Rep Busted by Gawker Warned of Internet Dangers

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.