The Latest Congressional Scandal

[lizbud]

I really thought this congress couldn't get any worse. They've proved
me wrong. I am so discusted with this whole bunch. :(


Brian Ross

Foley's Behavior No Secret on Capitol Hill A GOP staff member told congressional pages to watch out for former Congressman Foley.
Federal Investigation of Foley Begins

October 1, 2006— It turns out Foley's obsession with 16- and 17-year-old male pages has been known to Republicans on Capitol Hill for at least five years.

But other than issue a warning, little else seems to have been done about the congressman.

A former page has come forward to tell ABC News warnings were issued about Foley to the pages in 2001.

Matthew Loraditch says pages were told to watch out for Foley.

"It was a slight cautionary statement, you know, 'Don't get too wrapped up in him being too nice to you and all that kind of stuff.' You know, 'He's a nice guy, but he's a little bid odd,' and that sort of thing," Loraditch said.

ABC News has obtained Internet messages sent by Foley to three different pages after that warning.

Two of them were sent to pages in the 2001-2002 class, with sexually explicit messages, most too graphic to be broadcast, from Foley using the screen name Maf54.


Maf54: To be honest, I am a little to interested in you. So that's why I need to back off a little.


Teen: Ya slow things down a little im still young…like under 18. don't want to do anything illegal…im not 18.


Maf54: cool..dont forget to measure for me.


A reference to his request that the page provide the measurements of his sexual organ, a request he repeatedly made to another page as well.

Former pages tell ABC News the pages involved with Foley were afraid to offend the powerful Republican congressman.

"So there would definitely be some hesitation especially for the people who want to move up in politics eventually," Loraditch explained. "You know, you don't want to get involved in something like that."

The FBI's preliminary investigation of Foley began over the weekend, with agents in the cyber unit of the FBI already examining some of the Internet messages.

It's possible Foley could end up being prosecuted under laws he helped to enact as the co-chairman of the House caucus on Missing and Exploited Children

[Edwina's Secretary]

Well Liz....I have read some of the "conversations" and YUKE... he was really disgusting! It isn't just dirty talk...it is poorly done dirty talk...

I also heard a clip of that crazy woman running for congress from Florida.....says it is all the Democrats' fault. She thinks there should be an investigation of which Democrats failed to tell the House leadership about it. And Fox Network...that bastion of "fair and balanced" had a show about it with Foley listed as FL-D.

And according to my local newspaper's editorial page today....it is all Clinton's fault.....

Setting the example of taking responsibility....accountability???? Or the Blame Game?

And don't you wonder about the guys who got the messages? I saw one of them on a news show. His explanation for why he carried on the messaging was a little suspect to me. Said, "if you want a career in DC you need contacts"....contacts about whom you have some dirt I suspect.

[BOBS DAD]

Do You Think That Was It, Edwina? Could Be... I Can't Figure It. Seems Like You Would Report This To Somebody Almost Immediately Upon It Happening? I Know I Would.

I Heard That One Of The Pages Claims To Have Had Sex With Foley, But Some Years After The Page Experience. I Don't Think This Should Be Played As A Campaign Card Against Or For Any Particular Party. There Are Far More Important Issues To Base Your Vote(s) On - Like Iran, Iraq And N. Korea To Mention A Few. I For One, Believe These Have All Been Severely Mismanaged For The Entire Bush Presidency.

The Foley Scandal Is Disgusting And Embarrassing And Real Shame For Those Affected, But The Latter Issues Could Have Far More Dire Consequences For The World.

[sparks19]

You know what? who gives a rats arse. it was years ago. It is only being used as a way for one party to desecrate another. He didn't have sex with him from what I hear so who cares. I think it is a sick and twisted that this is being used to further someone's political career.


Remember..... Americans should vote FOR things not AGAINST things. If all a candidate can tell me is why I SHOULDN'T vote for the other party and can't tell me what they actually stand FOR then they can be sure I will not be voting for them. I want to know what I am voting for, not what I am voting against.

[caseysmom]

You know what? who gives a rats arse. it was years ago. It is only being used as a way for one party to desecrate another. He didn't have sex with him from what I hear so who cares. I think it is a sick and twisted that this is being used to further someone's political career.


Remember..... Americans should vote FOR things not AGAINST things. If all a candidate can tell me is why I SHOULDN'T vote for the other party and can't tell me what they actually stand FOR then they can be sure I will not be voting for them. I want to know what I am voting for, not what I am voting against.


Something tells me if he was a democrat you'd give a rats arse....just a guess :D

[sparks19]

Something tells me if he was a democrat you'd give a rats arse....just a guess :D

Not really. I just think it is stupid.

