# Rep. Mark Foley resigns over e-mails to teenage boys -- repercussions? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [September 30, 2006, 2:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735 "2006-09-30T14:28:02Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![Evil\_Captor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/f17d59/32.png) [@Evil\_Captor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_Captor)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2006, 10:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/41 "2006-09-30T22:54:06Z")
[QUOTE=Wee Bairn] Any chance this will make Republicans more tolerant of homosexuality? [/QUOTE] :::Checks ass for flying monkeys.::: No. ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2006, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/42 "2006-09-30T22:57:04Z")
[QUOTE=Wee Bairn] Any chance this will make Republicans more tolerant of homosexuality? [/QUOTE] You _are_ a Wee Bairn, aren’tcha? 🙂 Doing that would destroy them as a political force. ---
**Author:** ![Revtim](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/revtim/32/1042_2.png) [@Revtim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Revtim)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2006, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/43 "2006-09-30T23:02:39Z")
I can only see this making them less tolerant. “Trust a homo? Are you kidding? Look what happened with Foley!” ---
**Author:** ![DoctorJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/doctorj/32/2904_2.png) [@DoctorJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DoctorJ)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2006, 11:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/44 "2006-09-30T23:14:44Z")
> [@](#): > > What’s this feeling? This strange, beautiful emotion? Is it…schadenfreude? Could it be? I’ve always called this particular sensation “Thurmondfreude”, ever since the revelation of Strom’s biracial kid. > [@](#): > > I think things look especially bad for the credibility of John Boehner. He’s gone from “I told Hastert and he assured me that it was being taken care of” to “I don’t remember if I told Hastert’s staff” to “I definately did not tell Hastert.” I’m not sure how he’s going to explain that one, unless there is some very serious confusion over different but similar events. Not to mention that no matter what he says now, the only proper thing to do when you become aware of something like this is to pass it on to the proper authorities and _document the hell out of the fact that you did so_. IIRC, Boehner is a lawyer, so he’d be the first one to tell you that if you didn’t document it, you didn’t do it. If he can’t end the hem-hawing and produce some documentation of just exactly who he told what, that in itself looks horrible. ---
**Author:** ![the\_PC\_apeman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ac8455/32.png) [@the\_PC\_apeman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_PC_apeman)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2006, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/45 "2006-09-30T23:37:25Z")
So the Republicans have seven days to name a replacement candidate but his name will not be on the ballot. Rep. Foley’s name will remain on the ballot and all Foley votes will go to the replacement. You’re the replacement. How do you campaign? I imagine you don’t want to mention Foley at all. But what do you say? Vote for me [sub]even though my name’s not on the ballot.[/sub] Vote for me [sub]by marking Foley.[/sub] ---
**Author:** ![parsnip](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/parsnip/32/4564_2.png) [@parsnip](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/parsnip)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2006, 11:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/46 "2006-09-30T23:45:04Z")
I was a majority bench page almost 30 years ago, so the story really caught my attention. I was fascinated by the Wikipedia article which was up to date at 9:00 am EST the day after he resigned, and the long entry on “capitol pages” which is linked. The W article on the resignation has a lot more details than what appeared on the AP wire and my local (national) paper. ---
**Author:** ![Bob\_Scene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Bob\_Scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bob_Scene)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/47 "2006-10-01T00:08:38Z")
[QUOTE=levdrakon] But what was the crime? Solicitation? Solicitation of what? Did he actually ask for sex, or just talk dirty? [/QUOTE] Here’s an excerpt from a chat he supposedly had with an underage boy: > [@](#): > > Maf54: You in your boxers, too? > Teen: Nope, just got home. I had a college interview that went late. > Maf54: Well, strip down and get relaxed. > > Another message: > > Maf54: What ya wearing? > Teen: tshirt and shorts > Maf54: Love to slip them off of you. > > And this one: > > Maf54: Do I make you a little horny? > Teen: A little. > Maf54: Cool. [The website that’s on](http://blogs.abcnews.com/theblotter/2006/09/exclusive_the_s.html) goes on to say, “The language gets much more graphic, too graphic to be broadcast, and at one point the congressman appears to be describing Internet sex.” ---
