tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22033139154713793002024-02-14T22:45:46.295-08:00THE INVISIBLE WARRIOR REPORTA publication dedicated to exposing the Rape culture and sexual assault as it pertains to our armed forces society and college life.Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-83853843328510451582020-06-27T10:36:00.000-07:002020-06-27T17:44:28.555-07:00To Protect and Serve Themselves<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTRWsPnsjN6fTHKUyN1arn4NLopsSiTQpoeKkdGLSeSD4VnvItrQ1vOewZlwpjDD0iQdFwliNtu_czoFqm7bxdoW0RKT_aBhUf6FRmZ-ae0SI6ube2lia3HSfzQjGzuTGPDVdifSdsM0/s1600/LAPD+Circa+1930.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="875" data-original-width="1166" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTRWsPnsjN6fTHKUyN1arn4NLopsSiTQpoeKkdGLSeSD4VnvItrQ1vOewZlwpjDD0iQdFwliNtu_czoFqm7bxdoW0RKT_aBhUf6FRmZ-ae0SI6ube2lia3HSfzQjGzuTGPDVdifSdsM0/s320/LAPD+Circa+1930.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Circa 1930 LAPD Police ignored real corruption</span></td></tr>
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In the 1930s during the depression era, you could define police corruption in major cities like Chicago and even Los Angeles by a good system which was either run by some men at all levels who had their hands in the vice game of prostitution, illegal gambling, bootlegging, or crooked politics. Helping the gangsters or political leaders maintain their power and profits seemed to be the cop's goal. They might make a bust or a raid for the newsreels, but the madams and illegal bootleggers who paid their dues to the top escaped the hard knock of justice. These stories sound glamorous now, but writers like Raymond Chandler living in the depression filled City of Angels would say: that for inspiration he only needed to walk out the door and look around. He saw the city as a haven for dope peddlers, schemers in low places and high, crooked cops, and crooked politicians.<br />
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Big cities like these with the help of halfway decent leadership, could reform themselves. But the corruption seemed to never really die. It would go dormant, or at least when it did pop up, honest leadership through the decades could tamp down on it. Responsible leadership knew that bad cops were a reflection on the city, county, and even the state. Our TV shows were like public relation pieces for the police. Bad cops would never really disappear, but some of us who were less militant in our thinking and politics wanted to believe that most police were good and the system worked. Jack Webb produced Dragnet on the radio and TV in 1951 to make police seem more human, and to show that being a cop wasn't an easy job. In 1955 Los Angeles came up with the motto: <a href="http://www.lapdonline.org/history_of_the_lapd/content_basic_view/1128#:~:text=%22To%20Protect%20and%20to%20Serve%22%20became%20the%20official%20motto%20of,and%20acceptance%20throughout%20the%20department." target="_blank"><i>"To Protect and Serve"</i> </a>which most police departments would later adopt. Later Webb did an upgrade on the cop life with Adam 12. It was the first cop-on-the-beat show. Webb wanted to prove that the police were competent, and not just coffee and doughnut swallowing characters that weren't very bright. But a cop could be relevant, effective, and worthy of respect.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1960 cop shows like Adam 12 attempted to show police in a positive light</span></td></tr>
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In the middle of the 60's, the civil rights movement I saw (on TV), the police at least attempting to do their best to live up to that motto. We did have bad police in America who would treat people of color like low-lifes and would touch off the anger of a city like LA as in the <a href="https://www.npr.org/2017/04/26/524744989/when-la-erupted-in-anger-a-look-back-at-the-rodney-king-riots" target="_blank"><i>Rodney King case.</i></a> Those 4 cops who beat King with their batons for 15 minutes, were not the Malloy and Reed types I saw on TV, and in the end, had justice served on them.<br />
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Something has found its way into our society and the way everyday people interact with the police. Like in the days of segregated Alabama and police chief Bull Conner, blatant racism seems to have seeped deeply into many police departments in America. It's been quiet and very subtle, but has gained a dangerous foothold on how police interact with people of color, and for me, law enforcement and prejudice cannot co-exist. It's becoming the perfect storm for a different type of police corruption that never existed in the 1930s. People with race prejudice views have infiltrated the ranks of the police departments across this country. For awhile they've kept to the shadows with their views. Many police unions which may have started out as organizations to help officers with the internal affairs of being a policeman have gone from pay raises and better working conditions like most labor Unions did, to making them a force to be reckoned with in the public.<br />
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<i>Private trainers across the country host seminars, frequently at taxpayer expense, teaching “killology” and pushing the notion that if officers aren’t willing to “snuff out a life” then they should “consider another line of work.” Frey explained that this type of training — which has accompanied the increasing militarization of the police over the last few decades — undermined the community-based policing he wanted the city to adopt after a string of high-profile killings in the region.<br />But then the police union stepped in. The Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis worked out a deal with a company to offer warrior training. For free. For as long as Frey was mayor. </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/melissasegura/police-unions-history-minneapolis-reform-george-floyd" target="_blank">-Melissa Segura, BuzzFeed News Reporter</a></span></blockquote>
It's nightmarish not only to see a racist and corrupt cop like Derek Chauvin literally<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrksGA7BelVfeNvBzxmx4SSK_jzfkUHgQqRORYCCgquXhDyL4PEYD6PBWfGyY8sKdBSJ7_Mql6rt3eNBdaceNBFDDoF1Q0QII43hFpu9rjwaeObs3gMOoC0X7Qq4epoDYVdM6B0bX0Rs/s1600/Kroll.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="825" data-original-width="1100" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrksGA7BelVfeNvBzxmx4SSK_jzfkUHgQqRORYCCgquXhDyL4PEYD6PBWfGyY8sKdBSJ7_Mql6rt3eNBdaceNBFDDoF1Q0QII43hFpu9rjwaeObs3gMOoC0X7Qq4epoDYVdM6B0bX0Rs/s320/Kroll.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bob Kroll, president of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis</span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">joins President Trump at a rally in Minneapolis</span></div>
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execute George Floyd in public while people looked on, but when the country rose up and decried the act with protests, they were met with a wave of resistance from more police and from the hive of unions who went on the offensive. Now it has become a crime to utter the phrase "Black Lives Matter." If the phrase walking, talking, or standing while black, had been a metaphor, it has become the new reality in 2020. Like you, I've seen on social media countless unedited videos of cops attacking protestors with pepper spray, swinging billy clubs, beating jaywalkers, and other acts that are a far cry from protect and serve. They have been reschooled by the unions and union leaders like Bob Kroll to believe that "all Blue Lives Matter." And of course to complete the perfect storm is corrupt leadership and government from mayors and right up to the Trump Administration. The police unions lead by men such as Kroll appear to be in lockstep with Trump and his shaded racist views. Trump called Neo Nazi's and Klansmen very fine people during Charlottesville's uproar. Which no doubt is a dog whistle for other hate groups who endorse him under the guise of politics.<br />
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How much is being a good cop worth today, when unprovoked violence comes from the ones who are suppose to be better than the average person? Plus everywhere we look there is more breaking news about another black or hispanic person is thug jumped or killed for being born a suspect? Many of us can't see the good cops for a corrupt system that gives the green light to police unions which have a militant and pro-white agenda. We need men and women in leadership in every state and city to see us as equal and deserving of respect and justice. And America needs a government that doesn't give dog whistles to Klansmen, neo nazi's at their rallies or anywhere. Any person who can't understand what it means when we say "Black Lives Matter" should not be a cop or the president.<br />
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<i>"There are people hurting, there are people suffering, so we have an obligation, a mandate, to do something." </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-John Lewis June 2016</span></blockquote>
Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-659515738752137892019-06-10T14:50:00.000-07:002019-06-10T14:50:32.688-07:00All Roads Lead Here<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbAXfzgxlsMeRkADqkb0mxePCmllPCIuu7HQMlO54_qDRMT8YkxBQBMr6lYjRXeMnPufSXcauXrUnzOZmCAhW1568RqMyEAENQKqYSz6zAhVUACI7gY2tPgRmrFNJ6THtCk5TygHTK4c/s1600/MSTvictim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbAXfzgxlsMeRkADqkb0mxePCmllPCIuu7HQMlO54_qDRMT8YkxBQBMr6lYjRXeMnPufSXcauXrUnzOZmCAhW1568RqMyEAENQKqYSz6zAhVUACI7gY2tPgRmrFNJ6THtCk5TygHTK4c/s320/MSTvictim.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">When I began this journey </span></div>
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It was not any fun</div>
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And now I'm back to step one</div>
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With old promises ringing </div>
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In my ear for a new change</div>
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The trajectory is down for this ship</div>
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But the deck chairs they rearrange </div>
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We got this, to the public they say</div>
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This is wrong, its not our way</div>
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You profess</div>
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And yet more walk with me</div>
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Not less</div>
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Kevin McGill</div>
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The video documentary, The Invisible War, continues to draw me back to one of America's most visible stains. Our armed forces still has a problem with sexual assault and sexual harassment. I remember the words of Coast Guard recruit Kori Coica, a vibrant young woman, stationed in Saginaw River, Michigan.<br />
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<i>"I was the only female in my section. I had a supervisor- it got to the place where I'd get <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLfc4m7HUv5bTVZcnVZcTYbrEU3sBA75FO9FtHcdXJSg7oLjtTW-R86raU5VdbEB3LKZ4tRZFdzagtU4tx-jjaH7lWLWkZWX9qyMfBcjGkAsJPTMuQd0FRkm3wa0nPhwJpJUHcTgPt4E/s1600/Screenshot+%2528264%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1135" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuLfc4m7HUv5bTVZcnVZcTYbrEU3sBA75FO9FtHcdXJSg7oLjtTW-R86raU5VdbEB3LKZ4tRZFdzagtU4tx-jjaH7lWLWkZWX9qyMfBcjGkAsJPTMuQd0FRkm3wa0nPhwJpJUHcTgPt4E/s200/Screenshot+%2528264%2529.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kori Coia</td></tr>
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calls at 3 o'clock in the morning, and he'd be drunk at a bar, telling me to come get him, and I'm like- 'I can't, I'm in bed. He would then threaten me. I'd walk in from training and he'd be sleeping in my bed. ' It was in the evening around taps, he had unlocked the door and he had come in, and he had an erection and he tried to get me to touch him. I took my right hand and pushed him in the chest- and started to yell for the other guys to hear me. Kind of 'hey hey, hey!'- He hit me across the left side of my face. I remember holding the closet and thinking; 'What just happened?' And my face hurt so bad." </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">-From the video documentary, The Invisible War.</span></blockquote>
Further complaints to higher ups in the chain of command were met with zero action until this supervisor raped Cioca in his berthing area. She carried the aftermath of her attack with her for years. Even with those testifying to his behavior, the Coast Guard chose to look the other way. And eventually ,because this situation was a reminder of the problem that the Armed forces had, she was quickly discharged from the Coast Guard like many others. The media eventually flipped on the spotlight, and in lieu of Cioca's story as well as many others, the combined commanders were called to give an account of this out-of-control epidemic of rape, unwanted sexual contact, harassment, and retaliation in the military in 2013. The generals stated their cases to members of Congress about why they should retain control over these issues. Most defended themselves by stating; "We have zero tolerance for such things," and "good order and discipline was needed in their command, and by removing this issue out of their hands, there would be a breakdown in leadership."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUNh8AhQf7KlDPcncdoT3HfJIBWgaZ7pTOFxnKErMpL1WvABFwQ_mMNGnbrXu2eJSTmUEowaPf7qVHRAlTzfkJJiJlvvnkQ9QrOLfhqFXpc9Au4lipiyEz0deljmG7sAB6CMDfHzCRrg/s1600/Gillibrand2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1266" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoUNh8AhQf7KlDPcncdoT3HfJIBWgaZ7pTOFxnKErMpL1WvABFwQ_mMNGnbrXu2eJSTmUEowaPf7qVHRAlTzfkJJiJlvvnkQ9QrOLfhqFXpc9Au4lipiyEz0deljmG7sAB6CMDfHzCRrg/s200/Gillibrand2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">D- NY Kirsten Gillibrand 2013</td></tr>
