Why the Foley Scandal Matters

I don't think it requires deep thought to figure this one out, but it's worth mentioning, because it's easy to conclude that this is just another example of the public's fascination with sex, especially gay sex. And, although the Republicans are doing a terrible job of framing the story that way, they'd love to have the media and the thinking public (i.e., the portion that's not fascinated with sex, especially gay sex) believe that sex is what it's all about. Fortunately, the public seems, at least so far, to be beyond that.

Still, let's take a moment to remember that what's significant here is that the House Republican leadership knew about Foley's antics for a considerable time--as long as three years, according to Kirk Fordham, Foley's former chief of staff and until a couple of days ago, a top aide to the chair of the National Republican Campaign Committee, Thomas Reynolds (R. NY). Yet the leadership did nothing except--maybe-- tell Foley (ineffectively) to back off. One thing that GOP leaders did not do was to make the story public (which would have burned one of the leaders of their "pro-family" agenda) or tell Democrats on the Page Board or the Ethics Committee. In other words, they covered up.

So, the American people are entitled to ask the Republican leaders: What other things do you know about that I would want to know (and ought to know), and why are you covering them up? Voters should also ask how they can be expected to trust Republican leaders who have failed so miserably in handling one of their own members.

Obvious? Yes. But also easy to forget in the welter of hyperventilation that is only beginning.