Coombs wrote:
Whatever the Dems do, it shouldn't have anything to do with what the GOP does. It should be because they have to do what is in accordance with their own internal code of ethics and with the law. Franken should demonstrate in a clear way that he has developed his own personal ethics as a servant of the people, and yes, he should resign. Not because people want him to, but because he realizes that it is the right thing to do.
Its the act that matters, not the why. I don't for one second believe Franken would resign out of his own personal ethics but he may resign for the good of the party or more likely jump before he's pushed.
The party needs a code of ethics though. It needs to mean something. It has to have a zero tolerance attitude to harassment and assault. Right now it still looks very much like the party of Bill Clinton.
I, again, am sure beyond the surest surety that this runs far deeper than just those who there is evidence against, or those who have victims that are willing to say something. If I were the dems, I would form an in-party ethical investigation team that consisted of people who have first-hand experience with these kinds of attacks from diverse backgrounds, men and women, and start with Franken and Conyers. I would begin an open investigation, well-briefed to the media, and swiftly recommend that they resign. Franken, at least, could then continue to advocate for victims and stay in the party to help foster a new attitude. Over time, if it truly takes hold, the new paradigm will inevitably result in huge swathes of politicians from every party being revealed as not only complicit, but possibly guilty of similar and likely worse offenses.
I wouldn't trust a Democrat (or pretty much any political party) to run a thorough and honest investigation. Leave it to police, journalists and victims to sort it out. A new paradigm will come from genuine consequences now.
The point of existing should be to offer a hopeful future, not to simply condemn the present so you can say, "Hey, we're disgusting pigs, but you guys are even worse."
Thats exactly my point. Thats what they are now in every single respect. All the democrats have is "hey we are shit but the Republicans are even shittier". You can't claim to be a party that offers to improve the future for women while saying "Yeah Franken assaulted these women but at least he's not Roy Moore".
They can still resign, they can still be disgraced, and all that good blood-letting you're baying for,
Civility above all. :john:
but it should be done the right way, for the right reasons, or nothing will ever, ever change.
The right way is actual action, not some internal boondoggle to kick the can down the road so sexual predators can keep hurting women.
We need structural reform and cultural change, not random sackings and resignations based on whoever gets called out first.
Lines need to be drawn with those who are called out first. Standards need to be set.