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Kirsten Gillibrand specifically remarked to General Mark Welsh<i> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-pepvoyNEY&t=10s" target="_blank">"I think there's a lack of understanding and training for this specific type of crime that is continuing to rise. So do you understand, General Welsh, that there is something that needs to be fixed?</a>"</i><br />
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General Mark Welsh attempted to impress her and the panel of Senators by remarking on some research he had made using the data from <a href="https://www.rainn.org/national-resources-sexual-assault-survivors-and-their-loved-ones">Rainn, a national resource for sexual assault and loved ones:</a> <i>Rainn took our data put it in their model and for 2012 according to their statisticians we are one point something percent below their prosecution rate and 3% above their conviction rate so a fact on the table is that we don't have a very different problem than district attorney's offices around the country have. It's the same-- it's a horrible problem but it's the same problem so that's not the critical issue that makes the military<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">General Mark Welsh 2013</td></tr>
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different. </i>The General, looking at the stats and comparing them to the Rainn stats on civilian rapes and sexual assaults seemed to infer that there was a problem, but the military wasn't so bad in dealing with it. That seems odd in light of the fact, the Air Force claims to "Aim high." He went on to remark to Senator Gillibrand who challenged him on his mindset that the problem took a “careful analysis of the data.” There were some obvious false equivalencies in the General's remarks. Among them is the fact that a survivor of this sort of crime doesn’t have the freedom or mobility to move away from their assailant. (Such as in the case of Kori Cioca)</div>
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<i><br />“When we went to one of the higher ups in the chain of command, they were all like his drinking buddies, and they told me 'just because I didn't like somebody, they weren't going to switch me away from this guy.” </i></blockquote>
She had to see her assailant every day, report, and no doubt, salute him if he were an officer. Put yourself in her place? Can you imagine how that could play with your head? I note in my book, From The Outside Looking In, of one young sailor who went AWOL to escape his attackers. Heath Phillips jumped ship and escaped his situation only temporarily. The police picked him up and he was turned over to the harbor police. He was returned to the same ship and same situation. There are somethings you cannot assess by reading statistics.<br />
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But one thing you can tell by the stats, the problem hasn't gotten better. Since 2013 , sexual assault reports are up across the military: Estimates from DOD’s 2018 Sexual Assault Response and Prevention report peg incidents of unwanted sexual contact at 20,500, up from 14,900 during the last survey in 2016. That’s a 37 percent increase. <br />
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The Generals wanted to maintain control of their troops on this issue to insure good order and discipline. You would have to ask yourself, where is the good order? Where is the discipline? Since 2013 and before then, it would stand to reason, part of the objective should be that servicemen don’t rape their own. And it would be met with forceful results.<br />
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Especially in light of some of the new findings we see today. On July 7, 2016, Jacob Whisenhunt was accused of assaulting a female cadet in her sleeping bag while she slept during a summer field training event. The original verdict found the West Point cadet guilty and was sentenced to 21 years in prison for the rape. But because of a 3-man review and some archaic mindsets, Whisenhunt has been set free. "<i>They found that because the victim did not struggle and Whisenhunt made no attempt to cover up their sexual encounter, the circumstances did not amount to rape beyond a reasonable doubt."</i>-<a href="https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/06/05/overturned-west-point-rape-case-sends-hugely-negative-message-former-air-force-prosecutor-says/#.XPjGDjh4GiY.twitter"> June 5,2019 Army Times</a> I use the word archaic because it shows something that this three-panel review overlooked. During my research of rape victims, they don't cry o ut like many might imagine in the movies. Their first impulse is to freeze. This is instinctive for most survivalists of rape. These men of wisdom did not take that into account. The judges went on to write that they thought it was unlikely that the survivor wouldn’t gasp or cry out when she woke up next to Whisenhunt, which would have alerted others to an assault. <i>“This is particularly true when there is no evidence that appellant threatened [the victim] or took any steps, such as covering her mouth, to prevent an outcry,” </i>they wrote. <a href="https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/06/04/a-west-point-cadet-just-had-his-rape-conviction-overturned-leaving-him-free-to-return-to-the-school/">June 4, 2019 Army Times</a><br />
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This decision smacks of the <a href="https://www.stripes.com/news/air-force/case-dismissed-against-aviano-ig-convicted-of-sexual-assault-1.209797" target="_blank">Aviano Sexual assault case in 2013 </a>when LT. Col James Wilkerson’s case was overturned by LT. General Craig Franklin. The only difference is instead of one Commander's decision to do so, we now have three. And to add insult to injury, Wilkerson was promoted in rank.<br />
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One can only ask if justice really matters to the leadership in the Military. Apparently some victims of this crime do not. "After a decade-plus of concerted efforts to address sexual harassment and assault, the problem has only gotten worse,” said Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Calif., during a House Armed Services Committee in February.<i> </i><a href="https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-army/2019/06/04/a-west-point-cadet-just-had-his-rape-conviction-overturned-leaving-him-free-to-return-to-the-school/"><i>“This isn’t a blip, a ‘me too’ bump, or some accident. It’s a clear illustration of a destructive trend and systemic problem.”</i> </a>And in truth military leadership isn't being asked to decrease in stature, but they're being challenged to look at the big picture of the Armed Forces.<br />
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In 2019, statistics alone won't get the job done. It will only give a smoke screen that an institution is attacking the problem. Leaders need to look at what is happening with their people if they seriously want to do something about rape in the military.<br />
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We can dress it up with slogans, sayings, and parades, but our first and last line of defense that attacks from within is doomed to self destruct, which is not good for America or anyone. We have been promised changes on this problem in the military since the Tailhook scandal, but the rhetoric isn't measuring up to the reality of it.<br />
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Special thank you to @Veracrusin on Twitter for alerting me to this story.</div>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-37583640553583149112018-09-23T18:43:00.000-07:002018-09-24T16:46:22.745-07:00Why They Don't Report<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>To hear nothing soon<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9XniS7HyjylmT-vIG5dnFWEgcjbdTIjICQvV4lKvIAHAqmFpYsl0B2T3e6D9plvv7C_faPZlrFXXeovHtQF7CI-j1UTYu5cnpLFHqs2S7gPfZ69CHo9yeZcyDMmbkgHW7RigbIYpbZ0/s1600/Anita+Hill2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="737" data-original-width="999" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg9XniS7HyjylmT-vIG5dnFWEgcjbdTIjICQvV4lKvIAHAqmFpYsl0B2T3e6D9plvv7C_faPZlrFXXeovHtQF7CI-j1UTYu5cnpLFHqs2S7gPfZ69CHo9yeZcyDMmbkgHW7RigbIYpbZ0/s320/Anita+Hill2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Anita Hill during Clarence Thomas Confirmation- 1992</span></td></tr>
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<i>Means there was no crime</i><br />
<i>The leopard has morphed</i><br />
<i>And changed with the passing of time</i><br />
<i>Your rights are gone</i><br />
<i>You have no proof</i><br />
<i>You waited way too long</i><br />
<i>For anyone to believe</i><br />
<i>Your truth</i><br />
<i>The mocking will start</i><br />
<i>And you'll feel the shame</i><br />
<i>You're a liar they'll say</i><br />
<i>Yes it will hit your ears</i><br />
<i>It's your fault they'll sing</i><br />
<i>As the choir of haters sing</i><br />
<i>And you feel the tears.</i><br />
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Kevin McGill<br />
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To watch the Brett Kavanaugh confirmation hearings at this point is like a re-mix of an familiar issue.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JabvQxqGzOtYtEWjUVyYr0-oKf7BSkjGdIRbbMD2Ln83H0s70Eui54tJf-t4KgY1PlQ8It-d7RKpcmHoVh55bum9EmWyhnFjrU4gVADCAygVmp5Y8gDtjUyXNeVxxZwGvcFSSLEB6Qo/s1600/Screenshot+%2528249%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="452" data-original-width="588" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JabvQxqGzOtYtEWjUVyYr0-oKf7BSkjGdIRbbMD2Ln83H0s70Eui54tJf-t4KgY1PlQ8It-d7RKpcmHoVh55bum9EmWyhnFjrU4gVADCAygVmp5Y8gDtjUyXNeVxxZwGvcFSSLEB6Qo/s200/Screenshot+%2528249%2529.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Judge Brett Kavanugh</span></td></tr>
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A past victim and present survivor, <a href="http://christine%20blasey%20ford%20steps%20out%20of%20the%20shadows/" target="_blank">Christine Blasey Ford steps out of the shadows </a>via the Washington Post and calls out a powerful man who seeks more power, In spite of something that he did in his younger years. Ford was sexually assaulted by Kavanaugh in the Summer of 1982 while both attended high school. Yes, in some ways it's Judge Clarence Thomas versus Anita Hill once again. But now we have a president who speaks his mind and it's not for victims of sexual assault. He has blasted Professor Ford for her choice of waiting to speak out now. Not very presidential to say the least and his constant Tweets kicked off the hash tag why <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WhyIDidntReport&src=tyah" target="_blank">#WhyIDidntReport</a>. Ironically it's an upside to the ignorant tweeting and expressions that Trump and the GOP has made.<br />
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The reasons for the hash tag are so evident because some women and men were sexually assaulted as young as their childhood by a trusted friend or family member like Elizabeth Desnoyers-Colas<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu0O-2R8RHmFNF_AAlS3cQzs3C_KWL3237cyBB0kaM781As-pdlUrygAd1IFB2FGZOvwCX8rWa_LcdXbCZqtBZswVJDYRIaG-bW8FXFGYNpID3FgL4Ejui1fi1_W8YIiGsmf2HYnq42w/s1600/Screenshot+%2528235%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="285" data-original-width="695" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUu0O-2R8RHmFNF_AAlS3cQzs3C_KWL3237cyBB0kaM781As-pdlUrygAd1IFB2FGZOvwCX8rWa_LcdXbCZqtBZswVJDYRIaG-bW8FXFGYNpID3FgL4Ejui1fi1_W8YIiGsmf2HYnq42w/s320/Screenshot+%2528235%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
Some children are too young to give their abuse a name. Others take on the blame because we were told that adults are never wrong.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihduvQ2hLLYUqn8-Aqf_8v2djZXQaRHe05fIjz6cZ5q5y4b7TCV7NAspRwqVw98mJ3BspmdC5k1VPExZw3abB3XmnYJKEUFeGiAgmjczfO9f-YkLwTS65V1evOBDBfB3mNGrcjUEwE0jY/s1600/Screenshot+%2528236%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="688" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihduvQ2hLLYUqn8-Aqf_8v2djZXQaRHe05fIjz6cZ5q5y4b7TCV7NAspRwqVw98mJ3BspmdC5k1VPExZw3abB3XmnYJKEUFeGiAgmjczfO9f-YkLwTS65V1evOBDBfB3mNGrcjUEwE0jY/s320/Screenshot+%2528236%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
For some children like Donna Bartos the abuse continued into their teenage years because they didn't know they had rights.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiarws8WUlbe4y_dbdCwhOvwmVIpYLs75zcnM16LTmGgOGa-E6msnIp95U5B8yIkpG8zmXWAF2nzBQaaZjy0sQ-IYCISeeViV8XAq9qxS_FxFkVmqwmoTMrT12tdWvcrZx7aRt-9F5v0A/s1600/Screenshot+%2528237%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="459" data-original-width="685" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiarws8WUlbe4y_dbdCwhOvwmVIpYLs75zcnM16LTmGgOGa-E6msnIp95U5B8yIkpG8zmXWAF2nzBQaaZjy0sQ-IYCISeeViV8XAq9qxS_FxFkVmqwmoTMrT12tdWvcrZx7aRt-9F5v0A/s320/Screenshot+%2528237%2529.png" width="320" /></a></div>
People don't talk about their sexual assault because it's not safe to do so. It doesn't matter if it happened day after a day, or a year or twenty years. The very thing that's happening to Christine Blassey Ford only enforces their fears that it's safer to stay away and pretend life is okay. Her life has been turned upside down with death threats, hacked emails, and their family being torn apart.<br />
