Foley mess

U.S. Sens. Robert Menendez, D-Hoboken; and Frank Lautenberg, D-Cliffside Park; and U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews, D-Haddon Heights, must press House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., to tender his resignation immediately. Hastert and other Republicans in the House appear to have been covering up former U.S. Rep. Mark Foley's alleged sexual advances toward teenagers for years. Only the Democrats and the American people have been sandbagged. In response to his indefensible handling of an alleged child predator, Hastert whined that liberals were out to "get to me." Meanwhile, Hastert's idea of taking care of something means to sweep it under the rug. Eleven months ago, Hastert and House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio, discussed the Foley matter when fresh allegations surfaced, according to recent television reports. President Bush said we should still trust Hastert because he's a father. What parent would be lulled into inaction by concerns that election campaigns might be affected. Affect campaigns indeed! The children of America are the victims of those complicit in not bringing Foley's actions to light. Even the conservative Washington Times called for Hastert to resign the speaker's post immediately. Meanwhile, Bill O'Reilly's show labeled Foley a Democrat on Wednesday. The O'Reilly Factor ran an ad for two segments on Wednesday on Fox and displayed it three times. This should be a firing offense. Look for the ad at www.crooksandliars.com. Because of this egregious and deceitful smear, Democrats will lose countless votes come November. Harry J Conrow, Collingswood - Published in the Courier Post, October 6, 2006