Foley Links Conduct To Alleged Molestation By Clergy (America, catholic)

[Booko]

Originally Posted by Djamila

I suppose alcoholism is the most acceptable vice among their base. That's the same everywhere you go. Muslim policians in Bosnia blame everything on their war experiences, Roman Catholics blame it on dealing with Orthodox Christians, Orthodox Christians blame it on frustration with Muslim nationalists.

Women blame EVERYTHING on men. Hajrija Ismic accepted bribes from a Saudi company and when she got busted, she said she didn't dare say no to a man?

<<Plus ca change, la meme chose>> eh?

That's a very funny story about Hajrija Ismic...if a man had tried to hand her a cobra instead of cash, I suppose she would've accepted it?

[Booko]

Originally Posted by lizskid

This will get uglier before it goes away, and it will end up being more the gay and lesbian community that pays than Foley. The scene is set. This will not play out well.

Unfortunately, I suspect you're right about this.

But take a little hope out of it. The more a light is shown on the homophobia, the more they will permanently damage their changes of getting votes from at least some people, ever.

I've heard several pretty moderate folks say things like, "I'm just done with them...permanently."

Poll workers talk a *lot* when the polls are empty of voters.

Also, you'd be surprised what voters say to us when they're the only voter there and campaigning in the polling place isn't an issue.

[lunamoth]

I certainly would not excuse Foley from this harmful behavior, and just becasue his behavior did not reach the point of physical molestation does not mean it's not a violation or abuse of the teens...but...

I don't think it's right either to equate his actions with rape and call for punishment just short of the death penalty. He was escalating in risk-taking behavior which could be a cry for help, wanting his actions to be found out. Even when we consciously do things we know are wrong it's a sign of health that we do things to bring attention to our own misconduct. We need help but can't ask for it. I would not be so quick to write off the fact that Foley was abused as a teen himself. Again, it is not an excuse and he will be held accountable for his own actions...but in a way he has done something to stop this cycle of abuse. He's going to lose his job, he's certainly sacrificed his reputation and seems to be making an honest attempt to step into the light.

I'm personally disgusted that he's (or his spin-doctors) decided to link his behavior to his homosexuality and substance abuse problems... I think the comments in this thread accurately assess what the fallout of these actions will be: pathetic and not good for anyone except those with an agenda to stop gay marriage.

Even though everything else around this situation seems to be burning, this is about human fallibility, falleness and failure; illness, not evil.

2 (unpopular I'm sure) c,
luna

[Djamila]

Originally Posted by Booko

<<Plus ca change, la meme chose>> eh?

That's a very funny story about Hajrija Ismic...if a man had tried to hand her a cobra instead of cash, I suppose she would've accepted it?

She has three horrid, snobby children, each with a different father, so people didn't argue with her too much.

[Booko]

Originally Posted by lunamoth

I'm personally disgusted that he's (or his spin-doctors) decided to link his behavior to his homosexuality and substance abuse problems... I think the comments in this thread accurately assess what the fallout of these actions will be: pathetic and not good for anyone except those with an agenda to stop gay marriage.

Even though everything else around this situation seems to be burning, this is about human fallibility, falleness and failure; illness, not evil.

2 (unpopular I'm sure) c,
luna

I suspect many of the extremely strong reactions are due to the hypocrisy on the part of politicians, which seems to be ongoing. The latest news is that leadership had been warned as much as 3 years ago.

I must say, I am less sympathetic to Foley and his problems due to his trying to hide behind rehab and some supposed alcohol problems, rather than just saying something like, "Wow, I messed up and it's obvious I now need to go fix my problems."

I can understand that being abused would potentially put him in a position like this, but for goodness sake, is the man so dimwitted he doesn't get that doing public work to "prevent abuse of children" might put him in the spotlight?

I would prefer to see this entire situation start a public dialogue on the subject of, say, availability of mental health care to victims of child sexual abuse. So many of these things, Foley, recent school shootings, etc., seem like they could have been prevented.

[Victor]

Originally Posted by Djamila

I would. Sexual crimes against children all come from the same dark place.

Which is?
*drum roll*

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by Booko

I can understand that being abused would potentially put him in a position like this, but for goodness sake, is the man so dimwitted he doesn't get that doing public work to "prevent abuse of children" might put him in the spotlight?

I read that as part of his subconscious call for help. Don't you think it's interesting that he did things that would shine a greater light on the very behavior he knew was wrong but engaged in himself? The first step in healing is to come into the light.

[lunamoth]

Originally Posted by Booko

I would prefer to see this entire situation start a public dialogue on the subject of, say, availability of mental health care to victims of child sexual abuse. So many of these things, Foley, recent school shootings, etc., seem like they could have been prevented.

Forgot to respond to this part: yes, I agree.

luna