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<i>On the day that Ford publicly identified herself as Kavanaugh’s accuser in an interview with The Washington Post, her husband was driving their 15-year-old son and his friends from a soccer tournament in Lake Tahoe. He couldn’t answer the calls that were blowing up his phone; by the time they reached home, a crowd of reporters was waiting.<br />Russell struggled to explain it to his children. “I said that Mommy had a story about a Supreme Court nominee, and now it’s broken into the news, and we can’t stay in the house anymore,” he recalled. The family was separated for days, with the boys staying with friends and their parents living at a hotel. They’ve looked into a security service to escort their children to school.</i>- <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/christine-blasey-ford-wanted-to-flee-the-us-to-avoid-brett-kavanaugh-now-she-may-testify-against-him/2018/09/22/db942340-bdb1-11e8-8792-78719177250f_story.html?utm_term=.48a90f87c74d" target="_blank">Washington Post September 22, 2018</a></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley</span></td></tr>
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No one who believes in justice for all, bullies, harasses, or threatens a victim from coming forward. Only cowards and people so immersed into the stench of the sewer of their political preference attempts doing these things. This should be about choosing the best man, but Republican Senators don't seem to care what is best for the country, but what is best for their party. Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee is not calling for an FBI investigation on the matter. In fact he has demanded the Professor Ford testify, but on his terms. He has sent her several deadlines, and none of them seem to help to create space for truth and justice to get the last word. If the professor is a liar, then let an investigation exonerate his obvious preference? He is apparently playing a game of chicken with the survivor's lawyers.<br />
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This entire situation has blown up Twitter with the hashtag <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23WhyIDidntReport&src=tyah" target="_blank">#WhyIDidntReport</a> because the culture doesn't seem to get it. People don't speak out when you want them to do it. They speak out when they're damn well ready as in the case of Judge Roy Moore. Men like Moore and Kavanaugh continue to ascend the ladder of prominence until their past catches up with them.<br />
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<i>“She was like, ‘I can’t deal with this. If he becomes the nominee, then I’m moving to another country. I cannot live in this country if he’s in the Supreme Court,’ ” her husband said. “She wanted out.”-</i> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/christine-blasey-ford-wanted-to-flee-the-us-to-avoid-brett-kavanaugh-now-she-may-testify-against-him/2018/09/22/db942340-bdb1-11e8-8792-78719177250f_story.html?utm_term=.48a90f87c74d" target="_blank">Washington Post September 22, 2018</a></span></blockquote>
She was having what I call her own WTF moment. To just up and run leaving her career, family, and personal life was no longer an option. She knew as soon as she spoke up, the alligators would come looking for her. Maybe she never thought one of the biggest swamp gators would be Donald Trump, (who has his own accusers of sexual assaults to deal with.) This is the time to stand and face them and fight. Her conviction has stirred thousands on Twitter to recall their personal stories including the military.<br />
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Kristen's experience left her feeling as though she had no one in her corner who saw her worthy to be defended. The typical response has been you have no proof, or you violated a rule such as being in the wrong place at the wrong time. And giving shade to military married men who rape will make the survivor the perpetrator as in the ex-servicewoman's case.<br />
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Men have been and still carry around their own private shame of sexual assault, because the culture says real men don't let this happen to them. The church has many sins it needs to answer for. And molesting young boys is at the top of the list.</div>
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Young and older men bear it in silence because family members can't handle the news. We've got a real mess on our hands. This is a thing that haunts us wherever we go. Your masculinity or politics doesn't help. </div>
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I read thousand of the Tweets in response to Donald Trump's flippant callous remarks about why she didn't report her abuse years ago. There are so many people who don't report. And why not? Simple: they've seen what happened to some who do report or at least attempt to get some one on their side at any time of their lives. I interviewed Lyndie Rose who recalls:</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Lyndie Rose </span></td></tr>
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<i>I was a virgin to this point, never dated or anything, and my sister
was staying in town because her husband was in Vietnam, and she had two small
girls 13 months apart. And I had been staying there in the summertime at her
house because she had been going to the university to take classes in summer
school, and I had been watching the girls. She wanted to get together with some
friends from high school and so they were going camping and going to the
movies, so I was babysitting the girls. And this guy--- I knew who he was. He
was a friend of my step- sister's. He had come around one night. He had wanted
to use the phone …and I said, ‘I just don’t let anybody in, and my sister's not
here. And he told me he was having car trouble. So, dummy me, I let him in. So,
he started kissing me, and I said ‘don’t! Don’t do that!’ and he knew the girls
were in there asleep, and I was afraid to yell, and he told me that if I said
or did anything--- if I screamed out or anything, he would hurt the girls. So,
I fought as hard as I could, but he ended up just picking me up and carrying me
in my sister’s bedroom and he raped me--- And I didn't know what was going on,
I had no idea what to do, and he left after that. I had nobody to call. (There
were no cell phones back then) I sure wasn't going to call my mother. And I
didn't know what else to do so I waited for my sister to come home. And My
sister who I was very close to, she blamed me. I don't think she bought my
story. She said “Oh he came over, and you guys must have started kissing and
you let it get out of hand and you led him on. And it happened. So, don't tell
anybody.” Well I told my mother and she was the same way. …I must have done
something. </i></blockquote>
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Lyndie Rose never reported her rapist because she was too young to know what do. Her sister and mother threw the blame back onto her because they either didn't know what to do or feared that there might be repercussions if she spoke out and made trouble. Like many survivors, you get older and understand more, but the rape is still as real as the day it happened. LaSanya Rucker, shared her story with me as well. Here is a excerpt of the aftermath of a young black teen who was betrayed by an old friend from high school, and gang raped by five men. She's back home now, and all she is trying to do is to keep her mom from blaming her for her own rape.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> LaSanya Rucker</span></td></tr>
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<i>As I went into the bathroom to clean up I heard my Step- father say it to my mom, "You need to come home,now" I think she really didn't want to leave her friend's house. I remembered first taking a shower and then taking a bath, I think I was trying so hard to clean the stench of rape off of me. It is interesting that I can say the word rape now but, back then when it happened, I never applied the word rape to what happened to me. I don't think somehow in my young mind, I could comprehend that it happened to me, Shortly after I finished my my bath and gotten into my bed, my mother came into my room. She took one look at me and briefly left the room. Somehow without any words transpiring between us I think she knew, when she returned back to my room. She closed my door behind her. I remembered her telling me as she placed a plastic card on my dresser, that this was my medical card to Kaiser and that I knew my doctor. If I need to go to the doctor for a physical or even if I need it to talk to a psychiatrist, all that was covered in my plan. And then she left my room as quietly as she came in. She never asked me for details who, if, why, where, not even ever years later. It is a conversation that we never had. I remembered laying there dazed, shocked and crying..I remembered feeling so alone and unafraid, not knowing what to do I remember thinking my Mother hated me to me and really didn't care what happened to me. It was until years later, later I realized through my own trials and tribulation as a black woman, many times you walk and stand alone, she probably wasn't equipped mentally to accepted or deal with it.</i></blockquote>
LaSanya's mother had answers in the moment, but among them were not words of action or comfort. We become educated like the child on the playground of life to never report the bully. The other kids see it and know better that it's wiser not to tell anyone what happened. Kids grow into adults who still have the same attitudes about personal violence. You never report, you never tell, and you never snitch. The perp sets the rules, and we all fall in line in the military, the boardroom, the home, and sadly to say, our Nation's Capitol. I believe Professor Ford. She spoke out in her way, and on her day.<br />
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Before the first, or second confirmation scandal hit, <a href="https://www.vox.com/2018/9/23/17894410/second-sexual-misconduct-brett-kavanaugh-deborah-ramirez" target="_blank">(A second person has comes forward.)</a> I wrote about these two courageous people Lyndie Rose and LaSanya who shared their story with me in my book: <i>From The Outside Looking In. </i> It points to the problem of why people may or may not report their rape. I hope you will consider getting a copy either in paperback or on Kindle from Amazon.com. I'm challenging man culture with what I believe are relevant answers to an ongoing dilemma in our society. <br />
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<br />Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-41959405947832658412018-04-03T11:12:00.001-07:002018-04-03T12:47:42.119-07:00Sexual Assault Month #MeTooMilitary<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This is April, and among other things it is Sexual Assault Awareness month. Once again, we are asking you to grab a piece of teal and wear it to show your support for victims of Sexual Assault, Sexual Harassment, and domestic Violence. Although the proclamation comes from the White House, its roots go back as for as the 1970's and today adopted by <a href="https://www.nsvrc.org/saam/history" target="_blank">National Coalition Against Sexual Assault.</a> It started out as a one-week-in April focus and, of course, there is a need to continue to stay focused on the problem in civilian life and the Military.<br />
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The number of reported sexual assaults that occurred have gone up and not down since 2013, according to the DOD, on military bases and installations around the world. More than half the military victims in 2016, (68%) did not report sexually violent crimes, according to data from the <a href="http://sapr.mil/public/docs/reports/FY16_Annual/FY16_SAPRO_Annual_Report.pdf">annual Department of Defense report</a> on sexual assault in 2017. As I have said before, when the media (both social and mainstream) turn the lights onto the problem, the right things are said, and it appears that the military will fix the problem. Many survivors punched hard with the documentary, <i>The Invisible War.</i> Never did we see anything like the stories being told by men and women of what they went through while trying to serve their country. Some of these survivors came to Washington DC to speak with senators and congressmen about their cases. They were flesh and blood Veterans attempting to make a change for those who would raise their hand and take the oath to serve and protect American and defend the Constitution. But of course there was some contrition, when the brass faced the Senate, but very little was changed to reverse the problem.<br />
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"The truth is that the scourge of sexual assault in the military remains status quo," Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, said about the 2017 Pentagon report. "(It) disappointingly shows a flat overall reporting rate and a retaliation rate against survivors that remains at an unacceptable 6 out of 10 for a third year in a row."<br />
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We need to realize this month that sexual assault crimes in the military are still a problem no matter what is going on in the world or what this White House is trying to distract us with.</div>
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A Monster Dressed In Fatigues</h3>
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A young Army Specialist, Sarah Reyes, considered herself a church girl who had bad relationship experience before signing up and was determine to abstain from sex until marriage and put the Army first. In an interview with CNN she said that she loved her job, and her instincts had always prompted her to run toward danger, not away from it.<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-military-sexual-assault-investigations/index.html" target="_blank"> <i>"I lived for it, and I was good at it,"</i> </a>she said of her time as an Army combat medic, which included a nine-month stint in Afghanistan.</div>