I think this type of political bullsh!t is just that.... BULLSH!T. Like I said, this new wave of "don't vote for him because he did this" is crap and I will not ever vote for someone who can't tell me where they stand but can only tell me why I shouldn't vote for the other guy. How did this happen? Let's get back to telling us what they have to OFFER.

and while I may have a conservative mind set... I am not against democrats and I am not always for republicans. IF a dem were to run for office and had ideals that meshed with mine I would vote for him. There are many republicans I would NEVER vote for. Like I said, I won't vote for ANYONE who can't tell me what they are for and can only tell me what they are against. BUT on the whole I think politicians are all sleazy and we all know they are all dishonest :D

[Pembroke_Corgi]

You know what? who gives a rats arse. it was years ago. It is only being used as a way for one party to desecrate another. He didn't have sex with him from what I hear so who cares. I think it is a sick and twisted that this is being used to further someone's political career.
We should give a rat's arse because it was a terrible abuse of his power. That is terrible- and the fact that we should be even angrier is because the republicans COVERED IT UP!!!

Clinton had an affair with an adult, and look at the scandal- Foley is abusing teenage minors and republicans let it slide! That is why we should give a rat's arse.

[Pembroke_Corgi]

Not really. I just think it is stupid.

I think this type of political bullsh!t is just that.... BULLSH!T. Like I said, this new wave of "don't vote for him because he did this" is crap and I will not ever vote for someone who can't tell me where they stand but can only tell me why I shouldn't vote for the other guy. How did this happen? Let's get back to telling us what they have to OFFER.

and while I may have a conservative mind set... I am not against democrats and I am not always for republicans. IF a dem were to run for office and had ideals that meshed with mine I would vote for him. There are many republicans I would NEVER vote for. Like I said, I won't vote for ANYONE who can't tell me what they are for and can only tell me what they are against. BUT on the whole I think politicians are all sleazy and we all know they are all dishonest :D
So, republicans are not guilty of this huh? :rolleyes: Let's see, to name a few off the top of my head, they are against: abortion, gay marraige, and reasonable scientific progress.

I also seem to recall John Kerry being relentlessly called a "flip-flopper" by the other side, but I guess this was just an acurate portrayal of his character and NOT a political ploy? :rolleyes:

The republicans started that game and they absolutely know how to use it for their advantage.

[Edwina's Secretary]

He didn't have sex with him from what I hear so who cares.

There is so much in what you wrote that is simply factually wrong. But this statement is frightening. So a guy exposing himself to young girls or boys...or anyone for that matter is okay as long as he doesn't have sex? Taking pornographic pictures of children, would, by your definition be okay as long as there is no sex. The old "heavy breathing" phone call is okay as long as there is no sex. A man using minors for his own sexual gratifications (have you read the transcipts??????) is okay as long as there isn't penetration.

Wow.....

[BOBS DAD]

Not really. I just think it is stupid.

I think this type of political bullsh!t is just that.... BULLSH!T. Like I said, this new wave of "don't vote for him because he did this" is crap and I will not ever vote for someone who can't tell me where they stand but can only tell me why I shouldn't vote for the other guy. How did this happen? Let's get back to telling us what they have to OFFER.

and while I may have a conservative mind set... I am not against democrats and I am not always for republicans.

Somehow I don't think you are being completely honest with us - or yourself. You would be a "bit" more believable if your "seething" hate and distrust for Democrats wasn't coming through so strongly in your text. Your "smoldering anger" over this growing scandal and it's obvious political "leveraging power" (which by the way, I agree it should not be used to anyone individual or party's gain - but it will) and ramifications show that you do, in fact, give a rat's arse!

It has to be obvious and blatantly clear to any fair minded and clear thinking individual that if the "proverbial" shoe were on the other foot - it would be all that the Ultra Conservative Press (read that FOX Network) would be talking about!!! Anybody forget about Clinton and the never ending call for his IMPEACHMENT???

YES... YES, you are so right that there are so many, many more dire issues to be concerned and worried about (but that doesn't mean that this shouldn't be handled in an open and fairminded way so as to insure the safety of future pages and the Integrity of the Congress), but nobody seems to care as much about the failures in Iraq, the impending danger posed by N. Korea and Iran and the dismal performance and obvious failures of "your" beloved President. You say you would vote for a Democrat with sound ideals that meshed with your own. How about a sound plan for the future of the war in Iraq and a clear objective for our troops in harms way (Yes, I know that you are a proud American who proudly serves - so am I), instead of and besides "stay the course". How about a plan to deal with N. Korea and Iran, instead steadfastedly insisting to "NOT" deal with them. Let's be honest, our policies of the last 5-6 years have been a failure and it is time to do an about face and come up with some fresh ideas and drop any dogged party loyalties - and as you say, "really listen" to the candidates and their ideas as we venture to the polling booths this November!!!

[RICHARD]

I was disgusted bb the other politcos that were banging around with the pages.....


and what about that one dud with the cigar and blue dress.

And who remembers Rita Jenrette? :D

[Pam]

I find Foley's behavior despicable and feel that he, and anyone involved in a cover-up, should be accountable.

The inability to control one's sexual acts, fantasies, whatever you want to call them.....is not limited to any one party. Interestingly, I think the problem is more a *male problem* rather than a party problem. :p Women think with their heads, not their sex organs. :eek: Sorry to be so graphic. :o BTW, that does not mean that I would vote for Hillary! LOL!

[caseysmom]

Yes Pam I believe your right! Hehe we women do exert more self control don't we....runs from Richard......

