On the one hand, Link doesn't hesitate to second the view of Foley's communications with the pages as "sick" and "disgusting." Link even alludes to Foley as a "degenerate." But nowhere does Link seek to hold Foley responsible for his own action. To the contrary, here is Link's seminal conclusion:
"But what can one expect from denying grown men -- and women -- a normal, adult sex life?"
That's right, those repressive Republicans made him do it. Link suggests that the GOP's opposition to gay marriage, and its anti-deluvian attitudes toward homosexuality, force people like Foley into the closet where perversity festers. Link analogizes the Republican approach to that of the Catholic Church.
I'm not buying. Yes, our society is still working its way through the establishment of appropriate legal arrangements for gay unions. But if Link explains away Foley's fiasco entirely in terms of repressive Republican attitudes toward homosexuality, how does he account for similar heterosexual activity on the part of many men - including a recent Democratic president? Did Denny Hastert force Bill Clinton upon Monica?
Search Link's column in vain for one word holding Foley personally responsible.