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The opposite seems true for Sarah now because she was sexual assaulted by someone whom she thought was trust worthy. A fellow soldier at a barracks party at Fort Stewart, Georgia. <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-military-sexual-assault-investigations/index.html" target="_blank">Sarah now calls him a monster who raped her dressed in fatigues.</a> They both had been in the same platoon and deployed over seas. So you would think a fellow soldier and a brother-in-arms wouldn't take advantage of her in this way. </div>
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It's the same old story of someone receiving very little to drink, but passing out because someone had<br />
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conspired to mix the drinks making their intended victim blackout drunk hard and fast.</div>
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Rapists in and out of the military are good at this because it causes memory gaps. As in Sarah's case, she had no idea what had happened to her.</div>
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Reyes told CNN that she did not feel like she drank too much but noted that she was "not making her own drinks" and "does not have much memory" of the night. <br />
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<a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-military-sexual-assault-investigations/index.html" target="_blank">Although the timeline of the evening is still fuzzy at times, Reyes said she now recalls more about what occurred -- including feeling very tired during the party and lying in the bed of a male soldier.The realization that something beyond her initial memory of the night had occurred did not fully set in until the next day, when her friends asked if she had consented to everything that happened during the encounter. "That moment was like someone flipped on a light switch -- I realized I didn't want it all to happen," Reyes said. "My body went numb and I was crying. ... (I) felt like my world had ended and I couldn't figure out why."</a></blockquote>
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What's so shocking was that the male soldier confessed to what he did to her, but the all-male investigation panel couldn't do anything because they don't have anything to prove beyond his confession. In other words the investigators wouldn't allow Reyes's attacker to incriminate himself because she couldn't remember if she said "No" to him. People who are looking to exonerate a rapist are now with the old, "Well, did you say 'No'" dodge. If a person is so out of it, how can he or she swear to anything or remember anything that was said? Of course this person wasn't found guilty of anything. He was allowed to return back to his duties. Reyes told CNN that it took her a long time to speak out and tell anyone what had happened, partly because the circumstances didn't feel straight forward in a military sense. And perhaps she's right in the sense that there is no one-size-fits-all situation that fits a standard of sexual assault. There is also apparently no flexibility in the military male culture to understand that rapists depend upon the military to make a case based on a sober victim, or at least one who can recall what happen. But even with that, the system will set up roadblocks which allow the perp to escape unscathed such as performance of duties and rank. They're no longer allowed to express feelings of a soldier's good conduct, but the bias still remains. The higher up the accused is in the chain of command, the harder it is to convict them. </div>
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The System of The Old</h3>
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We've been here before. Survivors like Reyes have no advocates on the inside of this situation because the old way of handling sexual assault, sexual harassment and retaliation is baked into the cake. The mindset hasn't changed and so they are looking for the change of law which allows a victim/survivor to get help outside the chain of command. <a href="https://taskandpurpose.com/the-real-cost-of-having-commanders-in-charge-of-military-justice/" target="_blank">The Military Justice Improvement Act remains stymied by politicians </a>who either fear that change would alter the military that they know, or see it as a feminist win against a total male dominated culture. The author is Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, who sees the bill as giving military servicemen and servicewoman a hand up in respect to receiving an fair and unbiased sense of justice. It doesn't take away the Commander's authority or power. </div>
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<i>The ca</i><i>refully crafted <a href="https://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/mjia" target="_blank">Military Justice Improvement Act</a> is designed to professionalize how the military prosecutes serious crimes like sexual assault, and to remove the systemic fear that survivors of military sexual assault describe in deciding whether to report the crimes committed against them. Repeated testimony from survivors and former commanders says that the widespread reluctance on the part of survivors to come forward and report is due to the bias and inherent conflicts of interest posed by the military chain of command’s sole decision-making power over whether cases move forward to a trial. </i></blockquote>
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At the beginning of the year, advocates including Col. Don Christensen, president of <br />
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Protect Our Defenders; Monica Medina, a former special assistant to former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta; plus Heath Phillips and Nichole Bowen Crawford, survivors of military sexual trauma gathered at the Pentagon and spoke about how this system, which was supposed to be fixed, still remains broken. The DOD's reply was "The Department of Defense continuously works to eliminate sexual assault from the military, and we encourage service members to report all instances of sexual assault so we can provide support services and hold offenders accountable," <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2018/02/07/politics/us-military-sexual-assault-investigations/index.html">spokesman Col. Rob Manning.</a><br />
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Sounds great to me. Except what's the magical number of sexual assaults which will cause you to fly into action? Some of these advocates speaking out, use to be in your ranks Military. Just saying. I would encourage those in the #MeToo movement to reach out to Veterans and active servicemen. Because it may have started in Hollywood, but it's about everybody.</blockquote>
Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-49182958039265221772018-02-09T17:49:00.000-08:002018-02-10T23:52:55.811-08:00Turning A Blind Eye to a Black Eye<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Donald Trumps firm hand claps with General Kelly</span></td></tr>
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The correlation between the military mind set and what is happening in the White House is glaring. Donald Trump's White House Chief of Staff, General John Kelly, couldn't get a permanent security clearance for the man he brought on board to be Staff Secretary. Why? Because Rob Porter failed an FBI background check. Two of his ex-wives, Colbie Holderness and Jennifer Willoughby were victim-survivors of Porter's abuse in their marriages. The General sent out a statement defending Porter's character saying :<br />
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<i> "Porter was “a man of true integrity and honor and I can’t say enough good things about him. He is a friend, a confidante, and a trusted professional. I am proud to serve alongside him.” Kelly reportedly urged Porter to “stay and fight,” in spite of the incredibly serious accusations against him." </i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">- <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/08/us/politics/kelly-trump.html" target="_blank">NY Times. February 8, 2018</a></span></i></blockquote>
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It turns out that wasn't the case. Photo's emerged from Colbie Holderness who had a black eye that she received from Porter while on their Honeymoon, of all things, in Italy. The FBI now has copies of the photo's from Holderness, plus statements from the two abused ex-wives. And the General was forced to walk back his claims of Porter's sterling character after both Holderness and Willoughby spoke on record to <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5365169/Woman-living-Hope-Hicks-lover-Rob-Porter-abused.html" target="_blank">The Daily Mail</a> and other media sources.<br />
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<i>In a memo to the staff on Thursday night, Mr. Kelly wrote, “While we are all processing the shocking and troubling allegations made against a former White House staffer, I want you to know that we all take matters of domestic violence very seriously. Domestic violence is abhorrent and has no place in our society.”<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">- <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/08/us/politics/kelly-trump.html" target="_blank">NY Times. February 8, 2018</a></span></i></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4CeviyMwexooWsIuqUrL_Xqb1Uv8gvJhCQM76M2rdb4ouQlyIuNzb-ww0TuIPor15B3ceo5zhnGhvadT9b1SVgRNq32t0cN94hSutJThwuNLCuJLL9qqtcO3PS_RdrsIGoKx__rR7S8/s1600/tomko-todd-shane-640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="414" data-original-width="621" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ4CeviyMwexooWsIuqUrL_Xqb1Uv8gvJhCQM76M2rdb4ouQlyIuNzb-ww0TuIPor15B3ceo5zhnGhvadT9b1SVgRNq32t0cN94hSutJThwuNLCuJLL9qqtcO3PS_RdrsIGoKx__rR7S8/s200/tomko-todd-shane-640.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Todd Shane Tomko, another abuser Kelly defended</span></td></tr>
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Now what some of you may or may not know is that this same General John Kelly went to bat for Todd Shane Tomko. Tomko is a disgraced Marine Colonel who was found guilty of <a href="https://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/11/27/marine-colonel-who-retired-disgrace-faces-new-felony-charges.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%253A+militarydotcom%252Fmarinecorpsnews+%2528Military.com+Marine+Corps+News%2529" target="_blank">sexually harassing two female subordinates.</a> Mr. Kelly praised the colonel as a <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.military.com/daily-news/2017/11/27/marine-colonel-who-retired-disgrace-faces-new-felony-charges.html?utm_source%3Dfeedburner%26utm_medium%3Dfeed%26utm_campaign%3DFeed%25253A%2Bmilitarydotcom%25252Fmarinecorpsnews%2B%252528Military.com%2BMarine%2BCorps%2BNews%252529&sa=D&ust=1518201034698000&usg=AFQjCNEn4GEVT9TUlsNGfvb8PJCJEAkoFg">“superb Marine officer.</a>” That turned out to be a bad characterization of Kelly's. Tomko was so messed up, it was reported that he drove drunk to his own arraignment. General Kelly has a problem that has been in the Armed Forces for decades now. And that is to save the warrior at all cost. Screw the fact that he's being accused of sexual assault, sexual harassment or other punishable crimes. Save the accused, because he is worth it.<br />
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Even in the fact of the blacked eye photo's and the press pushing hard for transparency, Kelly only took a half-step back in the assessment of the situation with Porter. While admitting that domestic violence is a terrible thing, Kelly wouldn't give an inch on Porter's character. This was followed by Donald Trump's own remarks today, as he still believes Porter is innocent.<br />
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I don't want to drift too far afield of my main point, and that is in John Kelly's opinion, getting the job<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclB0Q25oi_7-bsv588DSjJVePc_1PLtatxE8zVT2e5On6tB3ENPTkAb0wB92EzSrrsjUmL_ypHXEgWCiQl1teDeoln5j0PfIEUUtS5THZpByhcH01GvLyCnfPwAjH4_hE-WYDZJAdOHg/s1600/Screenshot+%252891%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="397" data-original-width="435" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjclB0Q25oi_7-bsv588DSjJVePc_1PLtatxE8zVT2e5On6tB3ENPTkAb0wB92EzSrrsjUmL_ypHXEgWCiQl1teDeoln5j0PfIEUUtS5THZpByhcH01GvLyCnfPwAjH4_hE-WYDZJAdOHg/s200/Screenshot+%252891%2529.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Rob Porter. Domestic abuser who Trump believes is innocent</span></td></tr>
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done always comes before anything else. He stood by Porter because Porter performed his duties well. This is much akin to the James Wilkerson case where his conviction was overturned by a 3-star General. It shows bias and blind loyalty from the brass. They treat victims/survivors as casualties in pursuit of what they see as the greater good.<br />
