Sources close to the Mark Foley investigation indicate that the disgraced congressman "...is unlikely to face criminal charges for sending sexually explicit e-mails to teenage boys."
I'm starting to believe this scenario has been deliberately leaked to test the public reaction should Foley walk away from behavior witnessed by the entire world.
At this point--I'm ashamed to say--not too many people seem real concerned.
Although Alberto Gonzales--himself the most unethical law enforcement officer in the most need of an Internal Affairs review--paints the Internet as the Big, Bad Boogeyman out to Bait America's Children, his former colleague, Mr. Foley used just about every bit of technology available to him as a way to seduce, solicit, lure, entice or attempt to seduce-teenage pages placed under the supervision of the U.S. Congress.
That same government refuses access to Foley's computers. The same government that holds themselves above the same laws that in a heartbeat would not just jail-- but ruin--a teacher, coach, airline pilot, financial advisor, firefighter, police officer for the same behavior exhibited by Mark Foley.
Listen up, FDLE--you know and I know--you can charge Foley with something. Take the infamous telephone of his--are phone records--especially of the interstate communication call variety that Foley made from Florida to lure pages living out of state--basic Investigation 101--
Is Congress blocking access to those as well?
Are you telling me--FDLE--that you've got nothing--squat--zilch?
Highly doubtful. I'm not buying it. And for the record..I'm OUTRAGED. So file that in your test of public opinion.
Unfortunately, many bloggers--especially political bloggers--see the sex offender laws as a single issue, the type that brings political parties down. Concentrating as a whole to get the right guys into office will effect real change is the mantra.
This issue is far too polarizing for that sort of thinking.
Many lawmakers will tell you off the record--these laws are wrong...but to do anything about it?
Political suicide.
Also, the Dems would likely prefer Foley just go away. Having tipped the midterms with his behavior to make the Dems the majority--they simply don't need him anymore.
It's all about Them, not Us. It certainly isn't about doing what is right.
For those same Pie-in-the-Sky bloggers, in a Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds political world--if Foley walks--this could give lawmakers an out to do the right thing.
Hold Congressional hearings--listen to the everyday families who suffer the collateral damage of the Adam Walsh Act and all the "extra" laws every municipality in this country choose to use as a sure "protect the children" vote-getter.
Ask the big question--why all of a sudden is America crawling with sex offenders?
Then investigate the illegal use of the sting to make these easy arrests that have turned a Nancy Grace society into shuddering sheep while their leaders stand by and shaft them at every opportunity.
Question authority.
Thank you to those bloggers who have stood up with the Frog for what is right.
Many thanks, PixelMarx!
The Mark Foley Chronicles
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3 comments:
Anonymous said...
Concerning Mark Foley..........
If he is not charged with an offense, THAT would be criminal.
Why?
Because - in the eyes of the law - and of the thousands of people in this country charged with the SAME OFFENSE Foley committed - prosecutors - both state AND federal - are guilty of preferential treatment.
I realize most of the public does not keep up with the myriad of laws governing this country.
Statute 2422(b) of Title 18 of the US criminal code makes it illegal to even ATTEMPT to entice, coerce, persuade or INDUCE anyone not attaining the age of 18 into performing illegal sexual acts.
Cases go federal when the states cannot prosecute because of "restrictions". The federal courts use the "interstate commerce clause" to prosecute, saying that online emails and messages crossed state lines in sending those messages. In some cases, the accused and the minor (fictious or otherwise) were in the same state! But, the messages themselves crossed state lines to get back and forth.
That has been MORE than enough for federal prosecution in NUMEROUS cases nationwide.
...and the feds tell us that they "don't have enough to prosecute".
They LIE.
In enforcing this law, courts around this country have ruled in MANY other cases that;
* A defendant didn't have to even touch anyone.
(Numerous case citings to mention here)
* There does not even have to be a minor involved - the defendant only has to "believe" one is involved.
(Again, so many people have been convicted because of this circumstance)
*A defendant didn't even have to GO anywhere - just typing the words on his computer was enough to violate this statute.
(The cited case on this? US v. Barnes, 6th Circuit)
In Barnes, the court used the INTENT OF CONGRESS as the reason they affirmed Barnes conviction - even though Barnes;
- never touched anyone
- there was no actual child involved
- never traveled or went anywhere
The sick irony? The "Congress" the court cited counted FOLEY in it's roster!
Foley:
- KNEW his prey.
He met everyone he solicited and talked dirty to online.
Therefore,
- there WERE actual minors involved.
- Foley traveled and used his computers in various locations, violating this "interstate commerce clause NUMEROUS times.
...and now, both the federal justice system and the state of Florida say they "don't have enough to prosecute"
It is a lie. They are lying to the very people they've "sworn" to protect.
They are, therefore, aiding and abetting a criminal.
Making those in this so-called investigation criminals themselves.
If literally thousands of men charged, convicted and now felons of committing the same type of offense Foley has are guilty - Foley is too.
Truth be told - Foley did a lot MORE than many of these people.
Foley is getting off because he was a Congressman.
Foley is yet another in a long line of public officials that used their offices to evade prosecution of a crime.
The irony of Foley is that he promulgated the VERY LAW that punishes the VERY OFFENSE he committed.
...and the reasons he'll get away with it?
The public forgot about him.
The justice system in this country is anything BUT "justice".
In the words of one of Foley's REAL LIVE victims of his come-on sexual messages;
"sick, sick, sick, sick SICK!"
It has arrived in this country where we prosecute - to the ends of the earth - people that have in actuality - NO victims - and let go people that actually HAVE live victims.
Anyone doubting that needs to look at Foley's case.
Sunny,
Apprently Mark Foley thought hightly of our own local legislator Bob Allen.
In an article which appeared on March 12, 1998 in the Palm Beach Post [Martin-St. Lucie edition] entitled, "Martin Economic Council Chief Leaving for New Job", US Rep. Mark Foley complimented Allen on his relentless lobbying in Washington DC. Congressman Foley is quoted as saying, "He [Allen] was knowledgable of the process and would accomplish a lot more than people give him credit for". Foley went further to say, "He [Allen] knew how to travel the multiple corridors and hallways of The Hill."
What is the saying about "birds of a feather?"
Gloria123
They flock together.
:(
Thanks for this, Gloria.
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