DO IT FOR THE CHILDREN

TOM REYNOLDS

I know that this happened a few days ago, but I wanted to note it so that Tom Reynolds would be included as a candidate for FIVE WORST PEOPLE this coming Friday (and man, is this week gonna be a toughie to whittle down to just five).
For those of you not in-the-know, Congressman Tom Reynolds (R-NY) is the chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee (his main job being that the GOP retains control of the House). He's taken quite a hit over the last few days, and rightfully so, for his role (which was basically a classic "Cover Your Ass" strategy) in the Mark Foley controversy. From the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle:

The congressman said that like anyone who hears a complaint about a co-worker, he alerted his supervisor, in this case House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill. "I don't think I went wrong at all," said Reynolds. "I don't know what else I could have done. What's a good citizen to do?"

Oh, I don't know; how about a little FOLLOW-UP!? You know, since you're taking money from the guy, to the tune of $100,000 this past July, which, by the way, he refuses to part with, saying that "Foley raised the money in an honorable way". Oh, so long as it's honorable, then we're cool? Is that how it works? Well, perhaps I could get some serial killers and rapists to donate some cash, just so long as it's honorable. Does anyone have the number to Idi Amin? Oh wait, he's dead. So much for that.

Anyway, the main point of this post was to draw attention to Reynolds' use of children as a human shield in order to divert the media from being able to ask pertinent questions this past Tuesday. That is one classy bastard, isn't he?

Flanked by about 30 children of supporters and as many parents, Reynolds defended his actions at a news conference late Monday in Amherst.
...
When a reporter suggested to Reynolds that the children step outside in order to have a frank discussion of the sexually charged case, Reynolds declined.

Yes, Tom, far be it from you to actually have to face tough questions. Instead, let's hide behind children. Can you imagine that meeting beforehand?

Tom: Jeez, I really don't want to have to face those reporters. All they'll want to talk about is that damn Foley.

Aide: Well, we could get some children of supporters to stand next to you.

Tom: You mean, like some sort of little kid shield?

Aide: Yeah, that'll be perfect! That way the press won't be able to get down to the nitty-gritty of the controversy.

Tom: Hey, that's a good idea. Can we russle up some kiddies quick? Get some cute ones, oh and make sure they're all white. The press loves little white kids.

Aide: Oh, sir! You're so funny! As if we actually have any black supporters!

Tom: Yeah, that was a pretty good one. Now go get me some fodder, oh I mean, "supporters".

And... scene.