**Author:** ![levdrakon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/49beb7/32.png) [@levdrakon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/levdrakon)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/48 "2006-10-01T00:38:32Z")
[QUOTE=Bob Scene] [A]t one point the congressman appears to be describing Internet sex." [/QUOTE] That part makes me giggle. What is “Internet sex?” But this part is more of what I was looking for: > [@](#): > > “Adds up to soliciting underage children for sex,” said Brad Garrett, a former FBI agent and now an ABC News consultant. “And what it amounts to is serious both state and federal violations that could potentially get you a number of years.” But I’m still not clear on a couple things. By “internet sex” do they mean cyber-sex? Is that what’s illegal, and is that what Foley did? When they say “adds up to soliciting underage children for sex” are they talking about the cyber-sex, or are they talking about the un-broadcastable portions of their IM & email exchanges which we haven’t seen but in which Foley was clearly asking this kid to have real life sex with him? Is cyber-sex with a minor a crime? I thought you had to solicit actual real life sex with a minor or transmit pornography to a minor. ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/49 "2006-10-01T01:50:30Z")
Well, you know, since they can’t reproduce, they have to recruit… ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 1:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/50 "2006-10-01T01:57:28Z")
The whole question of cyber-sex takes us into a whole new arena for our twisted wants and needs. For instance, I recoil at the very idea of child porn, and would vigorously prosecute anyone who used children for such purposes. But what if the porn is produced by computer graphics without any actual involvement by children? And if you pay someone to talk dirty to you while you strangle Mr. Johnson, is she engaged in prostitution? Does it make any difference if a man is talking dirty to you? Or someone _pretending_ to be a child? It sort of takes a “victimless crime” to another level. ---
**Author:** ![Bob\_Scene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Bob\_Scene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bob_Scene)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 2:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/51 "2006-10-01T02:15:53Z")
Can’t speak for other states or the federal government, but if someone over the age of 17 in Texas had sent those e-mails or messages to someone under the age of 17, they would be guilty of “Online solicitation of a minor.” Unfortunately, [the state’s website](http://tlo2.tlc.state.tx.us/statutes/pe.toc.htm) is set up in such a way that I can’t link to the law directly, but it says: > [@](#): > > A person who is 17 years of age or older commits an > offense if, with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire > of any person, the person, over the Internet or by electronic mail > or a commercial online service, intentionally: > (1) communicates in a sexually explicit manner with a > minor… Saying, “Do I make you a little horny” can’t be construed as anything other than intending to arouse sexual desire, so I think that what Foley is accused of doing would be illegal in Texas. Also, in answer to one of **elucidator’s** questions, what Foley allegedly did would have been illegal in Texas if he had been communicating with someone of any age that he believed to be under 17. ---
**Author:** ![Apos](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/838e76/32.png) [@Apos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Apos)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 3:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/52 "2006-10-01T03:30:58Z")
It’s fascinating to watch all these guys tattling on each other. Apparently, when someone solicits a minor for cybersex, they’ll keep it under their hats. But if another Congressman tries to lay the bad trip on you, well then OPEN THE GATES OF TELL ALL!!! ---
**Author:** ![elucidator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/8edcca/32.png) [@elucidator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/elucidator)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/53 "2006-10-01T03:49:12Z")
For those interested in a constantly updated source, _Daily Kos_ is keeping pace with it. At: [http://www.dailykos.com/](http://www.dailykos.com/) (Lefty site, tighty rightys advised: Shields up!) Theres stuff on there currently that I’m pretty sure hasn’t made its way here, like who said what to whom when, and who didn’t. And nuggest such as these: > [@](#): > > …Representative Christopher Shays, Republican of Connecticut, said any leader who had been aware of Mr. Foley’s behavior and failed to take action should step down. “If they knew or should have known the extent of this problem, **they should not serve in leadership** ,” Mr. Shays said… (Emphasis added with sombre gravity) ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_One](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/45deac/32.png) [@Evil\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_One)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 4:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/54 "2006-10-01T04:36:08Z")
