I agree that women’s accounts should be listened with respect & consideration. They should be taken seriously. But then, what exactly?

I had no problem believing Clarence Thomas harassed Anita Hill. Hell, of course he did. In my world, however, we probably wouldn’t have heard the story, because a stunning mediocrity like Thomas would never get have got close to the SCOTUS.

Same with Kavanaugh & Dr Ford. I believe her. But if I had any say over it, Kavanaugh wouldn’t have nominated to start with.

And lots of people believe that the Michaels should have been charged with homicide from day one, even some who perhaps are critical of #metoo &/or #believeher. Similarly Trump’s “pussy grabbing” put HRC ahead by 3 million votes. Only help from his friend Putin & an antiquated electoral college put Trump in office.

Granted due process & presumption of innocence properly belong only in courtrooms. Not necessarily in the court of public opinion. But I’m reminded of MAAD, how after it achieved success in persuading many states to increase penalties for DUIs, attorneys began to specialize in drunk driving cases, even advertising thus. Some MAAD leaders criticized this, insisting impaired motorists “step up & take responsibility” for their actions.

Well. Yes. In an ideal world that is what people would do.

In our world, however, success has consequences. When #believeher leads to more than just controversy, when people stand to lose jobs, their standing in the community, their families & even in some instances, their freedom, the call for “due process” intensifies. The stakes have risen. That doesn’t make it wrong, just more consequential.

So I agree with the basis theses presented here. It isn’t necessary to push the point with fallacies, e.g. the old saw about how men who report crimes are always taken seriously—just ask any insurance investigator if people don’t fake property crimes, assaults & even muggings (the last often seen a sign of gambling addiction).

Final point, I was a fat kid in school, with slow reflexes. A perfect target for bullies. I learned the hard way that most administrators would rather punish the kid who complains & upsets their workday than actually get off their asses & do something. I know what it’s like to go to school afraid. Not pretty. Sorry you had to endure that.