E-mails Show Foley Sought to Rendezvous with Page

pig

This guy is dumber than the guys on “to catch a predator 23″…

He should be indicted and tried just like every sex offender.

Republican House leaders knew of Rep. Foley’s e mails, or had reason to know, in 2005 and did not refer the matter to the Capital Police or FBI. Is this not contary to the law in some way?

Mind you, Foley was elected in 1994, the year of the Republican takeover of the U.S. House. In their “Contract with America” Republicans claimed they would “respect the values and share the faith of the American family.” If the House leadership truly ignored this problem for a year as is alleged, then they (not the voters) should force themselves out on principle. Not going to happen, I am sure, but enough of this “we’re the good guys” politicking please!

I have no idea what the world is coming to, there are freaks and sickos everywhere. Does no one else realize that we need to get this mess cleaned up now, or our children and their children don’t stand a chance? It’s awful, husbands killing wives and kids, mothers killing kids, kids killing kids…it’s totally out of control.

Can you say Democratic House Majority in 2007?

This is plain sick and people like that are running the government and even pretend to protect the kids of this country.
Foley needs to be locked up.
I came to the conclusion the Republicans are nothing more than crooks, liars and child molesters.
God help us all!

I feel sick… and with the Republicans knew 8 months ago and didn’t do anything, I feel angry and betrayed.

OMG!!!! ABCNews is really out front on this story. This is quite the bombshell.
Keep up the good work.

What a sick piece of trash this guy is. I sincerely hope he is locked up for his actions. Guys that try to have sex with young boys don’t usually fare too well in prison.
Also, he thinks he may be an alcoholic? One, if you’re an alcoholic, you know. There’s no thinking about it. Two, way to try to blame your behavior on the booze. Be a man and take responsibility for your actions, you sick pervert.

WHY aren’t they saying Foley’s been online with OTHER THAN PAGES? If he’s THAT bold .. to do this to kids who know who is he, then … MySpace and others HAD to have had this going on, too. My ONLY REGRET is that DATELINE didn’t trap him .. gosh, whatta show that would have been! Hastert and all the others should be charged with contributing to the deliquency of minors .. knowing all of this. AND may I ask why Hastert would “forget” that he was told one of his buddies was a pediphile. I would tend to REMEMBER THAT.

The republicans who covered this sick crap up should resign. If they don’t,then they are no better than Foley.

Where is all the integrity and “moral values” republicans love to claim? Oh,wait…..must have been another lie on top of all the other lies.

It would be helpful if ABC, in posting these instant messages, clarified if these messages were all to the same boy or if they are different boys. I think it would help to alleviate some of the confusion about this. The e-mails were sent to Boy 1, the previously revealed IMs to Boy 2, these to Boy 3 or Boy 2, for example.
The way it’s stated, it all sounds like it’s to the same person, but clarity, either way, is needed on the part of ABC.

RE: Foley
Yes, if it’s proven he was harrassing young interns, whatever criminal charges should be pursued. However, I find it interesting that the democrats are acting like they wouldn’t be doing exactly the same as the republicans, which is cover their behinds and saving a seat!!! I’m a registered voter who is never polled so the polls done for any subject mean nothing to me. My voice isn’t heard in them. All politicians will do whatever necessary to cover their behinds–democrat or republican!

So who had the IM’s? The GOP didn’t – ABC News got hold of them.
Who gave them to ABC? Is this an “October surprise?” Did any of the Democrats thumping their chests here see the altered emails ABC is using to base the story on? Who altered them? Who sat on the IM’s until now?
Why don’t journalists ask these questions repeatedly?
The people have a right to know, after all. Question the timing.

Oh yeah, it’s ABC and the democrats fault that Foley has a thing for children. These aren’t young interns, they’re children.

Republican or Democrat- it does not matter. This is not a partisan issue- the guy has a problem and needs serious help, and has broken the law. Rather than trying to start a battle here, why can’t we find a better way to identify and arrest criminals- regardless of party affiliation?

It’s so strange that Brian Ross admitted that the pages, involved with the sexual Instant Messages, told him that they never told anyone about it, therefore the GOP couldn’t possibly have known about the IMs. Since then, Ross has stooped to calling everything “e-mails” or “internet messages” so he can insinuate that the GOP might have known about it. These are INSTANT MESSAGES!! These are what no one knew about! Stop pretending otherwise! Brian Ross is intentionally confusing and misleading the public!

Republican or Democrat- it does not matter. This is not a partisan issue- the guy has a problem and needs serious help, and has broken the law. Rather than trying to start a battle here, why can’t we find a better way to identify and arrest criminals- regardless of party affiliation?

As far as I am concerned this isn’t a party issue. This man did something wrong, the extent of those actions are for the legal system to discern. As for the cover ups, that too could be illegal. But no one should fool themselves that only republicans do this, or that the democrats are “just as bad”. This isn’t a party issue…..the guy is a creep…pure and simple. The greater concern is will anyone provide counseling for the child or children the man may have injured?

