If the initial news regarding the online behavior of Congressman Foley was not disturbing enough, now it appears that some, possibly even House Speaker Hastert, were aware of the allegiations and failed to pursue the matter (CNN). It is always a horrible thing when those in the public trust (educators, clergy, elected officials) take advantage of their positions and turn out to be perpetrators. Worse yet in this case, others in authority appear to have excused the inappropriate behavior of their colleagues.
I wonder if there is a message in this situations that our legislators should consider? Technological barriers are not likely to be the key to confronting the realities of online victimization. Superivsion and education are crucial. In this case, our leaders supervisory skills seem to be somewhat lax. Perhaps the recognition of a problem requires that the complaint involve someone of the other party.
