Talk:Foley

I removed the description of Mark Foley as a "child molester" and replaced it with the word and link to "ephebophile." One must make a distinction between sexual attraction to children and to postpubescent adolescents. Also, the word ephebophile indicates sexual interest in, but does not necessarily imply that a sexual act has taken place. So far, as the scandal is unfolding, there is not any indication that he has been sexually involved with teenage boys beyond online chat. CharlesKiddell 01:11, 5 October 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Someone removed the word "ephebophile" with the comment "neither is appropriate until he has been found guilty of something." Au Contraire, ephebophilia is not a crime, it is a personality trait, and has been conclusively demonstrated in this case. Under U.S. law it would be a crime if he acted on it. There may be a crime if he stalked or "groomed" minors online. Nonetheless, "ephebophile" in retrospect a silly thing to put next to his name. It was just better than "child molester." Better would be to put something referring to the scandal on the line. I'll wait and see if someone can craft the right short phrase. I'll do it myself in a few days if no-one does. CharlesKiddell 02:39, 5 October 2006 (UTC)[reply]

"US Congressman" will suffice, I think. It's enough to distinguish him from the other Foleys on the list, and the current controversy can be addressed in his article. -- Merope ^Talk 02:54, 5 October 2006 (UTC)[reply]