Hey SRF:
“At least Republicans kick wrong doers OUT”.
The republican leadership has known about this for months and didn’t do a darn thing. And last time I checked they didn’t kick him out. He resigned. The only thing the republicans have done is run for cover.

Sounds like we’re living in Rome, doesn’t it? The Barbarians are at the gate and our “leaders” are too busy at the orgy to care.

Great work Foley… Is this an October surprise? Waiting for Karl Rove to respond.
Nevertheless, yes there has been some indescretions within both parties, but come on. Foley helped push through legislation to protect underage kids; and now he’s trying to pick one up!!!
Sadly, this is one more thing Republicans haven’t dealt with, and Gay Republicans can’t come out of the closet for fear of upsetting their base. Watch the Republicans try and spin this thing as something GAY, which isn’t what molesters are.
They’re straight men attracted to kids!!!

How could anyone in such a high profile, and powerful position do such a STUPID thing?

What are we doing allowing vulnerable teens to serve as pages (servants) in a Congress filled with middle-aged letchers? It’s tantamount to a master-slave situation, and it’s time to end this 20th century form of servitude. Since they are not doing any legislating, members of Congress have nothing but time on their hands to think of ways of getting at these youngsters. Have we not learned any lessons from the Studds and now Foley escapades to stop this silly and useless program, which taxpayers are financing?

now he blames it on alchohol,why give us alchoholics a bad name?

Matt Drudge is blaming the victims. “these were not innocent babies” and “they were egging him on” I knew it was just a matter of time.

Oh the hypocracy. I’ll leave it to you all to decide who i’m talking about.

On the radio this morning Rush Limbaugh stated that Foley only sent a few emails and didn’t do anything outwardly sexual, trying to downplay the incident and casting it as a Democratic Party smear compaign launched to gain an advantage in the upcoming election. I don’t know why this became public at this time and I really don’t care. The fact is that if Foley wrote the emails quoted above, he is a sexual predator and a pedifile; he and those in a leadership position who were aware of his proclivities need to be held accountable. Forget the smoke screen Rush (and other Republicans) and look at this issue for what it is.

As someone who lives in Foley’s district, this disgusts me so much that I am definitely not voting for the name “Foley” or his replacement.
It’s obvious the leadership had some knowledge and should have sent it to the FBI a long time ago.

This isn’t a political issue, nor is it a sexual orientation issue..this is a PEDOPHILIA (kids) issue. These pages are minors and he’s an adult. It’s a PROBLEM…folks go to jail for a long time when they’re pedophiles. The Catholic church would be a good source of information, considering the number of alleged incidents they’ve had to deal with. Sexual predators who go to jail don’t have an easy life, even murderers aren’t fond of them.Most often when you find a pedophile you find images. Let’s see if a search of his computers yield pix. To even begin to believe that others knew that he was molesting/soliciting children and DIDN’T REPORT it is reprehensible…regardless of party affiliation or election cycle.When everyone GETS IT…HE WAS SOLICITING CHILDREN. by his own incinuation.

As a Republican (and a House Page), I implore the House/Senate leadership and the Justice Dept. to investigate and punish Foley and any of his perverse, disgusting, subhuman compatriates to the fullest extent possible.

People people people …
While the age difference between Foley and the page is disturbing, this incident does not qualify as pedophilia.
The legal age of consent in DC is 16.
I don’t like the man, and this whole thing is bit skeevy, but it is what it is. if you don’t like the law, then change it.

I can’t get over the ones who want to “shoot the messenger” – Brian Ross – as if he is somehow out to get the Republican Party. My God people look at yourselves! We have a potential child molester here and the Republican leadership COVERED THIS UP! They are the same ones who COVERED for BUSH on Iraq. They covered for big oil and they coverd for no-bid contracts and YOU ARE GOING TO CONTINUE TO LET THEM HAVE A FREE HAND AGAIN????? Oh – that’s right – they will protect stem cells from murder and protect us from gays getting married.

Funny thing is that in europe (and probably most of the world), this wouldn’t be a problem, because age of consent is 16 (or 15 or even 14). The US probably has the highest age of consent in the world. This scandal may be scandalous in America, but the rest of the world is shrugging and laughing again at American prudishness.

I was sexually abused as a child and the nightmare never ends..it continues on and on..an emotional roller-coaster. I hope, for the sake of other children, Foley is sent to jail, where he belongs !!

It’s ironic that everyone here tries to blame one mans sick personal dispositions on the Republicans. How about a little personal responsibility? Could it possibly be that the Republicans didn’t actually do this, but Foley himself did? Oh, I’m sorry, Democrats don’t fully grasp the ideals of “personal responsibility” as evidenced through Bill Clinton and many of your other leaders indiscretions. At leaste the Republican leadership is encouraging an investigation and possible prosecution here which is more than liberals can say. Can we say Republicans in ’06?

