The Foley scandal’s ripple effect

Re “Foley Saga No Shock to Some,” Oct. 3

What I hope people remember as this story unfolds is the fact that Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) comes from the holier-than-thou Republican Party -- the “family values” people. I’ve already heard the spin: how this could happen to either side, and Foley is just a bad apple. But it’s the Republicans, not the Democrats, who have set themselves up as the “moral” party, telling us all how we should behave.

In light of this most recent incident, as well as the shameful alleged coverup by the GOP leadership and all the current corruption investigations and resignations, the only question is: How long will people continue to be duped by the Republican Party’s hypocrisy?

ALISON STEWARD

Downey

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Re “Editorial Urges Hastert to Quit,” Oct. 3

Even more reprehensible than Foley’s actions is the inaction of House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) and the House Republican leadership. The Republican Party bills itself as the party of national security, but it can’t even be trusted to protect a congressional page from a terrorist of a different sort. Shame.

KEVIN AUSTIN

Los Angeles

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Re “Scandalous all around,” editorial, Oct. 3

Regarding his discovery of sexually suggestive e-mails from Foley to underage boys, Rep. Thomas Reynolds (R-N.Y.) said: “I did what most of us would have done in the workplace. I heard something, I took it to my supervisor.” Wrong, Mr. Reynolds. Most of us, when confronted with potential child exploitation, would go to the police, and that’s what you should have done. That you didn’t is very troubling, necessitates your resignation and those of anyone else who knew about the e-mails and ought to subject you to criminal prosecution.

DANIEL BREZENOFF

Long Beach