I agree with you, Morgan. I am proud of the Republicans too. It should be pretty clear to most people now that sick perverts are not going to be welcomed by the party if they are found out. I have long heard rumors about the promising Kasich and Scarborough being told to get out after certain ugly behavior came to light. It was done quietly, so the modus operandi is not to destroy lives, just to drum you out quietly.
As for the page program, what is it that they are going to "fix?" They are only in loco parentis when actuall in the program. Foley waited until after they left the program to start up his contacts. And there is no evidence he stepped over the line with the minor. The ugly IMs were with an adult male. The page program merely brought those might be of interest to him to his attention. So, do they eliminate the program? Nah, too much a payoff to the politically connected parents. Do they forbid contact between congresspeople and pages and former pages? Getting connected is a very large part of why they do this in the first place. I think I have the answer. Pages will sign a document where they promise to report any icky contacts from any of them at any time. Heh heh. I wonder what foolproof measures the committee will proudly announce with "we have saved the children" flourishes.
Washington, D.C. is a ridiculous place full of ridiculous people. No wonder President Bush doesn't fit in. (End of need to put down random musings.)
Nothing unless it is not working as it should or being monitored properly. These pages may be of legal age but congress should hold them accountable to the extent they are capable or vulnerable. Having said that, I am guessing the IM programs and e-mail system has to be explained better to both pages and House members. They need to know without any doubt they are being monitored and their messages saved (if that is now available with IM) in case there is a future problem. We also need consequences for any page that does not report improper behavior or who pulls an improper stunt themselves.
IF the pages were simply pulling a prank maybe they did not know the seriousness of their stunt. If they did this on purpose, they should pay a price. If they did not report bad behavior, they were wrong. If they did not report either improper IM messages or e-mail, they were wrong. I'm saying both policy and management has to be there. Pages, as well as House members, have to be constantly reminded they will be held accountable for their actions and are responsible for whatever they do or don't do.
It may be there or it may need changed. Policy and procedures have to be in place and enforced. Whatever is done when they are back home is their problem unless it comes to the attention of the leadership and reflects upon the US House.
Look, I'm not excusing any of these guys. I think the emphasis has to be on better management by the leadership, that's all. I believe Speaker Hastert's explanations and I do not think he did anything wrong other than having tougher standards in place. I'm also realistic enough to know this whole thing might have not been preventable if the people involved were intent on causing the problem and issue. But, if that's the case, I hope they are charged and jailed for their actions if it harmed the US House or its members.
Too long an answer but I'm not sure how to shorten it.