I hereby demand that ex-Congressman Foley donate his considerable war chest ($2 million +)to the Center for Missing and Exploited Children to fund investigations of pedophilic predators. I’m certain his many campaign contributors would not mind their donations going to such a worthy cause. Further, I call on Speaker Hastert and the House leadership to step down from their positions. If they cannot protect our children with speed and due diligence, then how can we expect them to protection of nation? Terrorism? I don’t know of any greater terror than a member of Congress lusting after our children.

Remove all political labels and focus on the behavior: what he did is illegal. Abuse of power. Inappropriate communication with minors. This has nothing to do with gay issues. The man is ill. He is unable to relate to other gay men his age. As parents and members of our society, we must protect our children. We never know which wolves come in sheep’s clothing.

Keep up the good work Brian. You are going to be attacked by Karl’s Krew as a reporter with some Liberal agenda. Just remember, the only agenda you have is getting the truth out to the American people. Then again, the truth does seem to have a Liberal bias these days, doesn’t it?

This is a disgusting revelation, both the act and the “apparent” cover-up. It is sad that the party which owns the market place of ideas also, unfortunately, has a minor majority on scandel too. We should all starting voting in independant candidates, enough so that eventually Washingtonians start to get it and represent the public’s interest versus their own.

well, unless im mistaken, this guy is the head person of the movement that is trying to protect kids from this kind of thing happening to them. then the leader of the program goes and does just what he is trying to prevent!!! our government should keep better tabs on their employees.

I can’t believe people are turning this into a political thing. Isn’t the #1 issue supposed to be the safety of the minors involved? How dare you all turn this into a political bashing! You should all be ashamed of yourselves for turning this into a petty argument…

Foley’s actions particularly the instant messages which are distinguishable from the emails are deplorable and unconscionable. He should be prosecuted to the fullest extent possible. There should be a full investigation into every aspect of this scandal. Every single aspect, including who knew what, when, and how with particular regard and attention focused on the instant messages. Those who knew about this and allowed it to go on should be held responsible. This includes anyone who withheld this information for political gain or held it to be released at the most opportune time for maximum political benefit. To think that anyone with children, republican or democrat, who did not release this information to protect the children of others for their own gain is despicable. If the republican leadership withheld the information contained in Foley’s instant messages then that is simple disgraceful. If the democrats withheld it for their own political benefit to be released during an election, then that is more that disgraceful. It is reprehensible and the utmost breach in public trust.

The sad part about this is someone who was heading the committee for missing and exploited children was one of those exploiting them.
Republicans were supposed to bring “honor and integrity” back to Washington, what a joke!
this is the worst of my lifetime, the lot of them up there should be replaced from the white house on down.
Foley is just an example of the holier than thou mask a lot of these crooks wear. If they’re not selling us out to oil and gas interests, they’re trying to rape children while pretending to protect them. Disgusting and despicable…

This should not resonate as a “political story” so much as it should as a “crime story.” This is not a time to play petty politics and claim victory for Democrats. What occurred was a horrific crime, and it should be viewed as one. Any Democrat who views this as some kind of “Democratic victory” as Election 2006 approaches is sick. Even thinking politics about something like this is shameful.

What’s worse than Foley’s crime is the fact that the Republican leadership has known about his proclivities for about a year and did nothing about it. Note that Speaker Hastert in his remarks today was careful to say that no one in the leadership “saw the notes.” That may be literally accurate, but it’s plainly deceptive. Hastert had been told of Foley’s disgusting practices and, faced with the choice of confronting Foley and the political storm that would surely follow, Hastert, the leader of the House, chose political expediency over common decency. Foley may claim he’s mentally ill. What’s Hastert’s excuse? There can be none. At the very least Hastert should be removed from any leadership role. Better still, is it not a crime to fail to report a crime?

I say let the GOP enablers and sympathizers defend this piece of trash. They do so at their peril, and only make things worse for their dysfunctional party. Besides, their proclaimed “values” are only intended for liberals to abide by. If you’re an ethically-challenged conservative (such as Limbaugh, Bennett, Swaggart, Gingrich, Hyde, Ney, Abramoff, DeLay, Cunningham, Foley), all is forgiven since God is, after all, a Republican!

How can anyone say that all of these people have known about this for so long? What proof exists to back this?
Let me guess…..

Republicans should stop throwing stone at their own glass houses. And the people have the nerve to think what Clinton did was so wrong.. he was an adult with an adult….let’s get these Republicans out of this office!!!

the fbi should go wherever the everdince leads. no coverup this time!

Its hard to understand how all the republicans commenting could be protecting this child molester. It sickens me to know this bunch actually call themselves stong on family values? Family values means protecting our children, not child molesters.

