American Republic Online

Former Representative Mark Foley is now saying he was abused by a clergyman as a teenager.  I'm sure everyone else is having the same reaction as I did: your eyes are probably going to be permanently locked in the up-right position.  But this leads me to another point: these stories/accusations are becoming so prevalent that we react more against the messanger than the message. (note: this is not a vindication for Foley.) 

For example, the other day I was approached by a vagrant (urban outdoorsman for the politically incorrect) who asked me for some change.  I gave him a couple bucks, but was plagued with doubt regarding my actions.  Why was he out begging for cash?  We have been inundated with stories about how panhandlers make more money than working a job.  Was this true in his case?  Was he just trying to take advantage of people's generosity like so many of the Katrina evacuees did?  I'm then frustrated by my own cynicism. 

Or, take another example: protesting.  Having spent many years on college campuses, I have seen countless "protests."  Each time, the value I placed on them diminished: everyone is protesting everything.  They carry less and less weight.

Returning to our original example: how many people have been abused by clergy? And how many are Abigail Williams?  It is sad and frustrating that a serious issue must be taken with such a large grain of salt.