Hastert On The Instant Messages
As ABC News advances the story -- (Foley: "I'd drive a few miles for a hot stud like you") .... here's what Speaker Hastert said to cameras moments ago.
"The instant messages, reportedly between Congressman Foley and a former page sent in 2003, are vile and repulsive to me, and to my colleagues. No one in the Republican Leadership, nor Congressman Shimkus, saw those messages until last Friday when ABC News released them to the public. When they were released, Congressman Foley resigned. And I'm glad he did, if he had not, I would have demanded his expulsion from the House of Representatives."The page program is an important part of this institution. It has inspired many generations to enter public service. It is a trust, and as a parent and as the Speaker of the House, I am disgusted that Congressman Foley broke that trust. Anyone who had knowledge of these vile instant messages should have turned them over to authorities immediately so that kids could be protected.
"I repeat again, the Republican Leaders of the House did not have them. We have all said so. On the record. But someone did have them. And the ethics committee, the Justice Department, the news media - or anyone who can -- should help us find out who.
"Yesterday I sent a letter to the Attorney General requesting he investigate to what extent any federal laws were violated by Congressman Foley, and also to find out who might have known about the sexually explicit instant messages. I was pleased to read in the newspaper this morning that the FBI has begun to investigate.
"I also sent a letter yesterday to Governor Bush, requesting an investigation to determine what state laws were violated. And I am certain the state of Florida will take my request seriously.
"Today I have met with Congressman Shimkus who is the head of the page board to discuss what we can do to make sure this never happens again. This will not be my last meeting on this subject. I intend to get advice on how we can make this program as safe as possible.
"Since I've been Speaker we have moved aggressively to insure the safety of these kids. We constructed new living quarters with state of the art security systems. We have added even more adult supervision. But we obviously need to do more, including providing assistance to these kids after they return home. After all, this vile instant message exchange reportedly took place after the page had returned home. Moms and Dads all across America know what a challenge it is to monitor contact with their kids in this new world of instant communication and cyberspace. That is our challenge too.
"Over the weekend I asked the clerk to move aggressively to set up a hotline. So parents, grandparents, pages, former pages...anyone who has a concern about improper contact...can confidentially report improper contact. Our pages are already taught to bring any concerns to their adult supervisor; but this will be one more opportunity, especially for them after they leave the program.
"Before I turn over the microphone to Mr. Shimkus for his statement, let me add this.
"Congressman Foley duped a lot of people. He lied to Mr. Shimkus and he deceived his instate newspaper when they each questioned him. He deceived the good men and women in organizations around this country, with whom he worked to strengthen our child predator laws. I have known him for all the years he served in this House. He deceived me, too."
Can you imagine the thousands of politicians, business man, working men and woman that browse for "kids" in MySpace or so many outlets , when the kids are displaying themselves?
Well, this situation is shamefull and a disgrace for society, but is more shamefull to see so many teenagers "for sale" in the internet.
Is both ways, the Congressman did very wrong. But, so many men are doing so bad things over the internet when so many youngsters are so easy to "party, hook ups, dancing, dating, sex, drugs". Reality bites here. If we the adults are not big responsable, the younsters are getting worst , no morals, no ethics, no religion at schools, so in the future will be worst. Today so many people find easy way and money to put themselves easy to sell, that going to study and work hard and earn respect and a clean living standar.
Good for Mr. Hastert.
Bursatil@inbox.com
F* You Foley, and F* You Hastert for your cover up. If you knew about them in 2003 what took you so long. You JUST didnt have the messages until now, so what the heck no problem until you get them? You only heard about it in 2003! Thanks Hastert for your outstanding leadership and incredible ethics, you should go to ya prick!
Why didn't Speaker Hastert know? If a 50 year old man asked my kid for a pic, I'd at the very least find out what all else was going on. Did anybody ask the kid any questions? Does Rep. Hasrert have kids? A couple years back they said there was a male prostitue in the press room, asking easy questions. What the hell is going on in Washington DC?
This is a great example of Republican family values.
F* You Foley, and F* You Hastert for your cover up. If you knew about them in 2003 what took you so long.
The e-mails are not enough to boot somebody and he got a talking too. The IM's which he didnt have till ABC broke the story were enough thats why he is gone. Don't confuse the two. Please. The repubs will use this type of rant as anti-anything american and we cant lose overt his battle.
Many things to say. I will try.
We will never end pedophilia until we get those in power out and in prison. I would also like to add castrated but legaly I guess they have more rights than we do. read Justin Berry's testimony to the house. MArk Foley was a sponsor.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Berry
Put them all on an island together and let them do there thing with one another. Don't we have just ONE island for them. Isn't that what they did with the lepars?
We need your help. We need the media involved in this. Hansen started the ball rolling. Now all of you in good conscience please please help us to get those in power who are predators/pedophiles/child stalkers whathave you.
Get them out. You are the ones with the ball in your hands. Foley opened the door for you. Have a field day with it. We need the judges gone, the lawyers and anyone with power gone. Otherwise it will never end.
Hasert and any other need to step down. Not only step down but be investigated. What person would allow this to happen by closig his eyes unless he too is guilty of some perverted act. Another thing. Please find out why Foley's computer has not been confiscated from his home. At least we have not heard of it.
ALL computers should be confiscated.
FBI has had these since july. Nothing done. WHY?/ Do your research and you will see it is people in power.
thank you
This is a passion with me. I will fight this till the day I die till Something is done with these people.