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Rep Busted by Gawker Warned of Internet Dangers

Chris Lee penned op-ed about online predators

By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff

Posted Feb 10, 2011 6:42 AM CST

(Newser) – How’s this for irony: Chris Lee, the married ex-Congressman who resigned after Gawker busted him trolling for women on Craigslist, penned an op-ed all about "the dangers of the Internet" in 2009. Gawker points to the piece, originally printed in the Tonawanda News; it focuses on legislation Lee helped to pass that educates students on Internet safety. Lee—who used his real name and email address when sending half-naked pictures of himself to a woman he met via the site—warns in the op-ed that “private information and images can so easily be transmitted to friends and strangers alike.”

“Responding to what may seem like a friendly email or an appealing marketing offer can have serious consequences,” Lee warns. He goes on to note “alarming trends” like: “Seven in 10 teens regularly receive personal messages online from people they don't know. Sixty-four percent post photos or videos of themselves, while 58% post info about where they live.” Fortunately, due to the legislation he helped pass, “schools will have the ability to educate students about appropriate online behavior." Notable aside: Sources tell Politico that John Boehner warned Lee and several other junior GOP lawmakers last year to stop partying with female lobbyists.

In this image provided by the US House of Representatives, Rep. Christopher Lee, R-NY, is seen in Washington.
In this image provided by the US House of Representatives, Rep. Christopher Lee, R-NY, is seen in Washington.   (AP Photo/House of Representatives)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 10 comments
T-MAN
Feb 11, 2011 6:47 AM CST
Oh no, another GOP congressman in a sexual scandal. Who would have guessed. Keep up the family values GOP. No class, pin-up boy.
Pamdouble07
Feb 10, 2011 2:10 PM CST
Just ANOTHER classic example, of a man living his life, led by his man parts. What an idiot :/
WallyEFunk
Feb 10, 2011 11:39 AM CST
Fox news have went to the left. Makes a point of him been Republican,Or hopeandchange is wrong that the GOP is being picked on? "Republican Chris Lee Quits House in Internet Scandal" http://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/2011/02/10/republican-chris-lee-quits-house-internet-scandal/
 

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