Mark Foley is Exposing All of Our Hypocrisy - Right and Left

[NashVegas]

It's tremendously saddening to see some DU'ers reactions to Mark Foley's announcement that he was abused by a Catholic priest, and by the subsequent disclosure of said priest.

First there was disbelief on the part of some that it even happened. "Oh yeah, well name the guy," some said. So he named the guy - to the church but not to us. Foley didn't owe us a name. And even now that the accused has pretty much confirmed Foley's story, in LBN there are still people who don't want to believe him, either.

As someone who's known how it is to live with the first-hand knowledge of clergy abuse, it's insulting to see that small but very vocal part of the DU population that's decided that they know how to tell Foley's lying. You don't, and if you've never had to walk in these shoes, you'll never know how difficult it is to inform one's friends and family - at any age - and confront the church. It was not your place to demand Foley publicly name his abuser, yet you did. When he did, it wasn't enough, as he didn't do so publicly. And now the guy's admitted it, you're still not satisfied. I don't get it.

Scorn for Foley's attempt to use it as an excuse for his behavior with former pages, I can understand that. There have been plenty of people on DU who have stepped up to the plate and said, 'gee, I was sexually abused, but you don't see me ...'

So far, there's been no evidence that Foley did anything illegal. But indeed, highly inappropriate. Is that not enough? Why must Foley be lying about the priest? Why must Foley have been engaging in illegal activities?

My theory is that for some, condemning Foley for inappropriate but not illegal activity is equal to condemning Bill Clinton, in retrospect, for engaging in inappropriate - but not illegal - activity for the infamous blowjob. Well, what's so horrible about that? Clinton was a great president, but he had his weaknesses just like any other. You've gotta give him one-up on Foley, though, he didn't blame his philandering on anyone.

Can we please, finally, get over it? We've got our Republican sex scandal. Why can't we just separate Mark Foley's past history from his recent history, and enjoy it for what it is?

[uppityperson]

1. Yes, but let's keep it in the public's eye for a bit more, until the elect

election.

[NashVegas]

2. :)

That works for me.

[seabeyond]

3. my assed got jumped cause i challenge the preist. ergo i MUST

be saying foley isnt responsible. whata kind of bullshit thinking is that. i agree with your post totally..... thank you for sharing

[NashVegas]

4. Why Is Foley's Behavior Not Enough?

To condemn him on that. Why must he be accused of lying about clergy abuse, as well?

[seabeyond]

5. personally, i never accused because i didnt know.... but, i wouldnt

have been surprised if he made it up. sounds like, he didnt. and it is two seperate things. i wouldnt take foley at word. but i wouldnt say he was lying either

and

it has nothing to do with his behavior. we all have traumas in life, and experiences. they do not excuse our behavior as adult. they may help to explain, but never do they excuse

[NashVegas]

6. Sorry

I assumed you were being sarcastic in your above post. Time to hit the yoga mat.