Mark Foley has committed an unforgivable crime. He used his power and his position to hurt defenseless children. He broke the law and must be called to answer for his crimes. Nothing short of prison time is an appropriate punishment for his actions.
The shock is just starting; people are stepping forward to reveal information. His computers are being picked over and the investigation is getting under way. I have faith in our legal system that they will hold him accountable for his actions.
He should be treated no better than any other sex offender.
Now both sides of the aisle in Washington are in a feeding frenzy.
The Democrats are talking about how GOP leaders knew about this all along and should all be forced to resign. They are saying especially that Rep. Dennis Hastert should immediately resign his position as Speaker of the House. Of course they think everybody should resign - that would give them the control of Congress that they could not have probably
gotten before Foley's actions were revealed.
The Republicans are severing any tie they might have had with Foley. They want to distance this man from the party to salvage the election as it comes ever closer. It is crunch time for both parties; they want to appear as if they care about this.
I found it very interesting to see the many parallels that exist between this story and Clinton's sexual indiscretions, although there are still differences.
Clinton denied ever doing anything wrong with Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers, Kathleen Willey, Monica Lewinsky and others.
Immediately after being caught, Foley admitted to everything.
During the Clinton controversy, Democrats denied ever knowing about the affair while Republicans demanded that Clinton step down due to the accusations.
The sad fact is, though, that while Clinton assaulted women and had extramarital affairs, Foley harmed underage boys. These crimes aren't comparable if you block out their politics and focus on each man's actions.
I hope that voters in November will look past this controversy and vote with their hearts, but a lot of people will think to themselves that a vote for any Republican is a vote for Foley.
Mark Foley is no longer a politician: He is a criminal and will be brought to answer for his crimes. Unless it comes out that GOP leaders covered for Foley when they knew he was doing this, the election should stay on the same course as it was before this controversy happened.
I call my article "Speak Softly" because I like to keep personal attacks out of my political arguments. I feel that personal attacks weaken an argument and make one sound like a bully; however, Foley should not be given this courtesy. He is a sick man who did horrible things. This much I know for sure: He will answer for his crimes. I hope he goes to prison for the rest of his life. I have zero sympathy for people who hurt children.
Pay attention and be sure that you are not distracted by this when the elections come around. This story is not over by a long shot.
Alex Carroll is a junior history major and writes 'Speak Softly' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Alex Carroll at apcarroll@bsu.edu.
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