Boy the Republican spin machine is in full swing questioning Brian Ross and his motives. Even Jowl Boy Hastert in his press conference had to mention that ABC released the news. Some of these posts from Republican sympathizers are sickening. I thought Clinton should resign and I vote primarily Democratic. Why can’t the other side sit back and assess their failures instead of protecting their turf and protecting a pedophile. By the way, all of those things I have done wrong in the past..it was because of the alcohol I drank.

Do you think it is just Foley? Wake up America, there is even worse to come.

If Bush said on 9/25/01
“if you harbor a terrorist, you’re just as guilty as the terrorist.”
Does this mean on 10/2/06
“if you harbor a pedophile, you’re just as guilty as the pedophile?”

Yes the Republicans are in charge right now. Whoever in the Republican leadership enabled this kind of behavior should face the appropriate retribution. In the end though the problem is in the system. I dare say the Democratic party has similar stains on their reputation. How do we fix the system so that our representatives represent us in all ways.
It is an interesting to consider the situation from an employer perspective. If I, as an employer were to look the other way to an employee behving in this way I would be legally liable. So, who has created this hostile work place for the pages? The voters? Congressional leadership? Republican leadership?

There was no way for the Republican leadership to have access to IM material. Sure, Foley is a bad guy but trying to pull others into this mess is pure and simple dirty politics.
Elections are around the corner!
Next issue–Gerry Studds!!!!!!!

Besides the dishonesty of the situation,the fasle front Foley puts up is degrading for a congressmen and so called preacher of truth and rightgeousness as representative of the Republician party.
Republician party displays a sense of God on its side while denouncing the Democratic party as having the same values. Interesting and very scary.

They will find a way to somehow blame also this on Bill Clinton, you will see.

Seriously, why ARE you calling them “Emails” and “internet messages”? These are IMs, and the distinction is critical (the emails are what we know the GOP knew of). Not even trying to explain the difference or make a distinction is extremely weird in this situation, because most voters don’t know the difference. And why is this coming out in such a sensational stream?? PLEASE explain, and show some credible sources – another Rathergate is not what we need.

I am neither surprised nor shocked at the knee-jerk reaction of the neo-con apologists who now accuse ABC of partisanship for reporting this story. Did they already forget the insanely inaccurate, biased 911 film the network just broadcast? It’s the Mouse, you morons; they support your crooks. God forbid they actually deliver the real news for a change. If you were actually what you claim to be morally, you’d be thanking God for Brian Ross and praying your country can be snatched from the gaping maws of the greedy filth you’ve helped place in office.

This could be the tip of the iceburg.. who knows ??
The right wing is trying to run the country but the republicans keep kickin in the door with anti christian behavior.
Who knows some day the neo cons may eventually find a society that agrees with their philosophy.. but that will be impossible unless the silent majority stayed silent…

Everyone stop and consider. This is not a Republican/Democrat issue. It is a moral issue. This man is sick, and obviously preys on children. There are sick people in all walks of life – social, spiritual, all econimic classes. Why is every issue of morals pinned on Political persuasion? No wonder this Country is so divided. That makes me more depressed than knowing a man like this… is someone who was voted into office!!

This screams again term limits–two terms in each house/WH…and
NO such thing as a pension for a “politician” KEEP the rascals out
LRS

Whenever a story like this emerges, rather that speak to the actual issue or the apparent facts, the other side will sometimes obscure the issue by impugning the motives of the reporter. It’s like a child whining about how unfair life is. They accuse the messenger of being unfair and motivated by ideology. Or, they say the messenger is unfairly holding their guy to a higher standard than a guy on the messenger’s side “who did the exact same thing or worse” a few years ago – even though the analogy is ridiculous. Take for example Brit Hume’s argument that Foley’s apparent pedophilia is like Clinton’s sexual activities with a consenting adult.
Folks on both sides of the aisle are guilty of using these obscuring tactics, but those on the right are way ahead of the lefties.

Republican Congressmen, please start packing by November. Your trust was a lie. Your ideas to move America foreward were a lie. Americans have had it! I know I have.

So who is Mike Rogers, ABC?
Why did he have copies of the IMs before you got hold of them? How long did he know about this before you latched onto it?
What is his involvement with the DCCC?
The questions continue to mount. ABC’s got some ‘splainin’ to do.
Get on it, Mr. Ross.

Oh my!!!! Stop the press! An adult trying to take advantage of a teenager??? I don’t believe this has ever happened before, nor do I believe it is currently going on in schools and businesses across the country. If a law was broken, he will be prosecuted. If not, he has resigned and been shamed. Move on. Go volunteer somewhere and make better use of your time than dwelling on some insignificant story.

Ok, bear with me. Facts can be confusing in the Bush World. 1. He’s a politician. Therefore, it is a political issue. 2. Foley didn’t immediately resign, he denied anything improper happened. When he was shown the IM’s, then he resigned. 3. Clinton’s actions were morally suspect; Foley broke a law HE CREATED. 4. Watching Republicans defend this guy despite all the concrete evidence would be hilarious if it wasn’t so scary.