[QUOTE=Paul in Saudi] As I understand it, the appropriate committee made a hush-hush enquiry into the matter. It was not public as a child was involved. They asked the congresscritter if he did it, he said, ‘nope.’ End of investigation. Someone was on the radio this morning saying that Foley did not answer truthfully when asked. [/QUOTE] What really happened won’t matter to either side. We are five weeks away from the midterm election and most people who have even a passing interest in politics have long since chosen sides. Both sides will try to make hay and will end up preaching to their respective choirs. The only question is…who has the numbers? ---
**Author:** ![Triskadecamus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/b19c9b/32.png) [@Triskadecamus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Triskadecamus)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 4:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/55 "2006-10-01T04:52:09Z")
[QUOTE=Apos] Well, in Florida, they have this crazy proceedure by which they pass these things called “laws” which allow them to define what happens in these sorts of circumstances. [/QUOTE] Yeah, and if worse came to worse, they could take it to the Supreme Court. We all know how that works. Tris ---
**Author:** ![Squink](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/b5e925/32.png) [@Squink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Squink)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 5:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/56 "2006-10-01T05:36:21Z")
[QUOTE=Paul in Saudi] As I understand it, the appropriate committee made a hush-hush enquiry into the matter. It was not public as a child was involved. They asked the congresscritter if he did it, he said, ‘nope.’ End of investigation. [/quote] Perhaps _members_ of the committee made enquiries, but not the committee: > [@](#): > > Rep. Dale E. Kildee (Mich.), the only Democrat on the House Page Board, said yesterday: “I was never informed of the allegations about Mr. Foley’s inappropriate communications with a House page, and I was never involved in any inquiry into this matter.” GOP Leader Rebuts Hastert on Foley Reynolds: Speaker Knew of E-Mails in Spring ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 6:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/57 "2006-10-01T06:35:36Z")
[QUOTE=Squink] GOP Leader Rebuts Hastert on Foley Reynolds: Speaker Knew of E-Mails in Spring [/QUOTE] That link isn’t going where you think it’s going. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 6:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/58 "2006-10-01T06:36:32Z")
[QUOTE=Evil One] What really happened won’t matter to either side. We are five weeks away from the midterm election and most people who have even a passing interest in politics have long since chosen sides. Both sides will try to make hay and will end up preaching to their respective choirs. The only question is…who has the numbers? [/QUOTE] Well, beyond the partisan trainwreck, what Really Happened matters to me quite a lot: - What else don’t we know about what Rep. Perv (R-FL) was doing? Was he literally screwing pages in the House cloakroom? - Why, in 11 months since the someone found out about this stuff, was nobody trying to answer that question? - And is anyone trying answer those questions now? Were any other pages hurt/raped ? I don’t see anyone in this thread very interested in that question, and I find that disturbing. ---
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 6:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/59 "2006-10-01T06:42:35Z")
[QUOTE=squeegee] I don’t see anyone in this thread very interested in that question, and I find that disturbing. [/QUOTE] Please let me amend that from “this thread”, which is about repercussions, to “threads I’ve been reading”. I haven’t seem much concern for other kids, if any, who may have been hurt by this guy, and I think that’s a consideration that may be being overlooked. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2006, 6:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735/60 "2006-10-01T06:50:56Z")
[QUOTE=Apos] Interesting: the concerned women of America have been afer Foley for quite some time it seems: [http://www.cwfa.org/articles/4008/CFI/cfreport/](http://www.cwfa.org/articles/4008/CFI/cfreport/) I love the reference to the “nonhomosexual press.” I think that’s my new favorite name for the media. Except, of course, for the homosexual part of it. [/QUOTE] I couldn’t help thinking of [this Onion article.](http://www.theonion.com/content/node/30366) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/rep-mark-foley-resigns-over-e-mails-to-teenage-boys-repercussions/374735.md?page=4)