Most people are probably aware by now of the resignation of republican Congressman Mark Foley and just why that came about. Many have also been made aware that others within the party simply took Foley’s word for almost a year that he was not indeed a pedophile as he continued his inappropriate behavior with these young boys. The word was out among the kids that this guy was a pedophile but they only felt safe to come out after the story broke. It is also interesting to note that the parents of the page that alerted Rep. Rodney Alexander, R-La., 10 months ago asked him not to pursue the matter, he did at least pass this information on to chairman of the House Republican campaign organization, Rep. Thomas Reynolds, R-N.Y. who also decided the parents wishes of anonymity were more important than getting the facts and protecting other kids.
These parents desire to bury their heads in the sand is in no way a credible excuse for not ensuring the protection of other kids working on the hill and to claim that as a plausible excuse is absolutely ridiculous and irresponsible on the part of the republican party members involved.
While this revelation is revolting in the extreme, I came across this at Crooks and Liars today and was amazed by this love note to their pedophile hero issued by the
On their website:
Statement
On the Resignation of Congressman Mark Foley
September 29, 2006
“Congressman Mark Foley’s resignation is a loss to
Now that is an interesting statement coming from an organization whose purpose is to help children affected by people like Foley.
Hard not to notice they left out something else he is apparently dedicated and effective at.
Would they rather he had not resigned? Perhaps continue in his post from prison where he could continue his hard-working, dedicated and effective crusade against himself and others like him?
Updated Note: The new Statement version issued today has a bit of a different tone.
September 30, 2006:
On the Resignation of Congressman Mark Foley
September 30, 2006
"In response to the numerous media inquiries we have received, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is issuing the following statement regarding the resignation of Florida Congressman Mark Foley:
News reports regarding interactions over the Internet between former Congressman Mark Foley and Congressional pages are deeply troubling and convey strong suggestions of child sexual exploitation. NCMEC is not privy to the specific facts of the case and thus, it is inappropriate for NCMEC to comment or speculate about them.
Child sexual exploitation via the Internet has become an enormous problem, reaching into every aspect of society. It is imperative that every person become more vigilant and that we enhance steps to keep children safe online.
Congressman Foley has been an effective and dedicated Member of Congress. Nonetheless, if it is determined that he has engaged in acts which have harmed children or put them in jeopardy, like any other person, he must be held accountable. If he has violated the law, he should be prosecuted."
I bet that original statement generated "numerous inquiries" after it was posted throughout the blogosphere. He is still effective and dedicated in the new version but this time, at least, they have actually made a statement relevant to the story and not just in homage.