Mark Foley is a very sick pervert and is trying to excuse his deviant behavior by claiming he’s an alchoholic. He and his republican buddies knew about his hunger for underage boys and did nothing to protect innocent youth. What happened to family values and protecting children from predators? These rogues must go. November will rid America of these criminals who think only of their greed and power.

This is nothing new for this administration which will doANYTHINGto keep control of the
house.Lie, cheat, cover-up,steal.
I TRUST Sadam over Bush and his crew-at least he told the truth when he said he had no WMDS.
This FOLEY SCANDAL FINISHES THE whole bunch of losers off, I hope!!!

This is not a GAY issue. This is pedophilia, which is sick! And for the GOPer who said Foley “admitted it” and didn’t “lie” are you kidding? Do you know how to read? Foley WAS questioned about this and he said they were just “friendly emails”! What about the emails the kid sent asking for help to the child b molester online alert line? And this guy would NEVER have resigned unless ordered to.They knew about him in 2001.He dropped out of the Senate race because of sexual allegations, which he denied.And as far as congressman go, the Republicans also have an openly gay congressman, Jim Kolbe of Arizona.Why single out Dems when you act outraged about an elected official being gay? Actually there are more gay Republican elected officals than Democrats but being gay does NOT make them pedophiles.Foley is a pedophile hiding behind alcohol!

REHAB! Put Foley in JAIL and given the same rehabilitation services that thousands of alcoholics and addicts are given in jail. That’s the claim, is it not, jail is to rehabilitate and keep dangerous people off the street. I’m all for a full investigation, if this creep is found guilty he needs to be treated like any other citizen!

Checking himself into rehab for alcoholism isn’t going to cut it. He is a pedophile.
A pedophile is a pedophile is a pedophile. There’s no cure for it. The creepiest thing about him is he was passing legislation to protect kids from himself.

I heard Rush and Hannity today setting this up as some type of Democrate hit job almost defending Foley. The guy is a pedophile, Republican or Democrat leave your party affiliation at home and let’s get rid of those who hurt our kids.
If any other Democrat or Republican knew about Foley and did nothing – they need to be swiftly kicked out of congress and prosecuted as well.

REPUBLICANS- wholesome christian values, who hate anyone different from them!
foley is a child predator- who knows how many boys he molested- hmmmmm but for some reason you all seem to find excuses for his behavior… double standard! this man is sick and needs to be locked up- not go to rehab!!!

Way to go Brian and ABC! We always suspected these congressman were criminals. Thanks for catching one in the act. ABC, you’re going to be my new homepage!

Isn’t 16 over the age of consent? If so it seems the real issue here is that Foley abused his position of power to solicit sex from a subordinate. Isn’t that exactly what Bill Clinton did with Monica? But he didn’t have the decency to resign.

NEVER CONFUSE PEDOPHILIA with consensual adult sex. This has ZERO to do with the Democrats and 100% to do with Foley. Most children harmed by pedophiles go through decades of therapy and some never recover. that Republicans can confuse this issue with politics and an election is sick, and the big elephant in the room is that Foley was co-chair of the Committe charged with protecting our children against porno and electronic predation. The republicans are simply week on victim’s rights and pedophiles.

I believe in family values and that means protecting children from sexual predators–anything else is hypocrisy.
I have voted Republican all of my life, but House leadership hushing this up to protect their own hides has put me over the edge.

Hoo boy.
As a conservative republican, I am ashamed of any conservative trying to whitewash or minimize this in any way. Absolutely disgusting. I am sickened by this “congressman” and all who facilitated or enabled him.
Unfortunate net result: Dems win the congress back in Nov. and let the impeachment nonsense begin.
Ugh.

Too bad this broke so soon. Chris Hansen of Dateline could have arranged a rendezvous and had a heck of a scoop! I’m not an attorney, but what is Foley exactly guilty of? Hyprocrisy, certainly. Contributing to the delinquency of a minor? Perhaps. If nothing physical happened, what’s the uproar about? Enough to lose a House seat? Yes….but criminal charges???? Just because the Republicans crucified Clinton & Lewinski, will the Democrats salivate and play tit for tat? We’ve got a war going on…can this country ever get past sex and concentrate on running the country effectively?

Don’t blame the victim on this!
And I don’t care WHAT dog-wagging Foley and his cronies do, being an “alcoholic” does not make you want to touch younger boys — unless you really need a stiff drink to gather the courage (stupidity) to pursue like a pedaphile.
Good job, GOP, you’re just as bad as the worst of the Catholic priest scandals.

Don’t they get it? This predator created a hostile sexual environment using his congressional power to fish for sexual favors. Hasn’t anyone noticed that one page called it “sick,” another said he wasn’t 18, and still a minor, and still another was obviously in discomfort. That is sexual harassment, and a violation of the civil rights acts of both the United States and Florida.

