No, what it demonstrates is that Hastert did not have any knowledge of the actual content of the emails, and was not in a position to comment, as I read it - the family of the former page in question contacted their Congressman, who in turn took their concerns to Congressman Reynolds, who brought it to the attention of the Speaker.
It would be safe to say that there are so many allegations that fly around the House of improper conduct each and every day that it cannot be expected for the Speaker to have detailed knowledge of each and every one. That is why he designates and delegates other members to look into things like this.
The fact is, Foley betrayed his trust, to the Nation, to the House, to his fellow (former) Members, and to his Constituents. He should be investigated and if he appears to have broken federal and/or state laws, should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, with the maximum sentence possible, because as someone who cozied up with John Walsh of "America's Most Wanted" in past efforts to allegedly protect America's children, this is a horrible example of hypocrisy and if found guilty, Foley needs to be made an example of.
I'm curious to see what comment (if any) Walsh has to make tonight on his program.
Hastert last night was denying that he even knew about the situation though. Today Reynolds stated that he informed Hastert. The best light is that Hastert decided not to find out what was going on, and buried his head in the sand. That is the best spin.
I agree that Foley should be prosecuted to the max.
That's why we should have "moral" individuals voted into office in our Federal, State, City, & Local Governments. Of course finding them to run would be the biggest task since morality in this nation is almost taboo, it's already censored - i.e. NBC censoring parts of a kids program because it "might offend some". The program censored of some it's comments? "Veggie Tales". I guess this says it all, doesn't it! BUT, they find nothing wrong when: NBC doesn't hesitate to offend Christians by showing Madonna mocking the crucifixion of Christ. Neither do not mind offending Christians in their new program Studio 60 with a segment called Crazy Christians.
No, what it demonstrates is that Hastert did not have any knowledge of the actual content of the emails, and was not in a position to comment, as I read it - the family of the former page in question contacted their Congressman, who in turn took their concerns to Congressman Reynolds, who brought it to the attention of the Speaker.
It would be safe to say that there are so many allegations that fly around the House of improper conduct each and every day that it cannot be expected for the Speaker to have detailed knowledge of each and every one. That is why he designates and delegates other members to look into things like this.
So what did the "other members" find?
These are extremely serious allegations, and when confronted Foley admitted to part of them. That should have triggered a full-scale investigation.
It looks like the House leaders had several months, at least half a year, to investigate. Did they? Whatdid ABC do that Congress was unable to do?
If it comes out that Hastert or any of the other House leaders decided not to investigate, or put the investigation on the back burner to get past the election, then they must be forced to resign as well for sheltering this sick freak.