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In 2014 I wrote a story much like this one of a young woman who was a victim of domestic abuse. (I hope you check it out if you haven't already.) She tweeted me asking to help get her story out. And there it was; <a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2014/03/smiling-faces-part-1.html" target="_blank">Bobbie Moulder</a> had a black eye given to her by her Marine husband. She shared her story of a horrific marriage, and how the Military was just doing a dance with her case, and waiting for the clock to just run out on it while her now ex-husband had moved on with a promotion. These abusers continue to abuse partly because men like John Kelly and Donald Trump turn a blind eye to the reality that domestic violence, as well as sexual assault and other related crimes, are wrong. Rob Porter has been pried away from his job after a year. Since then, he has abused another woman who works for the federal government. She won't give her name (no doubt out of fear of losing her job) but she has sought out the advice of the 2 ex-wives.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwsA9yovFW7O5M_rn3KsCN7gKb24r5CtDxbw3BlOt1YjPaWcDFdqj-yb5lMLAyfmIGT67iB-HoscLgp0IHrrEBg1mWbWgHLvG6cHJtudjlkHW-jHb8OB-qLXX9WoiI1swHc9Y6WT7oGY/s1600/Porters+Ex+wives.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="513" data-original-width="644" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwsA9yovFW7O5M_rn3KsCN7gKb24r5CtDxbw3BlOt1YjPaWcDFdqj-yb5lMLAyfmIGT67iB-HoscLgp0IHrrEBg1mWbWgHLvG6cHJtudjlkHW-jHb8OB-qLXX9WoiI1swHc9Y6WT7oGY/s200/Porters+Ex+wives.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> (R)Holderness, 37, (L) Willoughby</span></td></tr>
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It's a damn shame that our own government which touts transparency and zero tolerance for this sort of behavior, doesn't have the confidence of women working for them. And Porter has moved on from dating this unknown person, to a relationship with Trump's own White House Communications Director, Hope Hicks. Now whether you like or dislike Miss Hicks, you can't help but wonder how long it could take before another page of domestic abuse will be added. Perhaps a page that might not have been necessary, if the General really believed his words:<br />
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<i>“When I was a kid growing up, a lot of things were sacred in our country,” he said. “Women were sacred and looked upon with great honor. That’s obviously not the case anymore, as we see from recent cases.”</i>- <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/john-kelly-women-sacred-humans_us_59e91025e4b0df10767be25e" target="_blank">HuffPost October 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
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Update:</h3>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysuxqZkWksY0N2m9IC6BpY56-P9PypvzBkWKdia2Lh92V5VkcLAHWaKvu8v5bx3iqByc8d68Wx5Z7kZ3tnE92cRQGKmP7BaowysyaZfwBvASngNQzidPDNND419JRizqhyphenhyphenaZy-Sx9Fu4/s1600/Screenshot+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="443" data-original-width="726" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjysuxqZkWksY0N2m9IC6BpY56-P9PypvzBkWKdia2Lh92V5VkcLAHWaKvu8v5bx3iqByc8d68Wx5Z7kZ3tnE92cRQGKmP7BaowysyaZfwBvASngNQzidPDNND419JRizqhyphenhyphenaZy-Sx9Fu4/s200/Screenshot+%25282%2529.png" width="200" /></a>By this weekend Donald Trump's reflection of how he views domestic violence was summed up in one of his tweets. He seems to put a lot of stock in the fact that people who work hard for him couldn't possibly be guilty, and of course after a matter of time should it really matter? His words come off as a dog whistle that accusers are just out to hurt these men. Apparently men free of scandal are hard to find to work for his administration.</div>
The scene from Celebrity Big Brother with a vulnerable Omarosa Manigault who was brought into the inner circle by Trump and cast out by Kelly, says it all. (Whispering)<i> "...It's not my circus, not my monkeys, I'd like to say not my problem but... it's bad." </i><br />
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My thoughts: <i>The Evil you accept, is the evil you ignore.</i><br />
<br />Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-31001918943721971102017-12-15T12:58:00.000-08:002017-12-18T12:57:47.252-08:00Grab Him by The Presidency<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">"Turning a human being into a thing,</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcF-QJAYHjlrgR1UzPuH_tAHS0OExiy42iEtDKROyXDItNtftZswG84QtrOTmMj4IYQ2Z_vizPfsFhbcpjE_LQcMwQ8mLNpiUZW7jqJpssOvZmm9riSIxNKAkR9o8c9LXQ1NYBx8CQBA/s1600/Half+Price+Girls.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><i><span style="color: cyan;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLcF-QJAYHjlrgR1UzPuH_tAHS0OExiy42iEtDKROyXDItNtftZswG84QtrOTmMj4IYQ2Z_vizPfsFhbcpjE_LQcMwQ8mLNpiUZW7jqJpssOvZmm9riSIxNKAkR9o8c9LXQ1NYBx8CQBA/s320/Half+Price+Girls.png" width="320" /></span></i></a></div>
<i><span style="color: cyan;">Is almost always the first step,</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: cyan;">Towards justifing violence</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: cyan;">Towards that person."</span></i><br />
<span style="color: cyan;"><i><br /></i>
<i>-Jean Killbourne</i></span><br />
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My thoughts today are not so political as much as a question of how any president of our country should conduct himself. Again the President of the US has shown a moral failure in his leadership. In fact he's gone back to <i>the locker room talk again.</i> Whether you're into politics or not, you can only shade bad behavior so much. I'm taken aback again by the very man who should be setting the highest example of what we all should aspire to be as people and Americans. Donald Trump, in the midst of his bid for the presidency, was caught on a now infamous and verified tape from <i>Access Hollywood</i> joking with Billy Bush on his expertise in predatory behavior towards women.<br />
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Trump tells Billy Bush about a failed attempt to seduce Nancy O'Dell, who was Bush's co-host at the time of the recording:<br />
<i>"I moved on her actually-- you know she was down in Palm Beach I moved on her and I failed. I'll admit it--- I did try and fuck her she was married. You know Nancy--- I moved on her very heavily</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Trump exiting the Hollywood Access with Billy Bush</span></td></tr>
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<i>
and I took her out furniture shopping--- she wanted to get some furniture--- I said I'll show you where they have some nice furniture--- I moved in her like a bitch, but I couldn't get there and she was married. And all of a sudden I see her she's now got the big phony tits and everything--- she's totally changed her look. --- I'm gonna use some tic-tacs just in case I start kissing her. You know I'm automatically attracted to beautiful--- I just start kissing them. It's like a magnet--- I don't need to wait and when you're a star they let you do it. ---You can do anything whatever you want-- grab them by the pussy.---" <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-recorded-having-extremely-lewd-conversation-about-women-in-2005/2016/10/07/3b9ce776-8cb4-11e6-bf8a-3d26847eeed4_story.html?utm_term=.7a0807e3c411" target="_blank">-Washington Post October 8, 2016</a> </span></i><br />
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When the news broke about the frat boy convo, Billy Bush was sacked faster than you could say, "give me a Tic-Tac" and Trump sat in front of a camera and offered up an apology via teleprompter. In his apology statement back in 2016 he promised: "<br />
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<i>"Anyone who knows me knows these words don’t reflect who I am. I said it, I was wrong, and I apologize. I’ve traveled the country talking about change for America, but my travels have also changed me. I’ve spent time with grieving mothers who’ve lost their children, laid-off workers whose jobs have gone to other countries, and people from all walks of life who just want a better future. I have gotten to know the great people of our country, and I’ve been humbled by the faith they’ve placed in me. I pledge to be a better man tomorrow and will never, ever let you down."- <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/28/us/politics/donald-trump-tape.html" target="_blank">NY Times November 28, 2017</a></span></i></div>
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Everyone now knows that Trump, the candidate, became the 45th president of the United States. In fact some women have remarked to me that Trump's victory has resurrected feelings of being victimized all over again. And unfortunately other accusations of his behavior with women have followed him into the first year of his presidency. Most of his accusers are sticking to their guns about the former Apprentice star turned Commander-in-Chief's behavior. Women like Summer Zervos who said before reporters that a business meeting with him had gone bad:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9fqRzOcGzy_jZi_ayY2gWUs3oJfXolnMTdIsQJwFWnOiBGFlqIITPGgrKj_cOg_b37IO5cjYCN9KckMjTV1X4QtncAgKby_PpN99MhyjKdviywhkMiL_2dwVnQGJwIutSNB2Ao4gHw4/s1600/Zervos.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="318" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN9fqRzOcGzy_jZi_ayY2gWUs3oJfXolnMTdIsQJwFWnOiBGFlqIITPGgrKj_cOg_b37IO5cjYCN9KckMjTV1X4QtncAgKby_PpN99MhyjKdviywhkMiL_2dwVnQGJwIutSNB2Ao4gHw4/s200/Zervos.png" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Summer Zervous</span></td></tr>
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<i>Zervos said Trump asked to meet her for dinner at the Beverly Hills Hotel. She was instead escorted </i><i>to a bungalow where, she said, Trump "started kissing me open-mouthed" and groped her breast. "'I pushed his chest to put space between us, and I said, Come on man, get real,' Zervos said. 'He repeated my words back to me, 'get real' as he began thrusting his genitals. He tried to kiss me again with my hands still on his chest, and I said, 'dude, you’re tripping right now,' attempting to make it clear I was not interested."- <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2016-election/ex-apprentice-contestant-trump-made-unwanted-sexual-advances-n666621" target="_blank">NBC News October 15, 2016</a></span></i><br />
Donald's bad behavior is resurfacing like wisps of grass through the concrete sidewalk in the "<i>Me Too"</i> hash tag on Twitter. His accusers have found a new voice aided by other survivors of sexual assault as well as Senator (and sexual assault advocate) Kirsten Gillibrand.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOecqM0D1IzzEQWuTaudWau36oZW2JJqIZ1Lfe8fJVIbmBg1b0QcjGvxuXF4OS7QlK-yjKmbnooc_yTn4TDtxut53K8vXarc3rQDwMIzk2lp5ok9PYobuoCfNVL6lSvCcBnsC07HqDnuI/s1600/Trump+Tweet.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="909" data-original-width="1600" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOecqM0D1IzzEQWuTaudWau36oZW2JJqIZ1Lfe8fJVIbmBg1b0QcjGvxuXF4OS7QlK-yjKmbnooc_yTn4TDtxut53K8vXarc3rQDwMIzk2lp5ok9PYobuoCfNVL6lSvCcBnsC07HqDnuI/s320/Trump+Tweet.png" width="320" /></a>In light of the undying allegations against Trump, Gillibrand called for his resignation. Then on Twitter he let the whole world know what he personally thought of the Junior Senator from his own home state. The sexual inference by this man who sits in the oval office was, Gillibrand would prostitute herself for money and career. The backlash was fast and furious. First from Gillibrand herself, who remarked <span style="color: cyan;"><a href="https://twitter.com/SenGillibrand/status/940580340560809984" target="_blank">"</a></span><i><span style="color: cyan;"><a href="https://twitter.com/SenGillibrand/status/940580340560809984" target="_blank">You cannot silence me or the millions of women who have gotten off the sidelines to speak out about the unfitness and shame you have brought to the Oval Office."</a></span> </i>Later as she face reporters on Trump's remarks, she called them a <i>sexist smear.</i> Then (without much prompting) professional women in the media stepped up to respond to Trump's frat boy comments. On election day for Alabama voters, <i>Morning Joe's Mika Brzezinski</i> who has been the target of Trump's past innuendo's and remarks about her personal life, could hardly contain her outrage as she looked dead at the camera.</div>
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<i>"I just want to say something beyond the fact that this is reprehensible that the President of the United States would say something so derogatory and disgusting about a woman--- we're not surprised Mr. President, you do it all the time. You treat women terribly and you treat the women around you even worse and you treat women like punching bags, because it's fun for you--- because you were intimidated by women that's your problem okay--- but for the people who work for you, you need to act."- </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrrxsoBawU4" target="_blank">Morning Joe Youtube- December 12, 2017</a></span></div>
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It was the first time I've ever seen Scarborough almost silent as Mika continued to hammer away at Mr. Trump. And if there were people who thought that this would be a moment of enlightenment for Trump's White House Secretary, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, then they were dead wrong. Instead Sarah chose to pull the president's fat out of the skillet again as she remarked to reporters that "<i>anyone who thought Trump's remarks about Senator Gillibrand were sexual, their minds were in the gutter."</i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1uILlpkM3st1HojUt5P-rs8ThFpz0cGUb4t7xzn1-RZY6rYoNhmQtc554rMZG6PE4dH3ugr1-8TSfhc0CPozhWfQGziw07oMwlj8WCp_p9YDkINpnUrtQj6DLOTka_phEdl42tWh9ys/s1600/K+Gillibrand2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="673" data-original-width="747" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF1uILlpkM3st1HojUt5P-rs8ThFpz0cGUb4t7xzn1-RZY6rYoNhmQtc554rMZG6PE4dH3ugr1-8TSfhc0CPozhWfQGziw07oMwlj8WCp_p9YDkINpnUrtQj6DLOTka_phEdl42tWh9ys/s320/K+Gillibrand2.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Senator Kirsten Gillibrand unflinching and undeterred </span></td></tr>
