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A Nation Transfixed by the Kavanaugh Drama A Nation Transfixed by the Kavanaugh Hearing
(about 1 hour later)
To the Editor:To the Editor:
The Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on allegations of sexual misconduct involving Judge Brett Kavanaugh was a sickening moment for the nation. Christine Blasey Ford came across as a credible witness. Judge Kavanaugh sounded defiant, arrogant and entitled, and his refusal to endorse an F.B.I. investigation into Dr. Blasey’s allegations raised more doubts, at least among many of us who are already opposed to his nomination.
But with all that said, what’s most upsetting was how the hearing showcased our nation’s crippling irreconcilable differences and how it’s infected yet another component of democracy. The system from top to bottom is failing with this charade of a nomination process.
There will be no consensus in the end, no matter how things turn out for Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination. We will likely be even more divided as a nation than ever before, and for that fact alone, our collective hearts should be broken.
Cody LyonBrooklyn
To the Editor:
President Trump was right. The Kavanaugh-Blasey hearing is a total con job. It has 100 percent convinced me that an F.B.I. investigation into Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations is required. The president’s and the Republicans’ failure to follow normal procedures in this case is a rush to judgment and has the potential to put a sexual predator on the Supreme Court. Stop the confirmation process now and investigate these allegations properly!President Trump was right. The Kavanaugh-Blasey hearing is a total con job. It has 100 percent convinced me that an F.B.I. investigation into Christine Blasey Ford’s allegations is required. The president’s and the Republicans’ failure to follow normal procedures in this case is a rush to judgment and has the potential to put a sexual predator on the Supreme Court. Stop the confirmation process now and investigate these allegations properly!
Robert TormeyEscondido, Calif.Robert TormeyEscondido, Calif.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
As a rape survivor, I was shaking in my chair as Christine Blasey Ford described her assault. Having to testify at my rape trial was the most difficult thing that I have ever done in my life. My testimony lasted an entire day. Reliving the assault in vivid detail in front of strangers caused me to shake uncontrollably. I literally could not hold onto a glass of water.As a rape survivor, I was shaking in my chair as Christine Blasey Ford described her assault. Having to testify at my rape trial was the most difficult thing that I have ever done in my life. My testimony lasted an entire day. Reliving the assault in vivid detail in front of strangers caused me to shake uncontrollably. I literally could not hold onto a glass of water.
My testimony was only in front of jurors, a judge, my sister and my mother. My father was unable to attend the trial as it was too difficult for him.My testimony was only in front of jurors, a judge, my sister and my mother. My father was unable to attend the trial as it was too difficult for him.
I cannot imagine the strength it takes to do this live in front of the entire nation. I cry as I write this. Dr. Blasey is one of the strongest women I know.I cannot imagine the strength it takes to do this live in front of the entire nation. I cry as I write this. Dr. Blasey is one of the strongest women I know.
P.P.DenverThe writer’s full name is being withheld to protect her privacy.P.P.DenverThe writer’s full name is being withheld to protect her privacy.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
After Anita Hill’s sincere and very credible testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Clarence Thomas expressed righteous indignation at the proceeding, calling it a “high-tech lynching.” To Christine Blasey Ford’s sincere and very believable testimony, Judge Brett Kavanaugh has taken the same tack, expressing bitter outrage. After Anita Hill’s sincere and very credible testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee, Clarence Thomas expressed righteous indignation at the proceeding, calling it a “high-tech lynching.” To Christine Blasey Ford’s sincere and very believable testimony, Judge Brett Kavanaugh has taken the same tact, expressing bitter outrage.
It worked for Clarence Thomas in 1991. We’re about to see whether, 27 years later, it works for Judge Kavanaugh.It worked for Clarence Thomas in 1991. We’re about to see whether, 27 years later, it works for Judge Kavanaugh.