[sparks19]

So, republicans are not guilty of this huh? :rolleyes: Let's see, to name a few off the top of my head, they are against: abortion, gay marraige, and reasonable scientific progress.

I also seem to recall John Kerry being relentlessly called a "flip-flopper" by the other side, but I guess this was just an acurate portrayal of his character and NOT a political ploy? :rolleyes:

The republicans started that game and they absolutely know how to use it for their advantage.



LOL when did I say that only dems are responsible for it LOL. I think you are getting a little upset about nothing. Don't get your panties in a twist because I have conservative leanings.

I don't recall ever EVER saying that Bill Clinton deserved the treatment he got for fooling around. I personally don't think it was anyone's business but his and his wifes. I CERTAINLY don't think it affected the way he ran the country. It was ridiculous and he never should have been impeached for it.

I think people are just so eager for a bear hunt that they will get up in arms about anything and everything.

You are all so quick and willing to judge me because I am conservative. LOL READ what I say. I don't ever recall saying the dems were responsible and that I think the DEMS are disgraceful for doing this. You all are reading into this far too much LOL. If you can find a sentence where I said or implied that the dems are more guilty of attack ploys than republicans then I will swallow my tongue and apologize but I don't EVER recall saying that. YOU assumed I meant that.

My hatred is seething. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. i don't HATE anyone. I don't HATE a political party. I would never be against voting for someone simply because of their political party. like i said, I don't vote AGAINST things, I vote FOR things.

YES I think it is shameful that they covered this up. HOWEVER, I think it is also shameful that this is only being brought up because it furthers someones political career. I am sorry I do not see 16 year olds as "children". Where I am from if you are over 16 you can have sex with whoever you want. 18 you are legally an adult but at 16 you can technically move out, have a job, drive a car, have sex. You just can't gamble, drink, or vote. If you are 16 or over it is not considered statutory rape. So NO I don't see why this is such a huge deal. Maybe I missed something though as I haven't been tracking every bit of info in this stupid story. Did he force the page into anything? From what I read he did not. IF I am wrong about that I am sorry as I did not see that part but from my understanding it was consentual.

This is NOT about political party, and it shouldn't be MADE about political party.

Bobsdad, again you are assuming things about me. I am Canadian first of all. i did not serve, my h usband did. Already you are assuming you know me and the way I think. I did not vote for Bush (I coudln't have even if I wanted to) I can't go out and vote for the lesser of two evils. I have to believe in what they are promising, heck I just want to KNOW where they stand. But these days I never know where anyone stands because all they ever tell me is what the other guy shouldn't be doing. Again you are all so quick to judge because I have a conservative mindset. I don't ever recall saying that I believe in bush or that I don't think he is a moron. I DO think he is a moron but I really haven't seen anyone who would be less of a moron either. Do you know what the Dems plan is for Iraq? i certainly don't. i don't recall Kerry ever stating what his plan was for Iraq during the election race. he just kept saying I have a plan, never told us what the plan was. Until I hear another PLAN (and the plan cannot consist of what we shouldn't do) I will go with the plan we have. I have not heard an alternative offered by any party. Have you? if so what is it?

[Edwina's Secretary]

Sparks...if you aren't following the story maybe you should be more careful in what you say....


I think it is also shameful that this is only being brought up because it furthers someones political career.

It wasn't brought up to further anyone's political career. It was brought up because the parents of one of the pages complained. There has been NOTHING to suggest this was brought up by anyone with a political agenda.

And you "for" and "against" argument makes little sense. If a politican is against tax hikes I should not take that into consideration? Only if he or she is for tax cuts?

[sparks19]

Sparks...if you aren't following the story maybe you should be more careful in what you say....



It wasn't brought up to further anyone's political career. It was brought up because the parents of one of the pages complained. There has been NOTHING to suggest this was brought up by anyone with a political agenda.

And you "for" and "against" argument makes little sense. If a politican is against tax hikes I should not take that into consideration? Only if he or she is for tax cuts?

That is not what I am saying and you know it. What I am referring to is those up for election running commercials saying "so and so voted for this.... so and so did this.... so and so did that." yet they offer NOTHING to say what they are for or what their solution is. In debates they talk about what the other guy is doing WRONG, not mention what they would do to correct it. I haven't heard anyone with a PLAN. I have just heard what their plan is NOT going to be. that's not enough for me. sorry

[RICHARD]

lololololol,

Why in the world would you IM with an AH 40 times that was sexually perverse with you and save the messages?


Pam,
It is a 'party problem'...well, one party that I went to.... ;)

------------------------------


First of all.....


If you are 'adult enough' to go to Washington to work for a congressman, you should be adult enough to know when some moke is making a pass at you.

And you should be adult enough to turn the Bees turd in...


But, no!

I'll get kicked out of the program and be labeled as a whistle blower!


-------------------------------


Eff Foley.......He was using my tax dollars to get his gnarly kicks.

Throw those effing idiot pages into jail for being stupid..they covered up his behaivoir too by not reporting it.


I swear.....the only reason that Senor Foley lasted as long as he did was those pansys didn't have the batongas to go to the press and report him...


