argument. Mr. Dowd agrees with her:

"Every leader (and each of us) is human and flawed and makes mistakes, but there is a difference between those who are flawed who work for the common good and those who are flawed who could care less about the common good. Huge difference."

— Matthew Dowd (@matthewjdowd) November 22, 2017



This is the left people. No standards or ethics. Just a pure lust for power over others.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Laura Loomer, infamous Alt Right activist! Hahahahaha! Oh man, I bet you all were going to blame this on lefties.

Laura Loomer
Laura Loomer
@LauraLoomer
·
2h
Replying to @stranahan
Yes, I do. Someone who isn’t smart enough to know how texting and social media works in 2017 shouldn’t be responsible for making serious decisions for the American people.

Drago said...

Inga is desperately spinning to keep the attention off of her designated Choirboy Franken.

Something tells me Minnesota voters are going to be reluctant to see Franken, the serial assaulter, as a Choirboy.

But then again, I am not fluent in "Leftist".

Drago said...

BTW Inga, I looked up the requirements to become a Choirboy and, unfortunately for you, nowhere does it list "Sexually assault multiple women" as a pre-requisite.


LOL

Drago said...

So, what time is the p****-hat protest outside of Frankens office this weekend.

Inga...Allie Oop said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Inga...Allie Oop said...

Oh my Lord! It just keeps getting worse for Tubby Barton!

He told the woman that he sent those videos to that if she revealed his sex life publicly, he would report her to the Capitol Police.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/powerpost/congressman-told-woman-he-would-report-her-to-capitol-police-if-she-exposed-his-secret-sex-life/2017/11/22/e3345862-cf10-11e7-a1a3-0d1e45a6de3d_story.html?utm_term=.491ca2a20fc0

“Congressman told woman he would report her to Capitol Police if she exposed his secret sex life”

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Barton will have to resign, like Weiner.

Drago said...

ARM: "Barton will have to resign, like Weiner."

Ah yes. Back to old tricks again.

Drago said...

Still waiting for the "crime" Barton committed (hint: no crime, hence ARM's rhetorical sleight of hand which was rather clumsy, even for him)

Do I think the voters of his district will return him to office?

Nope.

Plenty of other tanned, rested and ready conservatives in that district.

Drago said...

"He told the woman that he sent those videos to that if she revealed his sex life publicly, he would report her to the Capitol Police."

Now if you want to see what a more sinister type person does when threatening someone, take a gander here...

"Debbie Wasserman Schultz Threatens Capitol Police Chief Over Incriminating Laptop"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6uHr-Yv4E0

Yikes. And that is a criminal investigation!

BTW, it's getting late on a Wed, how many more women will be coming forward to report Serial Sexual Abuser Franken, and will Franken's Inga-approved sister wives be upset?

Drago said...

Inga, still no update on the Faux-Outrage p****-hat protest time outside Frankens office?

n.n said...

p****-hat protest outside of Frankens office

Liberal clowns, and, presumably other clowns, have been granted moral authority to molest unconscious women. Hence, boobies! Warning: Do not liberate women while they are conscious.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Barton and Franken can waltz out together, wouldn’t that be entertaining?

Inga...Allie Oop said...

And they can take the old dog Conyers with them.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Drago hardest hit.

Drago said...

BTW lefties, remember, your betters have additional solid guidance for you:

https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2016/10/16/cnns_chris_cuomo_remember_it_is_illegal_to_download_wikileaks_emails.html

CHRIS CUOMO, CNN: "Remember, it is illegal to possess these stolen documents. It is different from the media. So everything you learn about this, you are learning from us."

Ah yes, Cuomo knows his Inga-like base too well, doesn't he?!

Just watch the bouncing ball Inga, and repeat what you are told!

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Drago, you’re flailing.

Drago said...

Unknown: "Barton and Franken can waltz out together, wouldn’t that be entertaining"

Why would Barton resign?

Has he committed serial sexual assault and harassment like Inga-newly designated Choir-boy Franken?

I believe that even a quick survey of all Franken's Sister Wives and Girlfriends would indicate Franken has probably stepped over the line here, even though those women probably had it coming, right Inga?

Drago said...

Inga: "Drago, you’re flailing"

That's usually the first of your final 2 retrench positions when its getting away from you.

The last one is when you express "concern" about the other parties mental well being.

After that, you usually revert to continuous cutting and pasting because, well, its rather obvious, isn't it?

Drago said...

Inga: "And they can take the old dog Conyers with them."

LOL

Conyers isn't going anywhere and the dem base, like you, aren't going to do a thing about it!

Bros before Ho's as the dems put it in 2008, right?

Drago said...

At this point, Inga's hopes are reduced to hoping another tolerant lefty figures out where the republicans are having basketball practice.

Inga...Allie Oop said...

“That's usually the first of your final 2 retrench positions when its getting away from you”

LOL!

Inga...Allie Oop said...

Enjoy your Turkey tommorow Drago. Happy Thanksgiving!

Drago said...

Inga: "Enjoy your Turkey tommorow Drago. Happy Thanksgiving!"

Turkey and a nice ham. Hopefully lots of leftovers.

I'm making the cranberry sauce. I prefer having the cranberries still rather whole after cooking and then adding mandarin oranges and Honeycrisp apples.

Drago said...

Same to you by the way Inga. Actually, lots to be thankful for.

Drago said...

But don't add the oranges or apples too soon or the heat from the cranberry sauce will break them down. Let the sauce cool down a bit first.

Unknown said...

Not "mature"; chronologically disadvantaged.

Beloved Commenter AReasonableMan said...

Drago said...
Actually, lots to be thankful for.


I think we should all be thankful for Joe Barton, there's no fool like an old fool.

Nihimon said...

It's so frustrating to read a "news" article about a photo that doesn't include the photo (blurred appropriately).