12 Comments
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Kate Fall's avatar

Powerful and well written, Holly. Lack of accountability breeds abuse. Period. Always will, every time.

Leonard Grossman's avatar

The story is so sad. I was privileged to meet Delores Huerta at a conference sponsored by Interfaith Worker Justice some years ago such a powerful woman.

The story of a abuse, especially by charismatic figures, is far too common. (Far too?) As are the excuses. Or willful denial by followers and associates, who refuse to see what is before their eyes.

Thank you for this insightful essay.

I

Ellen Y. Swain's avatar

Thank you for this reflection. I appreciate it very much, agree, and hope others will, too....Thank you

Suzette Ciancio's avatar

Spot on, Holly! We will not back down.

Thank youa,

Lori Z.'s avatar

What Kate said and an amen on it. I so agree.

Carol Goff's avatar

Thank you for allowing us to read the Times story as I stopped my subscription when they dropped their endorsement for Harris. So sad, I was born and stayed in Bakersfield until I was 40. This is all too familiar.

Fran B.'s avatar

My spouse stopped watching Browns games after Watson hired.

Charlie Strickland's avatar

“It’s patriarchy. It’s the abuse of power. It’s some people being assigned a lesser value than other people.” Bingo!

Leonard Grossman's avatar

I will try to meet you in Chicago on April 25. But my 11 year old granddaughter is in a musical in Oak Park that afternoon. Priorities. I am blessed that my daughter and her family live only 15 minutes away and come for Shabbat dinner every Friday night. Now I have to set the table.

Terry Mc Kenna's avatar

Not sure about the cause - as in conservative Christianity. But as a Catholic I can tell you that we are conditioned to see priests as truly set apart - so "men of God."

But less talked about is the real difference between men and women re desire. As a man I suggest we men know the quickness with which desire emerges.Also that it is not a fantasy of love but a simple desire.

Few of us men act on it, and it is not always all consuming but it is a reason that no adult man who is a responsible leader should meet with those over whom he has power except if accompanied by another adult.

I was a boy scout leader while my son was a boy. The Boy Scouts instituted what they called 2 deep leadership and strict rules. Merit badge counsellors - which i was had to meet boys only is another adult was present. My wife was there for this purpose.

Kate Fall's avatar

I was a Girl Scout leader and we kept the same practice. Never meet with a child alone behind closed doors, ever.

Mary Storck Crickmore's avatar

Absolutely right on this analysis. Thank you!