Yarmuth on Foley

John Yarmuth released a statement on the Mark Foley scandal.

“The initial disclosure of Mark Foley’s despicable behavior toward children on Capitol Hill was disturbing enough. The discovery that Congressional leadership had known about his suspicious activities for up to five years transformed this sorry episode into a conspiracy of silence. But now as Republican leaders in Congress make excuses and change the subject, this abomination continues to sink to unbelievably low depths.

“It is not enough that Mark Foley no longer has access to young male pages. It is not enough to slap the hands of the leaders who protected him. Certainly any person who enabled this sexual predator to interact with children in the Capitol has no business enacting the laws of this country. But moreover, they have no business walking freely in our society.

“I am calling on the leaders of this country to conduct a criminal investigation, not only into the actions of Mark Foley, but into the conspiracy that allowed him to continue preying on children.

“I am also calling on Anne Northup to join me in condemning her colleague and seeking justice. I cannot fathom how it is possible for her to have gone on record with no comment over an offense such as this one. Never before has there been more vivid evidence of Anne Northup’s lack of independence from the White House - which called this a mere case of ‘naughty emails’ - and the Republican leaders who allowed these deeds to take place.

“And today, I am calling for the resignation and criminal investigation of Speaker Dennis Hastert. He is third in line to the Presidency and a key figure in this cover up. Anne Northup, he is your leader. I ask that you join me and show the courage, integrity, and independence that we expect from our leaders. Throughout this campaign you have avoided talking about the issues, but ‘no comment’ needs to end now. This is too important for that. Join me in an effort to rise above the political fray and make the Capitol and our country safe from sexual predators and those who enable them.

Nicely said, John!