Hey Mom and Dad, your son was hit upon by an elected official and he wasn't man enough to defend himself.

Instead, he held on to the instant messages....

Caseysmom.

Don't be afraid... :eek:

[Lady's Human]

Maybe we can find a modern-day hercules to divert the potomac and clean out the stables, if you know what I mean.

[sparks19]

Batongas? LOL that's a new one. I'm going to use that word lol if you don't mind of course :D

[BOBS DAD]

I don't recall ever EVER saying that Bill Clinton deserved the treatment he got for fooling around. I personally don't think it was anyone's business but his and his wifes. I CERTAINLY don't think it affected the way he ran the country. It was ridiculous and he never should have been impeached for it.

I agree that it likely had very little to do with his overall performance as a Legislature, Diplomat and Political Leader. As a President, his job is to make policy, create job opportunities and steer us toward economic prosperity, provide health care for all Americans, manage the national treasury, negotiate trade deals, broker treaties and set the direction for the country (as I see it). In this regard, I believe history will rate Clinton as adequate - perhaps better than most. I do agree that the Impeachment proceedings were a bit over the top, yet I believe somehow "he did get what he deserved" for cheating and then lying to the courts and his countrymen - you reap what you sow!!!


My hatred is seething. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. i don't HATE anyone. I don't HATE a political party. I would never be against voting for someone simply because of their political party. like i said, I don't vote AGAINST things, I vote FOR things.

YES I think it is shameful that they covered this up. HOWEVER, I think it is also shameful that this is only being brought up because it furthers someones political career. I am sorry I do not see 16 year olds as "children". Where I am from if you are over 16 you can have sex with whoever you want. 18 you are legally an adult but at 16 you can technically move out, have a job, drive a car, have sex. You just can't gamble, drink, or vote. If you are 16 or over it is not considered statutory rape. So NO I don't see why this is such a huge deal. Maybe I missed something though as I haven't been tracking every bit of info in this stupid story. Did he force the page into anything? From what I read he did not. IF I am wrong about that I am sorry as I did not see that part but from my understanding it was consentual.

Oh my... do you have kids? I can only say that I am glad that most Americans do "not" consider 16 year old adults - complete in every sense. CAN YOU REMEMBER THE STUPID SH** "YOU" DID WHEN YOU WERE 16??? If you can drive, work and have sex... WHY NOT DRINK, GAMBLE AND VOTE? JUST A QUESTION - although you say it is law in Canada... do most parents encourage their children to move out, take lovers and have "sex with whoever they want". That sounds "kinda liberal from a person with Conservative Leanings" I'll go out on a limb here...I will bet that they don't!!! WHY? Cause they "don't REALLY" believe they are yet responsible enough for all of this!

This is NOT about political party, and it shouldn't be MADE about political party.

Bobsdad, again you are assuming things about me. I am Canadian first of all. i did not serve, my h usband did. Already you are assuming you know me and the way I think. I did not vote for Bush (I coudln't have even if I wanted to) I can't go out and vote for the lesser of two evils. I have to believe in what they are promising, heck I just want to KNOW where they stand. But these days I never know where anyone stands because all they ever tell me is what the other guy shouldn't be doing. Again you are all so quick to judge because I have a conservative mindset. I don't ever recall saying that I believe in bush or that I don't think he is a moron. I DO think he is a moron but I really haven't seen anyone who would be less of a moron either. Do you know what the Dems plan is for Iraq? i certainly don't. i don't recall Kerry ever stating what his plan was for Iraq during the election race. he just kept saying I have a plan, never told us what the plan was. Until I hear another PLAN (and the plan cannot consist of what we shouldn't do) I will go with the plan we have. I have not heard an alternative offered by any party. Have you? if so what is it?

Yes. Yes, I did. I voted for Bush in 2000. In 2004 I went to see and listen to Cheney when he came to Pittsburgh. I wasn't allowed in!!! But I did hear his position on many of the pertinent issues. He said all was KOSHER in Iraq... in fact, things were going well... the worst was behind us and we were just tidying up (in essence). I also went to see John Kerry (he let everyone in). He said that things were not so good in Iraq. The insurgency was getting stronger and sectarian violence was increasing. He said that if we continue on the current course of action, things will continue to get worse and that the cost in human life and money will be way beyond all current estimates being suggested by the BUSH administration.

He started out his speech on Iraq by saying (CONTRARY TO THE CUT & RUN WE SO OFTEN HEAR ABOUT), "In fighting the war on terrorism my principles are straightforward. The terrorists are beyond reason. We must destroy them. As president I will do whatever it takes, as long as it takes, to defeat our enemies.

But billions of people around the world, yearning for a better life, are open to America's ideals. We must reach them."

He went on to say, To win, America must be strong and America must be smart." SMART - NOW THERE'S A NOVEL IDEA TO THIS ADMINISTRATION. THAT ALONE SHOULD BE ENOUGH OF A CONTRAST TO THE CURRENT COURSE OF ACTION.

