The recent Mark Foley scandal is an example of the abuse of power and the lack of personal responsibility which surrounds it. Foley's behavior was highly inappropriate and he should be punished under the fullest extent of the law.
However it is important that Americans remember that the Mark Foley scandal really has nothing to do with sexual orientation or the fact that Foley himself is a gay American. Instead this is a classic case of sexual harassment.
This is an instance where a person sitting in a position of power exercised unwanted and inappropriate advances towards a subordinate or an employee. When the label "gay" is removed from the mix, what remain are misuse and the abuse of power.
Although conservative groups would label Foley's behavior as being typical of gay people, one should not look at the disgraced Foley and make the assumption or the conclusion that the entire gay community is obsessed underage youth. We must remember that Mark Foley represents only himself and cannot be used as the face of homosexuality any more than Pres. Bill Clinton can be used as the face of heterosexuality.
Starting now Americans must become more aware of the brilliant work being done by The Stonewall Democrats, Log Cabin Republicans, and the Victory Fund; three organizations dedicated to bringing to the political forefront the many issues which impact the gay community.
There are an estimated 228 openly gay men and women who hold publicly elected office across this country according to the Victory Fund. It would be a travesty to bring under suspicion the work these men and women have dedicated to their country based solely upon the indiscretions of one man. They deserve better than this and so does the rest of America.
Herndon Davis
Director of Communications
National Black Justice Coalition
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Comments: 7
Foley was clearly "trolling" for young sex, but it appears he maintained enoough self control to not actually do something felonious .... much like, ummmm Gary Condit, Gerry Studds, Barney Frank and Bill Clinton.
Abuse of power occurs when one drives an entire branch of government to spend millions of dollars and man hours to delay for months and months a simple embarrsement!
Foley is a pig, but he quit on the spot. He may be ducking behind alcholism or previous chiuld abuse, but he is not burning up our tax dollars with lam excuses as to why he had cash in his freezer!
Finally, in the absence of evidence, how does one go about getting a gay person fired from the job an investigagted by the federal government? I am sure there are a number of foks, as narrow headed as you that would liek to know how you recomend mentally torturing the gay comunity!
Speaking of trolls, what felonies did they commit?
"Foley is a pig, but he quit on the spot."
NO, he most certainly did NOT! He didn't resign until he'd been completely uncovered! Meanwhile, the GOP leadership chose to try to bury the story for years, rather than do what was right! Some "moral values" party.
"Hey, vote for us...we're the moral values party when we get caught being sleazy and corrupt!" Great slogan.
The problem with Mark Foley is that he not only made UNWANTED advances to pages and used his power and influence to fuel his unhealthy and unnatural desires, he presented the greatest hypocrisy by sponsoring a bill designed to protect the children of our nation from people like him. When confronted with his actions, he blames it on being an alcoholic and being sexually abused in his youth. Then the media reports jumps on the story with the gay angle, which for most unenlightened people with stereotypes against gays and lesbians, fuels their already misguided misconceptions about them. I agree with the author, this "spin" on this tragic story does a disservice for the many gays and lesbians who are productive, decent members of our society and Mark Foley should not be made a representation of the group as a whole. I think that's the acutal point of the story, let's stick with that, shall we?