This has got to be the most emabarassing and humiliating set of blunders in Congressional history. First they pass a bill on child predators and the Internet, then one of them breaks the law--which is a felony--and his GOP peers allow him to stay on the job, in the bathrooms and in the hallways and on the Web. One real question is, DID FOLEY PREY ON ANY OTHER YOUNG MALE PAGES?
But mainly, dear friends, the Republican leadership all committed felonies according to the strict letter of the law called
the "Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act of 2006," which the President signed into law (with Mark Foley standing behind him). By definition, then, they consider the acts in which Foley apparently engaged to be criminal. They even enhanced the penalties for this conduct. For those purposes, it doesn't really matter what states have designated as the age of consent because House Republicans have declared it to be a federal crime to solicit or discuss sexual acts with someone under the age of 18.
http://glenngreenwald.blogspot.com/2006/09/gop-house-leadership-and-mark-foley.htmlBecause Hastert and the others covered it up, did nothing and let him continue to work with and near the pages, they too would come under the same laws and increased penalties. Rep. Alexander did NOT report it to the proper authorities but rather to Tom Reynolds of the political RNCC! Because his staffer used to be a Foley staffer.
THIS IS HOW THE GOP KEPT THIS UNDER RAPS! Reynolds, Alexander, Hastert and Boehner are all guilty of NEVER REPORTING THIS TO THE PROPER AUTHORITIES. AND THEY ARE REQUIRED BY THE HOUSE RULES TO REPORT ANY CORRUPTION.
BONUS: Here is Nancy Pelosi's SMACKDOWN on Friday night! Winning her rcorded vote 410-0, after Boner Boehner tries to waylay it forever to the Ethics Committee! lOOK AT THE LOOK ON HER FACE WHEN SHE GETS UP TO DEMAND A RECORDED VOTE--SHE KNOWS SHE HAS THE REPUBLICANS BY THE BALLS--AND SHE IS DETERMINED TO PIN THEM TO THE WALL!
What a resolution that is--you have to see this:
http://www.crooksandliars.com/2006/09/30/boehner-blocks-pelosis-investigation-resolution-surprise/PLEASE RECOMMEND AND SHOW THIS VIDEO TO ONE AND ALL!
UPDATE: The media is reporting that Boehner's resolution passed 409-0 and the Ethics Committee gets it. Does anyone know what the truth is?
Now REynolds says he told Hastert about the e-mails in early 2006 and Hastert says he "doesn't recall"!
National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Tom Reynolds (N.Y.) issued a statement Saturday in which he said that he had informed Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) of allegations of improper contacts between then-Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) and at least one former male page, contradicting earlier statements from Hastert.
GOP sources said Reynolds told Hastert earlier in 2006, shortly after the February GOP leadership elections. Hastert's response to Reynolds' warning remains unclear.
Hastert's staff insisted Friday night that he was not told of the Foley allegations and are scrambling to respond to Reynolds' statement.
KOS: Dana Bash reporting Hastert has issued a statement and "doesn't recall" being told about this matter. The spin is they didn't know about the IM's so it didn't seem so serious. Of course, CNN is absorbing that spin seamlessly, instead of saying Republican leadership didn't investigate.