The greatest threat that we face is the possibility of Al Qaida or other terrorists getting their hands on nuclear weapons. [N. KOREA] To prevent that from happening we have to call on the totality of America's strength: strong alliances to help us stop the world's most lethal weapons from falling into the most dangerous hands; a powerful military, transformed to meet the threats of terrorism and the spread of weapons of mass destruction; and all of America's power -- our diplomacy, [DIPLOMACY - WE DON'T NEED NO STINKIN' DIPLOMACY... BRING IT ON] our intelligence system, our economic power, our appeal to the values, the values of Americans, and to connect them to the values of other people around the world -- each of which is critical to making America more secure and to preventing a new generation of terrorists from emerging..."

Talking about the financial cost of the war, the then Presidential candidate stated, " Economic adviser Larry Lindsey said it would cost as much as $200 billion. Pretty good calculation. He was fired." WAR HAS NOW COST US BY ANYONE'S ESTIMATE OVER 300 BILLION] http://costofwar.com/

After the successful entry into Baghdad, George Bush was offered help from the U.N., and he rejected it, stiff-armed them, decided to go it alone. He even prohibited nations from participating in reconstruction efforts because they weren't part of the original coalition, pushing reluctant countries even further away. And as we continue to fight this war almost alone, it is hard to estimate how costly that arrogant decision really was. [YOU WANT TO HELP??? UNH-UNH... not now. We started the war and we wanna finish it. YUP... I'M GW BUSH, n' don't forget it... Now git!!!]

WHAT DID HE "SAY" HE WOULD HAVE DONE - OR DO - DIFFERENTLY?
"I would have tightened the noose and continued to pressure and isolate Saddam Hussein -- who was weak and getting weaker -- so that he would pose no threat to the region or to America." [Economics, Tougher Sancions and Diplomacy]

He said he would go back to the U.N. and force them to pass Resolution 1546 [Bush eventually did this, but it was kinda anticlimatic). this Resolution called on U.N. members to help in Iraq by providing troops, trainers for Iraq's security forces and a special brigade to protect the U.N. mission, and more financial assistance and real debt relief.

But guess what? Three months later, not a single country had answered that call, and the president acted as if that didn't matter.

And of the 13 billion that was previously pledged to Iraq by other countries, only a little over a billion has been delivered. The President and the Administration has never leaned on those countries for their early or continued support.

He said he would convene a summit meeting of the world's major powers and of Iraq's neighbors in New York, where many leaders will attend the U.N. General Assembly, and he would insist that they make good on the U.N. resolution. He would offer potential troop contributors [OTHER COUNTRIES]specific but critical roles in training Iraqi security personnel and in securing Iraqi borders. He would give other countries a stake in Iraq's future by encouraging them to help develop Iraq's oil resources and by letting them bid on contracts instead of locking them out of the reconstruction process. In other words, bring the international community into the equation by YES... Yes, offering them a financial incentive in the rebuilding of Iraq - BUT THAT WOULD OF MEANT THAT BUSH COULD NOT HAVE GIVEN IT ALL TO HIS FRIENDS AND ASSOCIATES WITH NO_BID CONTRACTS - LIKE HALIBURTON]. That seemed fine to him at the time because you see... he had declared "Mission Accomplished" and he pretty much thought "the war was over" and that we were basically mopping up!

He said "he would stop insulting allies and shedding alliances [SEEMED LIKE A SMART AND PRUDENT THING TO ME]. He said that by continuing this arrogant and irresponsible course of action we would eventually alienate the few supporters we have and lose our world respect and the subsequent confidence in the American way. [DUH... has that happened???]

He said that we should recruit thousands of qualified trainers from our allies, especially those who have no troops in Iraq. He said we should press our NATO allies to open training centers in their countries.

And he said that he would not mislead the American people with phony, inflated numbers and start behaving like we really are at war.

So... contrary to revisionist history, he never proposed cutting and running and he had many, many ideas on what he would do differently. [ALSO SAID MANY MORE THINGS, BUT THAT IS WATER OVER THE DAMN... and you probably wouldn't be interested in hearing anyway]. YOU JUST DID NOT "BOTHER TO LISTEN", because your Conservative Leanings are so strong that you can't possibly believe that a Democrat could have a better idea that a Republican. If I close my eyes and cover my ears and say "Nuh -nuh-nuh-nuh - over and over" when someone attempts to speak to me, I am generally assured to never hear any new or maybe good ideas!

And one more thing... I know this is long, but I gotta get this out. I hear so many people say "I don't vote party, I vote the candidate". Sure... but they never give the opponent a chance to say anything - they let their own party do the translating for them - I mean, they wouldn't twist their words or ideas, WOULD THEY? When I hear this claim, I generally find the most doggedly devoted party loyalist. I challenge those who make this claim to tell us the most prominent opposing party nominees they have voted for. I'll start. Ronald Reagan, George Bush I, George Bush II, Rick Santorum (although I am about to vote his arse out) and Governor Ridge ( a great PA Governor, but for some unknown reason, President Bush plucked him - well, not really unknown, it was payback for his 2000 and 2004 support for his presidency run - for the newly created complete head of national security position!!!??? Billions of dollars later he came up with the Micky Mouse Color Coded Alert System. I feel much safer!