Charles MerrillNew YorkCharles MerrillNew York
To the Editor:To the Editor:
There are too many holes in Christine Blasey Ford’s story. How convenient that she cannot remember pertinent information like dates, locations and names of other people, like who drove her home. Those she did name say they remember nothing about this. I was watching live as Senator Chuck Grassley just nailed the last nail in the G.O.P. coffin. Mr. Grassley knew this would be the most watched moment of the year. He stumbled and growled his way through a poorly written, tone-deaf, petty, intemperate, belligerent and insensitive harangue. These men literally do not get it. Don’t. Can’t. Won’t.
Something happened to her, no doubt. But I think she is accusing the wrong person. How sad that all that needs to happen to destroy a good person is for someone to make an accusation that cannot be proven or corroborated. This is nothing but “he said, she said.”
No one has come forth to corroborate her story, but some have come forth to corroborate Brett Kavanaugh’s story. But I guess that doesn’t count. The Democrats have made a mockery of this whole confirmation process.
I feel very bad for what Judge Kavanaugh and his family have gone through, and for what? So the Democrats get to postpone the vote. We don’t know any more now than we did before.
Darlene BurnerMcKinney, Tex.
To the Editor:
I was watching live as Senator Chuck Grassley just put the last nail in the G.O.P. coffin. Mr. Grassley knew this would be the most watched moment of the year. He stumbled and growled his way through a poorly written, tone-deaf, petty, intemperate, belligerent and insensitive harangue. These men literally do not get it. Don’t. Can’t. Won’t.
The very fact that they had to resort to hiring a woman to do their dirty work because they don’t trust their own voices says it all. And now we know why.The very fact that they had to resort to hiring a woman to do their dirty work because they don’t trust their own voices says it all. And now we know why.
Jamie Farquhar MuellerShaker Heights, OhioJamie Farquhar MuellerShaker Heights, Ohio
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Over 250 law professors who are experts in gender violence, including me, sent a letter on Wednesday to Senators Mitch McConnell, John Cornyn and Chuck Grassley regarding the fundamental flaws in process in Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing. The letter begins:
“We write to express our profound concern about the plans for evaluating the allegations of Judge Kavanaugh’s sexual misconduct that have been announced to date, especially in light of recently emerging claims. The Senate should seek to review all available evidence, including witness testimony relating to all of the allegations raised, in order to evaluate both the competing accounts of underlying events and the nominee’s reflection on those accounts.
“The allegations should be fully and sensitively investigated by experts who are trained in trauma-informed interviewing techniques before the hearing is held. In this instance, as Dr. Ford has requested, the investigation should be performed by the F.B.I. There should be no rush in undertaking this important task. All those concerned both with the gravity of the allegations and the integrity of the court and our systems of governance should prioritize investigation over politics.”
Thursday’s hearing reinforces that the confirmation process would be well served by a full investigation by the F.B.I. Particularly given the recently revealed information about additional allegations, and the availability of witnesses who have not been permitted to appear before the committee, it is incumbent upon the committee to extend or continue the hearings and delay a vote until a thorough investigation of all allegations is completed.
Julie GoldscheidLong Island City, QueensThe writer is a professor at CUNY School of Law.
To the Editor:
I believe Christine Blasey Ford. Her testimony is credible. She passed a polygraph test. She is speaking despite grave fears with nothing to gain. She has sacrificed much and has been subjected to the most vitriolic name-calling and even death threats.I believe Christine Blasey Ford. Her testimony is credible. She passed a polygraph test. She is speaking despite grave fears with nothing to gain. She has sacrificed much and has been subjected to the most vitriolic name-calling and even death threats.
But that is not the point of these reflections. I am appalled by what I am seeing on social media and hearing from conservative pundits in the news. “Haven’t you ever been drunk in high school and done things that you regret?” “Haven’t you, after a few drinks, forced yourself on a woman?” It is as if some people on the right, who believe that Dr. Blasey is telling the truth, are justifying Brett Kavanaugh’s actions. “Boys will be boys,” the scoffers laugh.But that is not the point of these reflections. I am appalled by what I am seeing on social media and hearing from conservative pundits in the news. “Haven’t you ever been drunk in high school and done things that you regret?” “Haven’t you, after a few drinks, forced yourself on a woman?” It is as if some people on the right, who believe that Dr. Blasey is telling the truth, are justifying Brett Kavanaugh’s actions. “Boys will be boys,” the scoffers laugh.