Ya’ll are throwing around the pedophile claim pretty freely here. I agree sexual harrasment is gross, no matter the age, but let’s be clear about this story. These young men were not 8 years old, or 12, 13, 14 or 15 for that matter. Sexual harrasment vs. pedophilia, there is DEFINITELY a difference. Of course the “child molester” tag is A LOT uglier and perfectly timed for an election year, right? Timing is everything in politics and yet, here you all are, ranting and raving as if the sky has fallen. I’m always amused by the easily lead (on both sides of the fence). Lemmings. Look it up.

so much for family values, long touted by he GOP,the sadducee’s and pharisee’s thought they had the GOP in the bag,but they have spawned a bunch of crooks,some who have been indicted some who were forced to resign, some who are in jail for there thievery,now their leaders are trying to cover for their pedifile,be interesting what john walsh has to say about his co-chair,for missing and exploited children,family values indeed,where are you Pat/james/jerry/ralph who has his own problems up in georga,

Any chance on clarifying the headline here, folks? “E-mails Show Foley Sought to Rendezvous with Page”
But in the story, it’s all about Instant Messaging. Does anyone with a working knowledge of technology work at ABC News? It may sound nitpicky, but the two technologies are fundamentally different.

I’m not a fan of this administration and I’m not too thrilled with the Democrats, either, but putting the political spin on this situation is crazy. No American should stand for this type of behavior from ANYONE. I don’t care what party they are in. To bring partisan politics into this matter is just about as disgusting as the texts!

Many of you said that this guy immediately resigned. He did no such thing. He resigned after his actions were made public. So all those that knew and did nothing about it, should also come clean and resign as well because they have been derelict in their sworn duties.

While of course the Democrats will seek to press this scandal to their advantage, the loudest screams for Foley’s head will come from the Republican leadership. After they were too lazy, or uninterested, or just plain stupid to understand the significance of the “overly friendly” e-mails from Foley, and took no substantive action, and asked no questions, they will now seek to cast themselves as the righteous and deceived victims of Foley’s lies and malfeasance. “Hang him high!” they will shout, in hopes that you will forget their own utter negligence and lack of judgment.
Others may be no better, but these men, at least — the Republican leadership in the House of Representatives — these men have failed utterly and should resign from office, or be kicked out in November.
Pathetic.

I don’t see enough in any of the eamils to condemn this guy. IM’s can easily be manipulated and never to be trusted as strong evidence of anything. I wonder where Ross got these.I wonder about the timing. I wonder how much of this really happened as it’s been depicted. Something must be wrong or he wouldn’t have given up his seat……….but all this junk doesn’t prove much in my view…at least what’s been released so far.
Now we’re hearing other pages not agreeing with the “page” who seems to be the source of this report. DO news sources ever enhance things for some ratings? Let’s see some verified firm evidence before passing judgement pleae…Abe

I don’t understand why people are defending Foley. Have you read the IMs? They are very graphic and revealing in the sense that they are very sexual and telling in the sense that at the end one of the boys talks about his AP homework. That is just so disturbing. This is a man in power taking advantage of that power to solicit sex with minors. That is sick. Just because he is in politics doesn’t make this political just moral.

Wow! this really brightened up my day, funny stuff, keep it up.

This kid clearly spells out almost every parent’s problem:
Xxxxxxxxx (8:10:54 PM): brb…my mom is yelling
Maf54 (8:11:06 PM): ok
Xxxxxxxxx (8:14:02 PM): back
Maf54 (8:14:37 PM): cool hope se didnt see any thing
Xxxxxxxxx (8:14:54 PM): no no
Xxxxxxxxx (8:14:59 PM): she is computer dumb though
Parents need to know how chatrooms work, what text messaging is and how easy it is for their kids to become victims of pedophiles.
Wake up people! Your kids are taking advantage of the fact that you are “computer dumb.”

Please correct me if I’m wrong (really) … yes even if the age of consent in this or that state is 16, that 16 year-old is still a minor … and soliciting sex from a minor via the internet across state lines is a Federal Offence, is it not?
Further, several have stated the emails and/or IMs were ‘consentual’ though the email [in the article above] shows a boy who exhibits discomfort with the “fishing” of Foley [i.e. "im not sure what I would be comfortable with"].
I’ll admit, when I was 16 I was pretty savvy. Now that my daughter has turned 16 I most certainly would not want her to exhibit such savvy. Hence I monitor her computer usage heavily, and have installed programs to limit her internet access and other safeguards … these days you simply cannot be too careful.

This man is a freak.
That being said the title of this article is misleading…is that on purpose to confuse? There is a HUGE difference between an e-mail and an IM (instant message).