[Edwina's Secretary]

I just heard a congressperson being interviewed on one of the talking head programs. As above..."this is being brought up at this time for political gain...blah, blah." He was asked point blank..."Do you know of any evidence that this was done by or for the Democratic party?" Asked it three or four times.....finally he answered..."I don't have any evidence that it wasn't!"

So there you have it......Guilty until proven innocent!"

I don't know what he is for or what he is against....but he is just too stupid to be running around free!

[Lady's Human]

ES, judging by some of the election statements made on various isses, that would apply to about 520 members of congress.

[smokey the elder]

A coworker of mine said it best: "Inappropriate conduct is inappropriate conduct. It doesn't matter which party." Personally, I think the whole lot ought to be fired and we start all over. I like Arthur C. Clarke's method of electing folks for public office in the book Imperial Earth . Every citizen who is of age gets their name put into a hat. The "Winner" serves out his/her term, hoping to do a good enough job so as to get time off for good behavior! :p

[LilacDragon]

Let's see - the last President had sex with an adult and we impeached him. Now, we have a President that lied about Weapons of Mass Destruction, took us into a war that we really don't (at this point) have a chance of "winning" - costing more U.S. lives then the event that gave him an excuse to send us to war in the first place, and the budget deficeit is $247.7 Billion!

Mr. Foley should have been turned into the POLICE when someone learned of the very first e-mail! There should not be an "Ethics Committee" hearing because, let's face it, Congress has no ethics!

Personally - I think that all of the politicians in the country should be shot and we should start all over.

[RICHARD]

Please....

Everyone's to blame except for the pages?

What about the dink that went to Foley's place with another page AFTER he got the messages?


Then the OTHER page starts getting hit upon?

I guess you can say these kids were young and impressionable..

Which makes them the STUPID AND IMPRESSIONABLE ADULTS OF TOMORROW...

--------------

Just like the broads that were hit upon by B.J. Clinton..

they sat on the story until it mattered.


Sparks,

Do a search on "batonga wongas"..not my creation, but funny none the less.
Kee rist...

I am betting if you have sex organs you have hit or been hit on in your life.

Get a grip America......

[Edwina's Secretary]

Get a grip America......

I believe that is precisely what Foley did.......

[Edwina's Secretary]

I don't know if some of you have heard about it....but there are laws against this kind of behavior in the workplace...it is called sexual harassment and it is not acceptable regardless of the age or the shall we say...depth of the violation.... laws that I guess don't apply to our lawmakers????? :confused: :confused: :confused:

[lizbud]

I believe that is precisely what Foley did.......


Ummmm Sara :o I laughed in spite of myself. :o :o :o


I think some in GOP leadership should have seen something in the first
emails characterized as "over friendly" emails to teenage boys by Foley
way back in 2000. Just because he was their "perv" didn't make it any
more acceptable, but a vote is a vote, I guess. :rolleyes:

[Edwina's Secretary]

but a vote is a vote, I guess. :rolleyes:

Foley was also an exceptionally good fund raiser!

[mugsy]

I spoke to a good friend of mine yesterday afternoon about the upcoming Congressional election. He is a lobbyist in Washington so is privy to quite a lot of information that most private citizens are not. He said that he knows that this crap has been going on since the early 1980s and everyone keeps it hush hush and that this particular situation was supposed to be kept at the staff level and then is got leaked and blew up! He said Washington is scrambling....hard and fast. He also made the statement that he feels (gut reaction) based on what he's seen in Washington (and he was just there last week) that the Democrats will probably take the House in November. I just wish we could get rid of the moron we have representing NE Indiana...ACK he drives me nuts! Oh, and just so you know...he's an independent! :)

[mugsy]

Personally - I think that all of the politicians in the country should be shot and we should start all over.

You wouldn't get anyone better...once you become a politician, all bets are off. And when you reach the federal level the scruples are gone. The cynic that I am says that when you rise to the federal level of politics you are corrupt at least at some level....OK Richard and Sara have at me! lol ;)

[Pam]

You wouldn't get anyone better...once you become a politician, all bets are off. And when you reach the federal level the scruples are gone. The cynic that I am says that when you rise to the federal level of politics you are corrupt at least at some level....OK Richard and Sara have at me! lol ;)

Mugsy, I have to agree. I think that all people in positions of power, right on down to the lowly cop on the beat, may develop elevated opinions of their importance. There are just too many cases of people who are given power thinking they are above the law and getting into all kinds of trouble. In the case of politicians, I think they may be innocent going in but I do believe that all of the cr@p that comes with the job, not to mention pressure put on them by the seasoned *old boys* doesn't help. Term limits would certainly at least allow the ability to clean house more often. Oh and, yes, I think we will be hearing more from Sara and Richard! LOL!

[mugsy]

. Term limits would certainly at least allow the ability to clean house more often. ! LOL!

Well our illustrious Congressman from NE IN initially ran on the premise of setting term limits...now 12 years later, he's still running...he's an idiot! lol

[LilacDragon]

Actually, the thought goes a little deeper then that.