Welcome to Donald Trump’s America. His election to the presidency is legitimizing machismo behavior, not just locker room rhetoric.Welcome to Donald Trump’s America. His election to the presidency is legitimizing machismo behavior, not just locker room rhetoric.
One commentator said: “There is a lesson here for young men. Be careful what you do when you are in high school, because it could come back to haunt you someday.” While that is true, is that the real lesson here? Why not teach our boys that attacking women is unacceptable regardless of your future endeavors?One commentator said: “There is a lesson here for young men. Be careful what you do when you are in high school, because it could come back to haunt you someday.” While that is true, is that the real lesson here? Why not teach our boys that attacking women is unacceptable regardless of your future endeavors?
I support Dr. Blasey and the countless nameless victims of sexual assault. Such acts of violence are never acceptable. Shame on those who think they are.I support Dr. Blasey and the countless nameless victims of sexual assault. Such acts of violence are never acceptable. Shame on those who think they are.
John Tamilio IIIBeverly, Mass.The writer is a pastor.John Tamilio IIIBeverly, Mass.The writer is a pastor.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
As a human resources professional, I have interviewed thousands of candidates. I can assure you that if someone yelled and cried during a job interview, as Judge Brett Kavanaugh did in his hearing, he or she would definitely not get a job offer — no matter the credentials. Over 250 law professors who are experts in gender violence, including me, on Wednesday sent a letter to Senators Mitch McConnell, John Cornyn and Chuck Grassley regarding the fundamental flaws in process in Judge Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing. The letter begins:
Judge Kavanaugh is interviewing for the position of Supreme Court justice. He does not have the temperament for the position and should not get the job. “We write to express our profound concern about the plans for evaluating the allegations of Judge Kavanaugh’s sexual misconduct that have been announced to date, especially in light of recently emerging claims. The Senate should seek to review all available evidence, including witness testimony relating to all of the allegations raised, in order to evaluate both the competing accounts of underlying events and the nominee’s reflection on those accounts.
Jan Mowder HughesGarrison, N.Y. “The allegations should be fully and sensitively investigated by experts who are trained in trauma-informed interviewing techniques before the hearing is held. In this instance, as Dr. Ford has requested, the investigation should be performed by the F.B.I. There should be no rush in undertaking this important task. All those concerned both with the gravity of the allegations and the integrity of the court and our systems of governance should prioritize investigation over politics.”
Thursday’s hearing reinforces that the confirmation process would be well served by a full investigation by the F.B.I. Particularly given the recently revealed information about additional allegations, and the availability of witnesses who have not been permitted to appear before the committee, it is incumbent upon the committee to extend or continue the hearings and delay a vote until a thorough investigation of all allegations is completed.
Julie GoldscheidLong Island City, QueensThe writer is a professor at CUNY School of Law.
To the Editor:To the Editor:
Watching the hearing, I am feeling a mixture of rage and sadness. Rage that Christine Blasey Ford has to go through questioning of her truthfulness by a Republican prosecutor, and grief that privileged white men still control so much in my world. I have not felt this unempowered in a long time.Watching the hearing, I am feeling a mixture of rage and sadness. Rage that Christine Blasey Ford has to go through questioning of her truthfulness by a Republican prosecutor, and grief that privileged white men still control so much in my world. I have not felt this unempowered in a long time.
I hope things change after the midterm elections, but I fear that no matter who is in charge, privileged white men will always protect one another.I hope things change after the midterm elections, but I fear that no matter who is in charge, privileged white men will always protect one another.
Laura TonweBerkley, Mich.Laura TonweBerkley, Mich.