Foley's Folly

So America here we are again in the middle of another sex scandal this time involving a prominent politician. Unless you have been hiding under a rock or living in a cave you now know that Congressman Mark Foley (R-FL) has resigned under pressure for having sent sexually explicit internet messages to current and former pages under the age of 18. Oh the horror! The shocking horror!

Why would anyone in America really be shocked by this revelation? Should they be shocked because a Congressman did it and not some unemployed day laborer? I hardly think so. I hardly think that America is really shocked at all.

Sex crimes are not limited to one's occupation. A Congressman is just as likely to be a sexual predator as a store clerk. The only difference being of course the higher one's stature in society the more likely the person is to believe that they will get away with it.

All too often victims do not speak out against prominent people for fear of reprisal. They are often doubted and ridiculed and made to feel like they themselves are to blame. That is what power and position afford to those who have it - the ability to cast doubt elsewhere.

So this time lets all applaud the page who came forward and revealed Congressman Foley's crimes or as he would call them his "transgressions."

Apparently Congressman Foley was molested as a child by a clergyman. Impossible! Can't happen! Certainly a distinguished member of the clergy would never molest a young innocent child. Certainly a Man of God would never molest an innocent young boy.

Well Congressman Foley would like us all to believe that it did happen and that it somehow impugns his own actions. The only problem is he refuses to name his molester. Imagine that! Sort of like committing a crime and then taking the 5th over your alibi.

Foley's attorney David Roth said that "Foley would not disclose the name of the alleged abuser until after he is released from treatment, in 30 days, at the earliest."  

Refusing to immediately name his molester demonstrates his character, or the lack thereof. Why the delay and what is there to gain from waiting? His refusal places other children at risk. Other children may have to suffer, quick I only have 30 days, the same fate as he did for no other reason than he won't name his molester.

Personally, I think it is just an excuse for his reprehensible behavior. It amazes me how often celebrities, prominent people and politicians blame someone or something else for their own behavior. I was drunk. I am gay. I was molested as a child. The devil made me do it. Right!

How about this? The truth is he is just a gay sexual predator with a good job. Period! There is nothing more to it than that. End of story. Finito!

Anything else is as they say, mere FOLLY!