Foley was a co-chair of the caucus on missing & EXPLOITED children. Hastert should have kicked him off of that caucus a year ago at the first whiff of a problem. No evidence so far points to Democratic malfeasance here except Republican suppositions about timing. Dems we cannot allow ourselves to be tarred with that brush. It is more likely that Foley continued to offend, and that some of the victims & families didn’t want to see a pedophile get reelected. While Hastert looks for the criminals who covered it up, maybe he will find out who killed OJ’s wife. PS isn’t West Palm Beach Rush’s voting district, how will he vote?

This all seems like a witch hunt to me. I’m glad that it happend to the GOP and not the dems, but i’m not sure if it is deserving of so much media and law enforcement attention. I personally will not caste the first stone. Anybody who sat there and read the Instant Message document is just as “sick” as Rep. Foley.

This is pretty simple;
1) He IS a predator.
2) This IS an October “surprise.”
The rest is just personal/political banter to make all of you feel better about your political choices.

What the heck? We knew they were all sick puppies a long time ago.

I just want to know when will we stop all of this political home team mentality that has been shaping our policies, our morals, even our religion! What has become of our intellect? Why do we continue to blind follow someone or some group because they are the “home” team? I honestly cannot believe my eyes when I read some of the responses posted. People actually want to blame the reporter, the children, the October surprise? Obviously, some of the respondents have never seen what child abuse does to an individual, obviously they do not know the power a predator has over their victims. Victims often feel it is “their” fault they were singled out. I’m ashamed of how our country has polarized itself to my team vs. your team. How can so many people be so blind sighted?

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.
Our government has become a runaway juggernaut whose sole purpose is self-preservation and expansion. It is a government of the people by the rich and for the rich. We are all in the declining stages of this nation. It’s going to get worse.

This is some of the most reprehensible behavior by a person in such standing that I have ever heard of. This is a man in the public spotlight, charged with creating and moving for legislations which fight, among other things, exactly this type of aggregious disregard for the public well-being. Though it is commendable that he has sought help for his illness, one cannot turn a blind eye to the damage he has done not only to the lives of those he stalked, but also to the reputation of his post. I for one hope that he receives some type of punishment in conjunction with, or in addition to, his current course of treatment.

Too many people are quick to paint with a broad stereotyping brush. This is not a Dem vs. Rep or Lib vs. Con or even a straight vs. gay issue. It’s a criminal issue, and regardless of the labels stuck on the perpetrator that person should be prosecuted. If anyone preys on minors, they should be prosecuted, but please let’s stop with the attacks on groups of people. Everyone is responsible for their own actions, enough of this guilt by assocation garbage…

Every day, we resemble more and more the moral decay of the pre-Christian Roman Empire. So, is Bush Caligula or Nero?

1. Isn’t failure to report a crime a crime? Whose who knew should be arrested and charged — regardless of WHO they are. An elected official SWEARS to uphold the law. Add violation of that oath to the other charges.
2. Shouldn’t Foley be in jail awaiting trial instead of rehab? Does our court system routinely grant bail to pedophiles?
3. The cure rate for pedophilia is so low as to be non-existent. A few days/weeks in an alcohol rehab program will not make things “all better.”
4. Oversight seems to be a problem with the US gov’t. Where were the adults responsible for overseeing the wellbeing of minors in their employ?
5. Re Foley going after other children who are not pages: while I think it probable (if there is any real interest in the Truth, they will be examining his computers), it may well be that he only pursued (or had) these urges with people over whom he had power … frequently part of the illness.

Look up the definition of pedophile please, intrest in children under 13.

Politicians will always dig up a nice and juicy scandal about other politicians

“Payback… this time, its for real” . I do hope the democrats have as much fun with the Republicans as the GOP had with Clinton.

Mr. Foley denies being a pedophile because he is an ephebophile. He prefers boys who have reached puberty. Pedophiles prefer children who have not reached puberty. It’s unfortunate that Americans have chosen to endorse or criticize behaviors that they do not understand. There will never be a reasoned discussion about the significance of sexual pleasure in our society precisely because it is posed in terms of “rights.” And when handed to the courts or the legislature to decide, they will stress political precedence and forget bury thousands of years of history, human biology, and what is self-evident to some.
We are just getting what we deserve as a society so just wait for more of the same.

He should have his “Pension & Health Care” taken away too!

This story is just once again underlining the huge hypocrisy reigning in the American society: advocating traditionial and familial values in public, while ostensibly mocking them in private conduct…

A problem is a problem; however, a coverup by the Speaker of the House for purposes of correcting a problem–is in itself the problem.
The guy is sexual dysfunctional. The Speaker is lawless and clueless

so, in light of this, Clinton’s marital infidelity seems shockingly minor.

What Clinton did in office was complete moral failure but when he lied under oath he committed a crime. Let’s not confuse the issues. Foley’s behavior is also a moral failure and disgusting but is it a crime?

