To the editor:

Where has the morality gone? Our elected representatives should strive to be honest, law-abiding beacons of morality, always erring on the side of caution and prudence. This is what the average citizen expects from our elected officials.

Over the last week, Americans have watched the disreputable dealings of the Republican congressional leadership come to light following six-term congressman and former deputy whip Rep. Mark Foley’s resignation. Foley’s communications with at least one male teenage page were sexually suggestive, explicit and wholly inappropriate. All the while he served as leader of the House caucus on missing and exploited children, needless to point out the hypocrisy. It appears the Republican leadership knew of these inappropriate communications since fall 2005, demonstrating nearly a year of complacency and inaction. This is unacceptable behavior from the Republican Party and leadership.

Over the last several years, we have watched scandal after scandal within the Republican-held Congress, always forgiving and sending Republicans back to their seat of power. Are we gluttons for punishment, or do we just have low standards?

To this average citizen some things are unforgivable; the safety of our children must come before all politics. America’s youth is our most valuable resource. Unlike the Republican leadership demonstrated, I believe no government official should place political prerogatives before the health and safety of any child. We have all seen the result of the incumbent Republican Legislature; and in this election, we must question which party we really agree with.

Jake Cornett,

Lawrence