The whole system needs to be revamped.

Congressmen and Senators should be allowed to spend a certain amount of money on their campaigns. Commercials that mention their opponents or talks about what their apponents did or did not do would be illegal and immediately yanked of television and radio. There would be no fancy perks - take away the gym and all the rest of the crap that they have access to for free. Pay would be based on the median average of the constituents that they represent. Pensions would be based on pay and payraises would be on par with the rest of the country. They would be allowed to serve no more then 3 terms and if they weren't doing their job (representing their constituents and working to make their lives better) then they could be fired. Any activity that could be considered criminal would be reported to the police both in their district and in D.C. and anyone involved in covering up said activity would be vulnerable to facing the same charges.

[Pam]

Actually, the thought goes a little deeper then that.

The whole system needs to be revamped.

Congressmen and Senators should be allowed to spend a certain amount of money on their campaigns. Commercials that mention their opponents or talks about what their apponents did or did not do would be illegal and immediately yanked of television and radio. There would be no fancy perks - take away the gym and all the rest of the crap that they have access to for free. Pay would be based on the median average of the constituents that they represent. Pensions would be based on pay and payraises would be on par with the rest of the country. They would be allowed to serve no more then 3 terms and if they weren't doing their job (representing their constituents and working to make their lives better) then they could be fired. Any activity that could be considered criminal would be reported to the police both in their district and in D.C. and anyone involved in covering up said activity would be vulnerable to facing the same charges.


LD, if you were running you'd have my vote. ;)

[Lady's Human]

There is a way to fire a politician who isn't doing his job representing his constituents, it's called voting. In an extreme case where you want to do it mid-term it's called a recall election.

Allowing them to spend only a certain amount on campaigns would never pass muster with the First amendment, as political speech is what the amendment is squarely aimed at. Not allowing a politician to talk about their opponent would also never pass constitutional muster. It wouldn't be a good idea to begin with......say the opponent has a criminal record a mile long, but the local paper likes him and won't print it. Wouldn't concealing that information from voters be a BAD idea?

Reporting a criminal offense to the police in the congressman's home district and prosecuting it in DC would be illegal. You can't prosecute someone twice on the same charges.

[RICHARD]

I think some in GOP leadership should have seen something in the first
emails characterized as "over friendly" emails to teenage boys by Foley
way back in 2000. Just because he was their "perv" didn't make it any
more acceptable, but a vote is a vote, I guess. :rolleyes:



LOILOLOLOLOLOLOL...

Are you nuts?


Take a look at the movie "deliver us from evil"


When the L.A. priests were molesting kids people went to the church itself to take care of the problem.


Oh, they took care of it alright.

They covered up by sending priests to other churches out of the area.


The proverbial fox guarding the henhouse.

When the little offended pages saw that there was no action coming from the Reps, they should have gone to the press, or police.

--------------------

In my experience I have been harassed.

Having someione rubbing there backside against me.
walking into a room and seeing a male exposing themselves.
And waking up from a dead sleep with someone on top of me, forcing their crotch into my face.




No one told me owning a cat would be easy. ;)

[Catty1]

ohhh RICHARD!!!!! :p

[Pam]

In my experience I have been harassed.

Having someione rubbing there backside against me.
walking into a room and seeing a male exposing themselves.
And waking up from a dead sleep with someone on top of me, forcing their crotch into my face.




No one told me owning a cat would be easy. ;)


:D :D :D :D Oh Richard you got me. I felt bad for you until I scrolled down. ;) :cool:

[Edwina's Secretary]

When the little offended pages saw that there was no action coming from the Reps, they should have gone to the press, or police.



That is what they did!

In my world....if an employee is reported to a manager for discussing SPECIFIC detail on methods of self-gratification and asking someone to measure (again!) their sex organ....regardless of sex or age of the individuals....the manager has an obligation to take immediate and appropriate action. Else the manager can have personal liability. Knew or should have known is the standard to which an employer is held in this country.

Any halfway intelligent employer would fire the trash talker and the manager who didn't take immediate action.

The issue is not what the Catholic church did or didn't do....it is whether the lawmaking body of this country should be held to the same standard as everyone else.

[RICHARD]

That is what they did!

In my world....if an employee is reported to a manager for discussing SPECIFIC detail on methods of self-gratification and asking someone to measure (again!) their sex organ....regardless of sex or age of the individuals....the manager has an obligation to take immediate and appropriate action. Else the manager can have personal liability. Knew or should have known is the standard to which an employer is held in this country.


The issue is not what the Catholic church did or didn't do....it is whether the lawmaking body of this country should be held to the same standard as everyone else.


When did they go to the press or police?

I am confused......why are six year old IMs being produced?

I think that immediate and appropriate are the key words there.


My point was that the RCC covered for the priests.

[Edwina's Secretary]

My point was that the RCC covered for the priests.


Suggesting it is okay that the leadership of the house to do the same?? :confused: :confused:

[Cataholic]

I think I tend to agree with Sparks19. YIKES, I know I will take the heat for this.

