2006-10-04 05:25:19 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
Foley isn't an offensive name - Not at all.
And no, from what we know so far, he hasn't had sex with any 16 year olds.
2006-10-04 05:28:20 · update #1
Technically, the term would be "ephebophilia", which is sexual attraction to postpubescent adolescents. "Pedophilia" is a sexual attraction to prepubescent children.
But, whatever term you use, it doesn't make it right.
2006-10-04 05:38:55 · answer #1 · answered by Mutt 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
A 16-year old is a minor, so, yes, Foley's conduct with these pages (lord only knows how many there have been) is/was against the law. And since the e-mails Foley sent to these pages were sexual in nature, that would make Foley a pedophile. Underage is underage. Particularly for someone in Foley's position, he KNEW better! Makes you wonder if Foley ever happened to watch any of the Dateline "To Catch a Predator" shows.
Foley is an excellent example of why I find it so difficult to trust people involved in politics. So many politicians engage in illegal and/or unethical behavior, only to have their actions covered-up - until they blow-up.
Any way you slice it - Foley is a pedophile.
2006-10-04 06:01:05 · answer #2 · answered by loveblue 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Andy said it best: we have to look at the whole scene. Even if this kid WAS "willing" to participate in Foley's sickness (and it IS a mental disease!), that doesn't let Foley off the hook! Just because some states allow sex between adults and teens does not make it morally right or in any way healthy for the child!
Some states allow open liquor containers in moving vehicles. Does that mean you should drink and drive?! NO!
Having worked w/teens for many years, as a teacher, I can state, firmly, that hardly any are equipped to give consent to sex with each other and know all the possible consequences, much less sex with a sick adult!
2006-10-04 05:33:08 · answer #3 · answered by SieglindeDieNibelunge 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
No it's not!! If any grown person who takes advantage of a child, whether a boy or a girl (under 16 or 17, depending on the sexual consent laws in each state), deserves to be called a pedophile! As in the case with the scandal engulfing Mark Foley, it fits the bill correctly! Foley will have to live with that label stuck with him for the rest of his stinking life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-10-04 05:46:20 · answer #4 · answered by brian 2010 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Isn't Foley suppose to be from a party that claims moral Christian values? I hardly doubt that this qualifies as that. He claims he was abused by clergymen as a kid. He should know better than to do the same to someone else. He should know from his own personal experience what it does to a child. And yes, a 16 year old is still legally a child. I wouldn't use the word pedophilia, but who knows how far he would have gone if not caught. There are other words I would use, like sick, disturbed, hypocracy, etc....
2006-10-04 05:33:52 · answer #5 · answered by This Is Not Honor 4 · 4⤊ 2⤋
Excuse me, this amounts to sexual harassment and pedophilia no matter how you cut it. Foley was in the position of power over the teen, who did not want the communication and made that clear by complaing. Foley kept harassing him.
2006-10-04 05:30:16 · answer #6 · answered by Big Bear 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
According to Wikipedia: "The generally accepted medical definition, the term pedophile is used colloquially to denote significantly older adults who are sexually attracted to adolescents below the local age of consent." According to that definition, it applies to Foley.
2006-10-04 05:31:13 · answer #7 · answered by kathy_is_a_nurse 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Harsh, no. Foley should know better being a representative of the people.
2006-10-04 05:27:38 · answer #8 · answered by one voice 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Indeed. The age of consent is 16 in most states. But the disparity in age and the virtual status in loco parentis and the impossibility of informed consent make this sleazy, even if not illegal.
2006-10-04 05:27:59 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps it is. How about just mentioning that it is simply illegal, immoral, hypocritical of Foley, disgustingly adulterous (because he's married) and a disgrace to his party and a major black eye on our government?
2006-10-04 05:31:26 · answer #10 · answered by Doc Watson 7 · 3⤊ 1⤋
It depends on the state. For example the legal age in Louisiana is 17.
2006-10-04 05:27:42 · answer #11 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