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No doubt this defense is great for the Trump base. It must be a great paying job when someone can betray their own values, and self worth, while lying to the press and the American public. Sanders did a full court press with continuous hoop shots of Trumpian denials defending his reputation like a mother protecting her neighborhood bully-son. When some of the journalists in the room said "apples" Mrs Huckabee Sanders, gave strange "Banana" answers.<br />
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In light of this latest Tweet attacking a sitting female Senator, His original promise <span style="color: cyan;">"<i>I pledge to be a better man tomorrow and will never, ever let you down..."</i></span> makes me wonder where is the better man? Trump has forgotten that it was women (in spite of all of the scandals and rumors) who helped elect him. Some continue to carry his political water even now. And what's even more disturbing is, his own party has gone silent on this issue. No other president, living or dead, could have gotten away with this sort of behavior. It may take a tremendous feat to restore what it means to be the President of the United States.<br />
I think it's time for Congress to stop being bystanders to this slut-shaming, and grab Trump by the presidency for this latest outrage. He needs to apologize to the Senator and all women in America, which I doubt will ever happen with any unprompted sincerity. Al Franken, who now exits the Senate, had it right when he said,<br />
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<i>“I, of all people, am aware that there is some irony in the fact that I am leaving while a man who has bragged on tape about his history of sexual assault sits in the Oval Office, and a man who has repeatedly preyed on young girls, campaigns for the Senate with the full support of his party.”</i> </blockquote>
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<b style="text-align: center;"><b>Special thanks to:</b> </b></div>
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my foodie friend Yumyumyummy @yikesks on Twitter for alerting me to this issue.</div>
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Check out my commentary and perspective on my You Tube Channel posted last year.</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obTyJF9fAKQ" target="_blank">Locker Room Talk</a></h3>
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Previous issue on the Roy Moore campaign</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/12/what-if-god-was-one-of-us.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYlJy2HpvsFixDdgHgL7dLp5oPm1bMKiWc68UiuVRccirlYvjIE4SKVheE1WN032EDOqBENkb1Uzb91I5iKerZX50QbaYiinihw08HFP27Dx_uyRCNJvoQAye5GXgd75CNbtBMG_y7Ptw/s1600/hitchiker+%25282%2529.jpg" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/12/what-if-god-was-one-of-us.html" target="_blank">What If God Was One of Us?</a></td></tr>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-42328002187054119352017-12-11T15:33:00.000-08:002017-12-11T15:33:45.498-08:00What If God Was One of Us<br />
<i><span style="color: cyan;">If God had a name what would it be?</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFN-8zEvTgsinriYlnGUUgUQUB_l8YIUGKtwcXba1-CtRVzq9fgrrnrpxkxEERvp8jsF7qjnI1SDtBmDq_tZ-nAUr820_WW5ewgTzN1584XmQrlhxFKwEvktaHm0gqFNqoymZMG_-FXBU/s1600/hitchiker+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><i><span style="color: cyan;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFN-8zEvTgsinriYlnGUUgUQUB_l8YIUGKtwcXba1-CtRVzq9fgrrnrpxkxEERvp8jsF7qjnI1SDtBmDq_tZ-nAUr820_WW5ewgTzN1584XmQrlhxFKwEvktaHm0gqFNqoymZMG_-FXBU/s1600/hitchiker+%25282%2529.jpg" /></span></i></a></div>
<i><span style="color: cyan;">And would you call it to his face?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: cyan;">If you were faced with Him in all His glory</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: cyan;">What would you ask if you had just one question?</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">What if God was one of us?</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: cyan;">Just a slob like one of us</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: cyan;">Just a stranger on the bus</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: cyan;">Tryin' to make his way home?</span></i></div>
<i><span style="color: cyan;">-Eric Bazilian </span></i><br />
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I had a sweet grandmother who favored me a lot, and I would have followed her anywhere. One Sunday she decided to visit the church which was a block from our house and I went with her. I kept on going back, in spite of the weird stain glass windows and hideous ceiling rafters. I went back because of my attachment for my grandmother. I had an idea about who God was and I've accepted his existence. Maybe I saw his existence in good people like my grandmother and later on in a good guy named Chuck Todd (No relation to the newscaster). Chuck was almost another father who helped me through those hard teenage years.<br />
My friend Catherine doesn't see a reason for God's existence. Her mom asked Catherine to give church a try in her younger years. She even sang in choir at a Protestant church, but it was not a go. She grew up in a scientific family, both grandparents were doctors and couldn’t associate scientific data with the belief in an unknown higher being. Catherine had a great attachment and admiration for her grandfather.<br />
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<i>"Yes. My grandpa wanted to invent the pill to help all the poor women who in those days had multiple children. I thought it wasn’t very godly to force these poor women to have children they couldn’t support. I felt religion was built on people’s fears and it was their way to explain the unknown, like what happens to you when you die. Some of the basic tenants I agreed with, helping the poor and treating others well, but trying to control people’s thinking and lives was unappealing." - </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Catherine O'Brien </span></blockquote>
Catherine and I don't talk about science versus God. We have common ground on human rights and respect for civil liberties. When it comes to sexual assault and sexual misconduct, a person's character should matter and not his reputation. A person's reputation is only what people think of him.<br />
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This last month has been <i>"flavor of the week" </i>for guys getting called out on past misdeeds. And some real chickens coming home to roost on social media. A few like Al Franken and Charlie Rose have fallen on their swords about their dark deeds. And we watched members of NBC's Today show choke back the grief and utter the words that Matt Lauer, their fellow member, had been dismissed for his bad behavior. It can't be easy for those ladies to look at their audience and admit that one of their own had victimized women in the workplace. But on the flip side of this issue, those who claim to know Judge Roy Moore continue to dig in their heals about the person who they claim is God's choice to go the the Senate in December.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roy Moore with Wife and supporter Kayla</td></tr>
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Moore, who stands accused of sexual assault and pedophile behavior by 8 women, (many who were teenagers at the time when these incidents happened), has declared himself innocent of these charges. Moore's base, as well his campaign spokespersons, have all but claimed that the man can walk on water. The most telling part of why some are defending him comes out when you hear people like Alan Keyes shout at reporters with fury and spit,<i>"--- it is not up to Judge Moore to provide the truth. It is up to those who accuse in this country. We will not let you strip him of his personal rights--- of his person-hood the way you have stripped out unborn children!"</i><br />
His defenders are more concerned about the judge upholding the stone laws of the Bible and bringing a <i>"Thy Kingdom Come" </i>agenda to Washington DC and America.<br />
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Janet Porter a conservative activist and president of conservative group Faith2Action and <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul7TZ2RMcWW8LxNJ6ef4iYjOcJ1w_V6w2CdtdIPQNduKs-AD91I7JHh9byF7a56OBP_fJxNuOHL4SsG1tE1xPaNIJclLaKYeCxVjb7-SG52FR7BLibins5wgf67dqekLgeKw8dA_Xr8A/s1600/Janet+Porter.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="986" data-original-width="658" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiul7TZ2RMcWW8LxNJ6ef4iYjOcJ1w_V6w2CdtdIPQNduKs-AD91I7JHh9byF7a56OBP_fJxNuOHL4SsG1tE1xPaNIJclLaKYeCxVjb7-SG52FR7BLibins5wgf67dqekLgeKw8dA_Xr8A/s200/Janet+Porter.png" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Janet Porter</span></td></tr>
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Moore's campaign spokesperson, sees Roy Moore's candidacy as a religious mandate.<br />
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<i>"This is ground zero for religious liberty; this is ground zero for life, and the winner of this Senate race is winner-</i><i></i><br />
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<i>take-all; it will be the deciding vote on the United States Supreme Court who will sit on the court for the next 30 or 40 years." -Janet Porter CNN</i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DiTUnkhTVw&t=684s" target="_blank">In an interview with Anderson Cooper, </a></i>Porter refused to answer directly about the allegations about her candidate. Doing some fancy line dance moves on the issues of Roy Moore's character, her answers fit Coopers questions like a banana skin over a melon. Porter also invoked the names of James Dobson, Ben Carson, and Sarah Palin as endorsers.<br />
As a kid growing up in the 60's, my home, my school, and my church were all on the same page about what was right and wrong in life, and especially about abuse and assaulting people. The standards used to be unshakable. Only the most harden or desperate person would continue to stand behind flimsy excuses, or tissues of lies.<br />
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Flip Berman, an Evangelical Christian minister and the national leader of Concord, North Carolina-based <i>Operation Save America,</i> a group that evolved from Operation Rescue, defended Moore's attraction for female minors. "<i>He (Moore) did that because there is something about a purity of a young woman, there is something that is good, that's true, that's straight and he looked for that."</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/pastor-roy-moore-seeking-purity-young-woman-article-1.3650365">NY Daily News November 22</a><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/pastor-roy-moore-seeking-purity-young-woman-article-1.3650365"> </a> </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">(L) Flip Berman (R) Jim Ziegler </span></td></tr>
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Do I have to point out to anyone how pervy that sounds? I've got more--- Jim Ziegler, Alabama State Auditor, told the Washington Examiner.<br />
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<i>“Take the Bible. Zachariah and Elizabeth for instance. Zachariah was extremely old to marry Elizabeth and they became the parents of John the Baptist,” Ziegler said choosing his words carefully before invoking Christ. “Also take Joseph and Mary. Mary was a teenager and Joseph was an adult carpenter. They became parents of Jesus.”“There’s just nothing immoral or illegal here,” Ziegler concluded. “Maybe just a little bit unusual.” <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/alabama-state-auditor-defends-roy-moore-against-sexual-allegations-invokes-mary-and-joseph/article/2640217" target="_blank">Washington Examiner November 9, 2017</a></span></i></blockquote>
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These are desperate people who need to win the big one for God even if it means they will lie and defend a man who allegedly sexually assaulted, several teenage girls. While Moore does a great Billy Graham impression, <span style="text-align: center;">Dean Young, a personal friend of Moore's and a chief political strategist for his campaign, gave a "<i>mansplaining"</i> defense of Moore's attractiveness to young girls: </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Dean Young doesn't believe the victims</span></td></tr>
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<i>"What I'm okay with is--- Judge Moore made it perfectly clear if he did date a teenager he didn't </i><i>know about it so--- I can't tell you how many times I've been on a date and then asked a girl </i><i>how old she was--- especially after I asked her mama if I could date them."<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVfXPf-ej60&t=17s" target="_blank">- Dean Young CNN News</a></span></i></div>
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<i><br /></i>It's a real head-scratcher that an assistant DA whose should know the laws of his state, and should be smart enough to make sure a girl he's about to become involved with could be jail bait. Either that's another pathetic falsehood, or Young and Moore were living by their own personal code of <i>don't ask, don't tell. </i><br />
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Other remarks from potential voters have rationed that this all happened so long ago, that God has forgiven the Judge, and so it really makes everything alright. I've never seen so many people dip their religious chocolate in the political peanut butter. This is what is know as relativistic situational<br />
ethics. Some of these religious types are trying to reshape something wrong by explaining it with Bible scriptures, or excuse someone's behavior by saying we're all sinners and God forgives everyone.<br />