I do agree that there are laws that say adults and children shouldn't mess around. I do recognize that sexual harrassment takes place, having been on the recieving end of it at the age of 23. It was horrible. I was not a willing participant, I did not 'flirt' with this 45 year old 'man'. I don't see this situation as being similiar. These 'children' are 16, and apparently, were giving back what they got (maybe not as well). The teens probably thought they were 'flirting' (is that word still used???), but, I don't think they are some young victims.

Who saves IMS? People that realize they might come in handy? I cannot believe we go into election season, with a focus on the page 'scandal'. Only in America.

We will hear less and less about the real issues now. The page 'scandal' can be a 'scandal', and the people that were involved ran outta town, but, please let it stop at that.

[RICHARD]

Suggesting it is okay that the leadership of the house to do the same?? :confused: :confused:

Now, why in the world would you think that?
No, we should clean 'house'.

My point is that everyone got cold feet when it came down to ratting out Foley.


What ever happened to an anonymous phone call, email or note to turn him in?And why was it six years after the poor little wussy decided to come forward.


-----------------------------


If you get the Sundance Channel watch "The Hill"..

It's a reality show about the Dem senator from FL......

Robert something....I watched the first episode and a half.


God help the Left if that is who is battling for the little people.
One of the gals in his office is kinda cute.....until she starts talking politics. :rolleyes:

------------------------------


And thank you Pam....For not feeling sorry for me. :rolleyes: ;)

[AbbyMom]

My point is that everyone cold cold feet when it came down to ratting out Foley.

Absolutely right! Leaks to the press are easy. It happens every day in D.C. Why so long for Foley? eh?
EH?

[BOBS DAD]

If you get the Sundance Channel watch "The Hill"..

It's a reality show about the Dem senator from FL......

Robert something....I watched the first episode and a half.


God help the Left if that is who is battling for the little people.
One of the gals in his office is kinda cute.....until she starts talking politics. :rolleyes:

I haven't seen it Richard... but as you most likely well know - NO REALITY BASED SHOW is for REAL!!! They exist solely for audience entertainment (although one might question their true entertainment value). Each and everyone of them has an obligation to it's producer and network to draw as many viewers as possible. Reality not withstanding.

I can't stand them. They are so incredibly contrived and predictable. Pick the scenario that will draw the most surprise and incredulance, mixed with a heavy dose of controversy and you have the likely plotline for this week's episode.

Amazing??? Not really... when you consider that a TV show's sole objective is too sell soap (as we used to say in the biz). Advertisers pay big bucks to place ads on network TV and they want all the bang for their buck they can get. They would be very upset if Camera men followed people around and Island for 10 weeks and nothing interesting or exciting ever happened! So what's the answer? Guarantee controversy and intrigue by writing potential script, offering suggested dialogue, filming supposed secret conversations (with retakes if necessary), place your islanders in suggested peril (like a volcano that suddenly erupts sending the "survivors" into panic and run for your life mode. Of course, with a little investigation you can discover that "that volcano is an active site and that it erupts almost every day and is a tourist favorite. Oh and the survivors are actually well beyond the safety zone inposed on even the toursist. So... no "real" mystery or shock here - just the magic of TV and zoom lenses. And Yes, the contestants knew the volcano was erupting [it had happened dozens of times previously]. They were asked to run around and act like they were frightened and frantic. Guaranteed. And the cameramen ran around, shaking their cameras, some prop guys knocked over tents, threw dirt and flying debris. Lots of film editing in the studio and you have a bonafide death defying episode. AND MY SILLY FAMILY IS ON THE EDGE OF THEIR SEATS!!!]

After all the hoopla, I am sure all the survivors had a big laugh and went about straightening their tents and sh** up. Wait... oh no, they have production people to do that. They probably all had a snack while waiting for the next scene shoot!

The Senator from FL is undeniably similarly scripted. If they were to show a Senator's (Republican or Democrat) real daily or usual routine, you would be so bored you would fall asleep in your chair. It would be off the air in no time flat. Networks would aplogize to their advertisers, and the producers would have a hard time ever selling another show to the network again.

[RICHARD]

Absolutely right! Leaks to the press are easy. It happens every day in D.C. Why so long for Foley? eh?
EH?

Like a Playboy Magazine, in the hands of a minor..


The pages stuck together. :rolleyes:

BD,

I only watch one reality show where they give out prizes.

The others that I indulge in are merely vehicles for people to be stupid. :rolleyes: ;)

[BOBS DAD]

BD,

I only watch one reality show where they give out prizes.

The others that I indulge in are merely vehicles for people to be stupid. :rolleyes: ;)

Very funny Richard... and oh so true!!!

I guess I kinda went off on a tangent - and you were the victim of transference!!! LOL! I really get so mad at my family cause they are addicted to this genre... and they really believe that this is just happenschance filmography, akin to a documentary.

And frankly, that's "what they want to believe", because it understandably makes it more interesting and exciting for them to watch. They don't appreciate my bursting their bubble and tell me so!!! I'm forbidden to speak while they watch their various Un-Reality shows!!! I guess I can be a pain!