YETMO

”Pandering Pedophilic Politicians"

Former Congressman Mark Foley (Republican, Florida) has not only disgraced himself, the institute of Congress (assuming additional disgrace is possible given low public regard even before this scandal), and perhaps politicians in general (preceding parenthetical comment applies here as well), he may also have cost the Republicans control of both the House and Senate this year and earned himself an enduring place in political infamy history.

Discussions about this tragic and sick case have devolved into gay-bashing, protecting one’s political backside, and irrelevant ramblings about what transpired. Some charge that homosexuals are documented to be prone to pedophilia much more so than heterosexuals. Foley, an admitted homosexual, has entered rehab, citing an alcohol problem and noting that he was a victim of child abuse. Politicos point fingers to the other party saying that it, too, has its share of child abusers, deviants, and other unsavory characters. Presumably, the public is expected to tally the total number of miscreants in each party and crown as most virtuous the one that has the fewest offenders.

Such insulting debate and dialogue demeans the public’s intelligence and diverts attention from the real issue.

Most people recognize that the problem, as it is in any organization, is how any company, or in this case, the institution of the U.S. Congress, deals with accusations of inappropriate, illegal, or unethical behavior. As fair-minded people, we certainly don’t want to convict alleged wrongdoers without their proverbial day in court. However, whenever reports surface about any type of questionable practice, no matter how serious (or not), effective mechanisms must exist and be set in motion to address, evaluate, and adjudicate the charge completely, objectively, and promptly.

Foley’s case certainly was handled neither quickly nor well. Now, Democratic Party operatives are licking their chops, smelling blood, and going for the jugular. They charge, which may prove to be the case, that Republican leaders were lax in fulfilling their management responsibilities by not moving quickly, comprehensively, and firmly with the Foley accusations. Or worse, these G.O.P luminaries may have been covering up – or holding their breaths – or something, hoping that the matter either may go away completely or at least wait until after the mid-term election. If true, that makes you shiver, doesn’t it?

Irony drips heavily. First, it’s most likely, as I predicted as far back in May, that the country’s mood is such that the Republicans are going to losing the House in November anyway. Second, covering up simply doesn’t work. You’d think our proud politicians would have learned that from Watergate Monicagate, and seemingly infinite othergates, but you’d be wrong. Perhaps it’s hubris that causes them to press on. Perhaps it’s typical human delusions that convince people that such things won’t happen to them. Others get caught, but they won’t; they’re too smart.

Yes, we got trouble. Right here in Republican River City. That’s trouble, that starts with “T,” which rhymes with “P,” and that stands for Politics.

Let’s take a slightly different tack now.

Maybe the biggest damage done was that Representative Foley has already been tried and convicted in the court of public opinion. We’ll see how his case ultimately is resolved, but it is unfortunate that “we,” as represented through our media, can’t resist the urge to dig up and present all the information excusing someone of wrongdoing without also presenting countervailing material and reminding us not to prejudge, which is admittedly much easier said than done. Of course, no one, including yours truly, wishes to be painted as being sympathetic towards a child molester; however, our country prides itself on presuming a person innocent until proven guilty.

If we lose sight of that foundational underpinning to our society, where will we be? It’s interesting how similar, in a not-so-esoteric philosophical manner, this process is to recent debate about treatment of war on terror detainees, domestic surveillance, and security precautions implemented across our country.

No responsible person wants to be accused of enabling terrorists to kill thousands of Americans. But who wants to be charged with eviscerating our country’s founding principles, and how we live peacefully and prosperously as a nation of nearly 300 million? What’s the greater cost? Changing the very nature of our Republic or tragically losing the lives of innocents? I won’t attempt to answer that here.

Mary Foley’s behavior is not similar to those of the terrorists. Yet, how we react and respond to any threat exposes our souls and reveals our true identities.

We can, and should, be strong, clear, and firm in maintaining a free – and sane – society. But we must be wise in how we go about doing that.