Being desperate to get what they want, they've disregarded some of the concepts of their faith while engaging in verbal spats with journalists. Abandoning the "<i>turn the cheek"</i> philosophy of dealing with people, some of them reciting from the book of Trumpism, called reporters<i> "the fake lying media from the swamp." </i>Their talk wasn't adult-like or Christian for that matter.<br />
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I haven't seen Judge Roy Moore offer any credible defense against his accusers as of right now. I heard a lot of interesting remarks from people who speak for him. As a person who knows something about church culture, I can say that I've met some awesome people in my life. They were awesome because they were good people deep down inside. Also I've known some hurtful types of religious people too and I wouldn't trust them to take care of a child or a dog. Religion doesn't make you good. Religion just makes you religious. The same can be said for the humanist or the atheist. Being good is a choice that you work at, either in or outside of church. And maybe it starts with good people like my grandmother, or Catherine's grandpa.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyhrleBDvFxMRaaeUsNzOzvGhJvU1rpgMsd_5QuxD7UVAh1SrZVBUMpbOGGWkj7KL-GXm5OTW2ucILTIra6oKQl7Puoq92MboHtPkPXUFkmedzitscL_g1WIxiNs0nMjCGl_JqxDYEUI/s1600/Moore+Accuser.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="936" data-original-width="1600" height="187" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAyhrleBDvFxMRaaeUsNzOzvGhJvU1rpgMsd_5QuxD7UVAh1SrZVBUMpbOGGWkj7KL-GXm5OTW2ucILTIra6oKQl7Puoq92MboHtPkPXUFkmedzitscL_g1WIxiNs0nMjCGl_JqxDYEUI/s320/Moore+Accuser.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">CNN Graphic of Women who Moore Allegedly abused or pursued</span></td></tr>
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Personally, I believe the victims. They've been living in the dark with this secret for too long. They've taken some risks to come out right now against a national figure like Roy Moore. They haven't been paid by the media to tell their stories. And as to why they waited so long to talk? In light of how survivor victims are treated regardless of when they choose to speak out, who can blame them?<br />
My gut tells me, that if God was one of us, he'd tell some religious types to quit dropping his name because frankly, they've never met.<br />
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Special thanks to @Deja1422 on Twitter for sharing a little of herself to help. Her grandpa would be proud of her today.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Previous Issue:</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/11/accusers-abusers-and-and-losers.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="652" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyrnZf6uh2ieQJCs969zI-PfJJnlNj1163on3CyPY2woJ6VwL914fd5AAlthG_0DJFh0uyHcdsgbzDHYqpVtnhqNA9n7TBqUdh0RpDw-0zUwTv93ma7ME5K-SPoI3BQsS0pDogx-BCKU/s320/harassment.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/11/accusers-abusers-and-and-losers.html" target="_blank">Accusers Abusers and Losers</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://news.rutgers.edu/news-release/rutgers-expands-support-sexual-assault-victims/20170625#.Wi8GZEqnGM8" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="608" height="165" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxJkylx4qiV7JdEa64h-i9im4a2GTboJzZtEzKV4vZjsddznsbESrREfaW4uuN6HfxP8ZOW-pegi0HvqXBa3Hqz7q9yqVISGLuJVqYqypTP6c4kd449KdNXK8fvRdll-RCxE-sZFaZjM/s320/endsexualviolence.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><a href="https://news.rutgers.edu/news-release/rutgers-expands-support-sexual-assault-victims/20170625#.Wi8GZEqnGM8" target="_blank">Rutgers Expands Support for Sexual Assault Victims</a></td></tr>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-30210018856331630232017-11-20T15:50:00.002-08:002017-11-27T14:56:47.919-08:00Accusers, Abusers, and And Losers<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road less Traveled</td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">I've got nothing on my mind, </span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: cyan;">Nothing to remember,</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">Nothing to forget.</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">And I've got nothing to regret. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">But I'm all tied up on the inside, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">No one knows quite what I've got, </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">And I know that on the outside </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">What I used to be </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">I'm not anymore.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: cyan;">-Don McClean</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyrnZf6uh2ieQJCs969zI-PfJJnlNj1163on3CyPY2woJ6VwL914fd5AAlthG_0DJFh0uyHcdsgbzDHYqpVtnhqNA9n7TBqUdh0RpDw-0zUwTv93ma7ME5K-SPoI3BQsS0pDogx-BCKU/s1600/harassment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a>
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I hope you will bear with my thoughts and opinions, because some of them are a little heady.</div>
A week ago, by the time I hit the published button, it seemed like a dam had broken. Four more Roy Moore accusers stepped up to add their voices to the original ones. Now, with a few likable personalities such as Al Franken thrown into the mix, followed by President Trump's mocking, it has been a mental pile up of opinions, reactions, and Twitter drama.<br />
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For some of us, it's obvious to the most casual person, that someone who has a history of questionable behavior, followed by being banned from their own town's mall, is not suited for public office and needs to be called out on it. I continue to watch the behavior of Roy Moore. He not only says all of his accusers are liars, but he continues to invoke God, Jesus, and his pristine background as a husband, father, and grandfather.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEAaxbNpa3pj-BPpRyb4lywgqpH2NAEcHzeOcBKZen2AAEGxEenJS1n5XaOl7pY5NedHQGBxbe5pjJJlQEeXMLf0zQam0EN3gswh2XbF9F138giplEfcvlYIbVxA7dJf6oxQQxYA8t_o/s1600/Alan+Keyes.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1002" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOEAaxbNpa3pj-BPpRyb4lywgqpH2NAEcHzeOcBKZen2AAEGxEenJS1n5XaOl7pY5NedHQGBxbe5pjJJlQEeXMLf0zQam0EN3gswh2XbF9F138giplEfcvlYIbVxA7dJf6oxQQxYA8t_o/s320/Alan+Keyes.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Moore Staff and Supporters with religious zeal yell at media</span></td></tr>
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It's a real moment in politics only found in Brady Bunch re-runs. Moore's wife and sweetheart (a real Carol Brady of the south,) Kayla, proudly <i>stands by her man</i>, along with Moore's political base. We saw a "<i>Night of the Religious Dead"</i> screaming at reporters recently. They barred them access to the Judge, calling the reporters "fake news from the swamp." (How original.)<br />
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On the flipside of this <i>Sweet Home Alabama political scenario</i>, news broke out about funny man turned, State Senator, Al Franken. Back in 2006 on a USO tour, Franken did some real dumb and inappropriate things with Leeann Tweeden, a radio host and former model. The photo was jaw dropping to some of his friends, fans, and followers. And the reactions were different. By the time the full effect was felt, it was like a 20-car pile-up. Opinions outside of the "gotcha" crowd, called for Franken's resignation, some felt the comparison to Donald Trump and Moore was unfair, others chimed in, <i>"They all should go!" </i> While others suspect that the Franken attack was a hit job with a fake photo. Some of that back and forth discourse didn't end well. I even suspect some of this could have opened up old personal wounds of sexual abuse or harassment.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">What I Use To Be, I'm Not Anymore</span></h3>
The reality for me has been that although there are unrepentant types in politics, in the entertainment arena, or even in my personal life, people are not perfect. They will disappoint and disillusion us and it hurts sometimes.<br />
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I've said very little on the subject of Bill Cosby, because the initial revelations and fallout almost<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Bill Cosby and Cast of very famous 80's sitcom</span></td></tr>
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wrecked me. I grew up in the sixties admiring him as an example of what a black man could become. He went from stand up comic to the voice of Fat Albert (giving moral lessons to kids),<br />
iconic TV Dad in the 80's, and spokesman on many issues. So when the news of Cosby's serial sexual assaults came, it hit me like a wrecking ball. For awhile I was stunned into silence, and maybe secretly praying that this was some cruel prank or conspiracy. But as it became more evident that my idol was a rapist, I had to work through my five stages of grief and admit to myself, <i>"Yes, he did those things." </i> I couldn't excuse him, or crawl into some imaginary <i>Cliff Huxtable world. </i>One of the lesson's I've learned is that, the truth may set you free, but it can sometimes hurt like hell.<br />
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To Al Franken's personal credit, he responded to the allegations almost immediately.<br />
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<i>"The first thing I want to do is apologize: to Leeann, to everyone else who was part of that tour, to everyone who has worked for me, to everyone I represent, and to everyone who counts on me to be an ally and supporter and champion of women. There's more I want to say, but the first and most important thing—and if it's the only thing you care to hear, that's fine—is: I'm sorry.</i><br />
<i>"I respect women. I don't respect men who don't. And the fact that my own actions have given people a good reason to doubt that, makes me feel ashamed.</i><br />
<i>"But I want to say something else, too. Over the last few months, all of us—including and especially men who respect women—have been forced to take a good, hard look at our own actions and think (perhaps, shamefully, for the first time) about how those actions have affected women. </i>See full statement at <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/11/16/politics/al-franken-apology/index.html" target="_blank">CNN.com. </a></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EHAQOdrwA3SgOH-m0vxS4E7xyCnKINcrBdLuOvdsipIZw2QFtW5i8KwpQDdkX4yIYy5XpAM6BFkHcXosBxSCt1G6yGULZqoNBZopyg3y8VrMBNfH2U5BBS8cASx7PXmD908V-rhip6E/s1600/Al+Franken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="682" data-original-width="1024" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EHAQOdrwA3SgOH-m0vxS4E7xyCnKINcrBdLuOvdsipIZw2QFtW5i8KwpQDdkX4yIYy5XpAM6BFkHcXosBxSCt1G6yGULZqoNBZopyg3y8VrMBNfH2U5BBS8cASx7PXmD908V-rhip6E/s200/Al+Franken.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">SNL Comic turned Senator Al Franken </span></td></tr>
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An apology doesn't make everything rosy for the Senator. But maybe it highlights the difference in someone whose not running away from himself or what he did. His actions towards Miss Tweeden were wrong, the picture (according to one of my friends,) triggered her PTSD. This is why I've always said that <i>rape is not, and cannot, be judged politically.</i> This is a personal issue. And even when it's not personal for you, it can be for someone you know.<br />
Simply illustrated: if the most likable person you know who also likes you as well, takes you to dinner and treats a waitress badly, maybe even pinches her ass, do you dismiss it? If she complains about it, do you say to her, <i>"he really is a nice guy"</i> or <i>"he was just kidding..." </i> or <i>"That's just the way he is. But he doesn't mean any harm." </i>Then you've just co-signed with someone against that waitress who brought your food, kept your water glass filled, and served you with a smile.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">All Tied Up On The Inside</span></h3>
It's okay to admit you're struggling with a nice guy's behavior. In fact to admit that to others, like Sarah Silverman did, is very human.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs8vm5pCnHqQJj0eZ9a3bz8T9lkFxt5c3EgTc_caqY4iZshEQlSOJsVXXWLOzAscPn8PAzju2_CmYUFcB0obD-UPN3je1-qZEH7bTWZK0uEq_3hChbVEUeSlM0MCvvoKtNs9tyQpD-_k/s1600/Sarah-Silverman-TNY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1336" data-original-width="1600" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMs8vm5pCnHqQJj0eZ9a3bz8T9lkFxt5c3EgTc_caqY4iZshEQlSOJsVXXWLOzAscPn8PAzju2_CmYUFcB0obD-UPN3je1-qZEH7bTWZK0uEq_3hChbVEUeSlM0MCvvoKtNs9tyQpD-_k/s320/Sarah-Silverman-TNY.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Stand-up Comic Sarah Silverman</span></td></tr>
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<i>"One of my best friends of over 25 years, Louie C.K, masturbated in front of women---</i><i>He wielded his power with women and in f**ked up ways sometimes to the point where they left Comedy entirely. I could couch this with heartwarming stories of our friendship and what a great dad he is but that's totally irrelevant isn't it? Yes it is. It's a real mindf**k--- you know because, I love Louie--- but Louie did these things. Both of those statements are true. So I just keep asking myself-- can you love someone who did bad things? Can you still love them? I can mull that over later certainly because the only people that matter right now are the victims. They are victims, and they're victims because of something he did--- so I hope it's okay if I am at once very angry for the women he wronged, and the culture that enabled it. And also sad, because he's my friend. But I believe with all my heart that this moment in time is essential it's vital that people are held accountable for their actions no matter who they are we need to be better--- we will be better.- </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_WKFDqxiL80&t=16s" target="_blank">Sarah Silverman Comments on Sexual Harassment</a></blockquote>
