Mark Foley Scandal

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-16-2005
Mark Foley Scandal
2
Tue, 10-10-2006 - 2:45pm

Some of you may be following the Mark Foley (Republican representative) scandal. He sent explicit Internet messages to male congressional pages, allegedly since 1997 (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=6193879). He has admitted that he is gay, said he was molested as a boy, and is an alcoholic. He is now in rehab for alcoholism. This along with the Iraq war is doing major damage to the Republicans, especially in light of the upcoming elections.


What do you think about this? Is Foley's scandal giving GLBTs bad press? Is he hurting our cause and our efforts to be accepted as "normal"? Or do you think Americans will not focus on the fact that he is gay?


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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-15-2004
Tue, 10-10-2006 - 5:18pm


This is just my opinion, this was brought up in my place of worship, and my minister's opinion, is that it is the misuse and abuse of power that is in the government.

I have been following this issue, and it seems that this behavior had been going on for some time now and now it's just being brought to light. Also, it was brought up by one of the members of my church, on coming out day, this past Sunday, that is celebrated every year. I can't say what was said exactly, but I did expect it.

But my minister's response was very comforting. And I choose not to repeat it. But, to let everyone know that my minister knows that statistically, heterosexual men are just as, if not more, guilty of engaging in the same behavior that Mark Foley confessed to (child molestation). That's not to say ALL heterosexual men are guilty of engaging in the illegal behavior of child molestation.

So, in my opinion, I don't think it hurts us at all. I can't say if he's hurting our cause or our effort to be seen as "normal" (whatever normal is). Also, this American, will not focus on the fact that he's gay, but that he finally came clean and he's getting help, but I'm not happy with the fact that he allegedly sent explicit Internet messages to male congressional pages. Instead of focusing on the issues that matter to us the most, such as gay marriage and gays in the military, and GLBT equal rights, etc.

Of course, that's just my opinion.

Thanks,

Sebastian

 


Hugs,


Sebastian


 


http://www.facebook.com/sebastianbruce

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-23-2006
Tue, 10-10-2006 - 8:02pm

*sigh


Unfortunately Once again the right wingers will have perfect fodder to say that ALL gays are pedophiles and endanger

 PPCLSIG.jpg picture by CalyD44