Joe Scarborough, a then fellow Florida congressman never saw Foley take a single drink at any social function or meetings with lobbyists etc, but Foley goes hiding in a rehab center to buy himself 30 days not having to face the music.
Then he blames everyone’s favorite whipping boy, the Catholic church claiming he was molested for years but never discussed this with anyone for all these years.
SO poor Mr Foley is a victim, not a child perpetrator. We had it all wrong! HA HA HA
How Funny! :-)) How American!! ;-)) How SAD!! :-((

Foley was co-chairman of the Congressional Missing and Exploited Children’s Caucus. THINK ABOUT IT !!!!!!!!

I can’t help but laugh. This all just comes off as so amusing to me. He’s a sick man, but he was stupid enough to get caught. I’m glad that all that will stop now though. I kind of feel bad for the boys.

Anybody watch “To Catch a Predator”. It’s a wonder that Foley didn’t show up except they used mostly young girls. He is as guilty as these guys, and one of his IMs sounds like he did meet a page in San Diego. Even if nothing happened soliciting with sex in mind is a crime.

IT’S TIME THAT WOMEN STARTED RUNNING THIS COUNTRY BECAUSE THE MEN HAVE FINALLY SCREWED IT UP.

I wish we had politicians in either party who knew how to do the right thing, not the thing that is best for the particular party – like preserving their majority.

Good, Foley has said he was abused as a child. If this gets to court they will use that to give a stiffer sentence. Just had a case in Phila. Pa. 5 were convicted of gang rape. 4 got 20 /40 the 5th said he was abused as a child got 30/60.

It saddens me to know that Mr. Foley’s heart bled and ached in silence, and that he did not have a safe place to turn with his struggle. It also seems tragic to me that the boys who were possibly taken advantage by Mr. Foley are now being drug through the public eye about such a confusing, intimate, shaming event. I wonder what it would look like for ABC New, the Republican Party, the Democratic Party, and the rest of the media to report on this story with care and a sense of mercy?

As a recovering alcoholic and sexually abuse child I find Foley’s behavior totally unacceptable and unforgivable. How can we believe anything this man says. I believe the only thing he regrets is being caught in the act.

But it’s still ok to try 16 year olds as adults. Silly hipocritical society. Are they kids or adults? Make a decision and stick with it.

I ran for Mayor as an unknown in my town and lost. When I think about this absolutly unqualified jack-ass abusing the office to which he was elected and disgracing the American instituion of Congress I can not help but want to go to Washington. When are we going to wake up and smell the coffee?

I agree that many 16 year olds are really not that “innocent”. BUT according to the laws of our society they are minors and it is against the law to do what Foley did. I would remind you that Mark Foley himself championed laws against sexual predators in defense of the very minors he preyed upon. He had an even higher duty due to his position as a representative of the people and to his expressed ideals of being a advocate for children

Now the GOP operatives are working over time spinning this situation. It’s gonna be one of those “it’s anyone but our fault” strategies. As you can see from the posting here, the GOP operatives have the nerve and the straight face to blame this on the Democrats! Don’t they realize that this is sickening, no matter what Foley’s party afflication is? Shame on you people!

Foley solicited minors for sex and the court will decide whether he is guilty. I hope with all my will that he is guilty. The pervert has no business doing what he did. If it’s ok you can all let your 16 year old sons and daughters court 50 year old men and women.
I’m sure there are some 16 year olds going on 50. I know I wasn’t one of them and I’m sure the majority of 16 year olds in this country aren’t. All you perverts supporting this man need to be open hand slapped until your face is red.

It is about time that the self-righteous members of Congress are held to the same standards that they dictate to the rest of the populace…
Maybe next time, they (and the religious zealots who support them) will think twice before pounding on the podium and declaring:
“Thou shalt not ___!”

I have no faith in the Republican leadership and hope(for the sake of the country) that dems retake Congress-BUT, this affair has all the earmarks of a witch hunt! Is there any evidence that Foley actually DID anything improper with a page? Are we supposed to pretend there are no gay Congressmen or teenagers? I thought talk was protected by the 1st Amendment? It does not appear the messages actually solicited anything illegal. A 16 yr, old is an adult in DC.

Foley is s sicko. Sounds like 16 is age of consent. I think references to dems is only to show how party’s make a big deal of something only if on the other party’s side. I suspect repubs and dems all know who is doing questionable things and it is just part of their world of corruption. No doubt this is political, timing and all. We will never know the REAL facts, positive or negative.

Foleys the tip of the iceberg of a major epidemic in the world right now, predators are everywhere trying to get access to our children. I beileve we will find out that Foley has done alot more of this thab what was first suspected, he is way too comfortable with it to be early in his predatorial game.
I deal with these guys often and they are all narcissistic, self deluded, selfish human beings whose desire for power and control are beyond measure. That is why they prey on children.

Impossible, how GOOD your work is. I am realy surprised. http://boyspanking.iespana.es/