Posted by
Team Turk on Thursday, October 05, 2006 5:51:18 PM
In Washington and this profession, everything is political. Every occurrence has ramifications and consequences. It is extremely rare when a story cannot be spun, manipulated, or twisted. Disgraced Congressman Mark Foley’s resignation is the exception.
For two days, pundits and party loyalists have avoided commenting in lieu of an investigation. They have refused to discuss the matter while the Attorney General, the FBI, and the Florida State’s attorneys review it. Certain persons have even shunned discussing Foley to attack Democrats on matters such as Gerry Stubbs or Barney Franks’ prostitution ring.
We should attack Democrats on the latter. The Mark Foley instant message, e-mail, sex stalking of fifteen-year-olds is not the first scandal to infect Washington. It’s not even the first repugnant sex scandal. Democrats should be mindful of this before casting Republicans as a corrupt bunch who tried to cover up the molestation of pages. However, our attacks on Democrats cannot be the only sound bites.
Condemnation must be reticent. We cannot afford to sidestep questions. This is a situation which demands and requires outrage. Our officials, Congressman and Senators, cannot hide behind the word investigation. They cannot refuse to comment. The American people do not care about an investigation. Their stomachs are turning. For that matter, so is mine.
Anyone who is not disgusted by the actions of the former Congressman is not human. Foley committed a crime worse than selling his public office. He violated our slim public trust for gratification of the sickest kind. In every interview and answer, we must excoriate this pariah. The American people want our anger. If they are feeling as I am, they demand scorched earth.
I am not angry that we may lose an election. My anger is also not an attempt to direct my clients or any Republican. This rant is not about political strategy. I simply believe outrage should be our first priority. I also believe Mark Foley is a pathetic human being who deserves to rot.
I will leave who should resign and how this affects the base to someone else. I have opinions on that and I may share them. In the meantime, I say this to every Republican who will see a camera in the next week: Get mad!
Raymond Smalley