The Pandemic of Stupid (Part Two: The Mark Sanford Edition)

Where in the world is South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford? The real question is, "Does anybody really care?"

This week found Gov. Mark Sanford (R-South Doucheland) conspicuously AWOL. No, seriously. No one knew where he was. Not his staff, not his wife. No one.

As the story goes, the father of four was gone since last Thursday with no mention to his wife, four sons (on Father's Day weekend) and apparently no word to his staff.

Then came this incredibly strange story from his staff that he had decided to go hiking on a Appalachian Trail, the same trail that Sanford was trying to deny stimulus money to. But still, no one was in touch with him. State Senator Jake Knotts (no relation to Don, but probably has the mentality of Barney Fife) wonders who's in charge of the Executive branch of South Carolina. Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, the next in line for the office, doesn't even know where Sanford is.

Then this:

S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford arrived in the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport this morning, having wrapped up a seven-day visit to Buenos Aires, Argentina, he said. Sanford said he had not been hiking along the Appalachian Trail, as his staff said in a Tuesday statement to the media.

Sanford's whereabouts had been unknown since Thursday, and the mystery surrounding his absence fueled speculation about where he had been and who's in charge in his absence. His emergence Wednesday ended the mystery.

...When asked why his staff said he was on the Appalachian Trail, Sanford replied, "I don't know."

Sanford later said "in fairness to his staff," he had told them he might go hiking on the Appalachian Trial.

Hiking in the state... Argentina... what's the difference? Now comes word that Sanford will hold a press conference at 2pm today. This thing isn't over by a longshot. Something more is going to come of this, I just don't know what yet. It seems like an awfully long way to go to hide something silly like an affair. At least the state didn't collapse without him, which is more than I can say for their financial situation with him.

UPDATE (2:33pm):

♫Don't cry for me Argentina... ♪

Sanford admits adultery and has said he will resign as Chairman of the Republican Governors' Association.

Another one bites the dust. Tell me again how marriage equality for gays would destroy "traditional" marriage and family values?

UPDATE II (3:10pm): Another example of "Fair & Balanced."