A Betrayal

The recently uncovered indiscretions of ex-Congressman Mark Foley has caused a furor among Catholic priests across the United States. Many U.S. priestly pedophiles have vowed to seek recourse in the U.S. Supreme Court, if necessary, claiming that Foley violated the Constitutional premise of separation of Church and State. Pedophilia, once the express dominion of Catholic clergy, has now entered the political arena via the Congressional efforts of Mr. Foley. Now the clergy no longer can claim the right of sole media attention grabber as the despicable acts have now reached the hallowed halls of Congress.

Like the tip of an iceberg protruding above the waters, the real issues rest much deeper , submerged in the bottom murky waters of depravity. A broadening trend takes hold . Pedophiles are average looking people exhibiting various shapes, sizes, genders, religious affiliations and political ideologies. None should be held in contempt for any reason other than the perversity itself. Whether it be the clergy/altar boy/student, the public servant/subordinate, the family member/child all share a common denominator: betrayal of trust.

The passage of laws to protect children from the abuser are not in themselves the panacea. While many a case becomes public knowledge, many more go undetected and many more are covered up. The perpetrator is given a free ride by his colleagues in the hope that he or she will see the light and end their reprehensible behavior. Counseling is sought. The offender speaks of childhood woes. Profess to be gay, thereby giving the actions a certain degree of legitimacy. But from what we have witnessed, the recidivism rates are high.

We would be naïve to accept as true that all abuse of children will someday be nonexistent. But in order to protect the children, measures must be undertaken to assure that one will think twice before helping an old friend or associate. For these so called friends also betray the trust of those needing help.