For me Sarah Silverman is a hero. That may repulse some of you because she's been associated with Louie CK. But I see her as someone who seems to be vulnerable and scared enough to admit this whole issue is a big fat freaking mess. The person she admired did this, and she's pissed and confused, and really doesn't want to talk about it. But she's laying it out there in an un-cute and unfunny way. That takes courage. She's not saying things to make the tribe or her fans feel better. It's just a messed up situation and it is what it is.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyrnZf6uh2ieQJCs969zI-PfJJnlNj1163on3CyPY2woJ6VwL914fd5AAlthG_0DJFh0uyHcdsgbzDHYqpVtnhqNA9n7TBqUdh0RpDw-0zUwTv93ma7ME5K-SPoI3BQsS0pDogx-BCKU/s1600/harassment.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbyrnZf6uh2ieQJCs969zI-PfJJnlNj1163on3CyPY2woJ6VwL914fd5AAlthG_0DJFh0uyHcdsgbzDHYqpVtnhqNA9n7TBqUdh0RpDw-0zUwTv93ma7ME5K-SPoI3BQsS0pDogx-BCKU/s200/harassment.jpg" /></a><span style="color: orange;">All Roads Lead To Where We Stand</span></h3>
Before I finish this next sentence, there will be more sexual harassment and sex assault revelations coming out. We have to also remember that there are also un-famous abusers still committing these crimes to not-so-famous people like ourselves. So maybe we have to ask ourselves-- <i>"Does this get our attention because I care about the issue, and the people it hurts?" Or am I getting swept along because it's what's trending right now? </i>It's not wrong to give input about the famous people who are in powerful positions in Hollywood, Government, or even in religion, but also if you truly want to see rape culture stopped, and bad behavior not normalized, we need to remember where be personally started with this issue. For me it was because a family member had been sexually assaulted. I became more aware about this issue because with every person who privately shared their story outside of the spotlight, something in me changed. I also remember feeling like a single voice trying to get others attention about rape, sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other issues. When you care about something like this, you speak up for the people whose lives it's affecting. That's something that I try to remember for the sake of one more person who wonders if their life really matters.<br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-size: large;"><i>Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends who strive to survive in this Invisible War.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeA0-f0blzIULJxflOgMD5eGUapO8hg7ECYd-aXftTWaEcwT3dDNssmIami_H3OGfrtKGSmA8nh7wCBX9Ozg-coz6pZJaAFoLGWHJt87_BxijxcXRU8SQIUWH_uCtWr0K2mrTrg4ZapUs/s1600/Don%2527t+Blame+the+victim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeA0-f0blzIULJxflOgMD5eGUapO8hg7ECYd-aXftTWaEcwT3dDNssmIami_H3OGfrtKGSmA8nh7wCBX9Ozg-coz6pZJaAFoLGWHJt87_BxijxcXRU8SQIUWH_uCtWr0K2mrTrg4ZapUs/s320/Don%2527t+Blame+the+victim.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
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Previous Issue</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/11/her-at-fourteen.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXjQ-USekx7qoOufbiUSbmR0guGY8xgUnpqJcDS855ocu3qm9iSmnFXiAxbD4R-iChqaRLqBnfwukG4usb6sYIF83rqILeL0ywT3RRMxce9RtpbI89OkY-Fblthn32Eq2brGDnDFyIts/s200/Screen+Shot+2017-11-12+at+3.39.32+PM.png" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/11/her-at-fourteen.html" target="_blank">Her At Fourteen</a></span></td></tr>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-31844632913607200502017-11-12T20:39:00.000-08:002017-11-13T11:26:06.780-08:00Her At Fourteen<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG-5HO1tNZpliIbtiIhvW53oapEoZtAE22HLtzbmHkLJCzHPL9W1_VrbPNwwxH01OIuRd4OHsWrrPemxgGgalOtd0yWi2Gsc7anCrXeKV_N2qlDhyHPm6-NV48a1u3aUKFMRvBMU0ScY/s1600/At+Seventeen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG-5HO1tNZpliIbtiIhvW53oapEoZtAE22HLtzbmHkLJCzHPL9W1_VrbPNwwxH01OIuRd4OHsWrrPemxgGgalOtd0yWi2Gsc7anCrXeKV_N2qlDhyHPm6-NV48a1u3aUKFMRvBMU0ScY/s400/At+Seventeen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Janis Ian wrote the words to a song about teenage awkwardness. Besides the struggle of figuring out where and how to fit in, many girls and boys deal with quiet secrets.<br />
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On Twitter the conversations have moved from #Metoo to #MeAt14. Some of the Tweets with shared<br />
pics, reflect a time when we were too old for some things, and not grown-up enough for other things. Some of us had never used the word consent in a complete sentence, much less knew what it meant.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Left- @GottaLaff Right- @Ynubet reflect on being 14</span></td></tr>
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My friend, @GottaLaff Remembers: <span style="color: cyan;"><i>#MeAt14 </i>"<i>Nobody was more innocent, trusting. I had braces, I </i></span><i><span style="color: cyan;">was shy, and couldn't talk to boys."</span> </i>When adults let us into their lives, we felt a little more grown-up too. We trusted them with our innocence, and in some cases aspired to be more like the ones closest to us. Some of the Tweets seem to open up deep wounds that should have never been inflicted as in the case of someone called @Ynubet: <i><span style="color: cyan;">This is #MeAt14. I'd already endured several years of sexual assault and physical abuse by adults. This was me, finally happy, in my 2nd adoption. A short time after this was taken, I was assaulted twice by my peers.</span></i> She was betrayed by adults who appeared to be trust-worthy. Some remember what it meant to be 14 or 17, in the worse way.<br />
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In 1979, Leigh Corfman, a 14 year old young girl sat outside a courtroom in Etowah County, Alabama with her mother. Her life was changing significantly because of a child custody hearing. She no doubt had many feelings going around in her head and what all of that would mean to her future. As she and her Mom sat on that wooden bench outside the courthouse, a friendly and charming 32 year old assistant district attorney, approached them and struck up a conversation with Leigh and her mother. Perhaps he was the most friendly face they has seen in the courthouse that day. The man's name was Roy Moore and his demeanor must have seemed disarming to the pair as he offered to sit and watch the young teen while mother bearded the lion in the judicial den. <i>“He said, ‘Oh, you don’t want her to go in there and hear all that. I’ll stay out here with her.’ ”</i> The mom, Nancy Wells, seemed impressed at the time, as she would later recall, <i>“how nice for him to want to take care of my little girl.” </i>Nancy then walked off and apparently never gave it a second thought. By the time her business in the courtroom was over, Roy Moore had charmed and flattered Leigh Corfman, asking about her school, personal interests, and concluding their talk with an exchange of phone numbers.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Leigh Corfman and Mom, Nancy Wells (1997)</span></td></tr>
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Perhaps it was a strange and wonderful feeling that the teenager felt that day. She had a new friend in her life who was older, and an important one at that. In 1979 a fourteen year old girl living in a Bible belt state like Alabama would assuredly be naive compared to one living in this present day. No internet, no cell phones, and cable TV was less than a decade old. I mention these facts to say Leigh Corfman was a child who was about to keep company with an man twice her age.<br />
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Moore would convince this impressionable teenager to meet him around the corner from her house, and then drive her to his home where he engaged in criminal and lewd behavior.<br />
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<i>Days later, she says, he picked her up around the corner from her house in Gadsden, drove her about 30 minutes to his home in the woods, told her how pretty she was and kissed her. On a second visit, she says, he took off her shirt and pants and removed his clothes. He touched her over her bra and underpants, she says, and guided her hand to touch him over his underwear.</i><br />
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<i>“I wanted it over with — I wanted out,” she remembers thinking. “Please just get this over with. Whatever this is, just get it over.” Corfman says she asked Moore to take her home, and he did.- </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/woman-says-roy-moore-initiated-sexual-encounter-when-she-was-14-he-was-32/2017/11/09/1f495878-c293-11e7-afe9-4f60b5a6c4a0_story.html?utm_term=.179ebf943265" target="_blank">Washington Post November 9, 2017</a></span></blockquote>
In a scathing tell-all article from the Washington Post Judge Roy Moore's sexual life has been opened up for everyone to see. When you run for elected office, this is fair and realistic. Every rock will get turned over, every nook and cranny will be flushed through. It's the gauntlet you walk, or you drop out. Thirty witnesses, including Corfman's Mom, gave statements which back up what took place. The article also recounts other teenage girls stories, who knew him and he personally pursued these girls as well. Although nothing as sexually graphic happened with the other teenage girls at the time, the 32 year old Moore's pattern of behavior was unnerving for someone who was suppose to know and enforced the law. Roy Moore, now a judge with ambitions to grab the brass ring of the Senate, is calling this a hit job. Now 70, Moore laid out his political and personal track record to the media including a wonderful wife of 32 years, 4 children, highlighting the fact that one is a daughter. On the outside looking into Moore's life, he's a family man with so-called religious and moral convictions, plus a stellar career. Last weekend he seemed shocked and dismayed that someone would attack his life, especially now.<br />
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<i>"I've been investigated more than any other person in this country. To think that grown women would wait 40 years to come before--- right before an election to bring charges is absolutely unbelievable. Why now?"- </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Roy Moore </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">Veteran's Day campaign event. Birmingham, Alabama. November 11, 2017</span></span></blockquote>
If Moore had been on the outside looking in at Leigh Corfman's life, then (according to the WaPo article) he'd realize his encounter with her set off a chain of bad circumstances for the girl as she became a woman. What blamers and shamers of sexual assault don't see are the invisible scars of self-abuse survivors struggle with. Self-blame is the biggest struggle, which can turn into other problems.<br />
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<i>“I felt responsible,” she says. “I felt like I had done something bad. And it kind of set the course for me doing other things that were bad.” She says that her teenage life became increasingly reckless with drinking, drugs, boyfriends, and a suicide attempt when she was 16." -</i><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/woman-says-roy-moore-initiated-sexual-encounter-when-she-was-14-he-was-32/2017/11/09/1f495878-c293-11e7-afe9-4f60b5a6c4a0_story.html?utm_term=.179ebf943265" style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Washington Post November 9, 2017</a></blockquote>
The young woman pushed her dirty secret down deeper. Leigh's attempt with marriage failed 3 times. Plus an unsuccessful try at business, got her in hot water with the IRS. She knew something was going haywire inside of her. Perhaps this dark secret about an assistant DA, now a judge, was pushing hard on her life. Roy Moore also didn't see that Leigh Corfman had struggled to confront him at least 3 times. According to the same article, Corfman had driven to the office of the career climbing judge. She sat outside his office rehearsing a speech in her mind that she didn't have the nerve to give him. Fear can hold back some survivors for days, while some survivors feel tethered for years.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEPJ_NqiXsjLzFMRpP-uGS8utn4hrshcibte7KXNfXu-Gus47byYVutbZz88XGuxll290gxj0pfXEoPTeMre9GUaRhDApLpERzvqJlHr9lk1SG3gxQzUeBwXSdP6wm9hhAya9hX6H2WI/s1600/EyeSketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1008" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfEPJ_NqiXsjLzFMRpP-uGS8utn4hrshcibte7KXNfXu-Gus47byYVutbZz88XGuxll290gxj0pfXEoPTeMre9GUaRhDApLpERzvqJlHr9lk1SG3gxQzUeBwXSdP6wm9hhAya9hX6H2WI/s320/EyeSketch.jpg" width="320" /></a>Many things keep them from speaking out about the Harvey Weinsteins, the Bill Cosbys or any powerful person. Not all survivors speak out at the same time, (if they speak out at all.) Why now Mr. Moore? Perhaps because as you continued to rise to prominence in political circles it became harder and harder for Miss Corfman to escape seeing your face on television, wearing a Stetson and waving a toy gun. Or reading about you in the newspapers, or seeing you larger than life on a billboard. Survivors always carry around a ton of guilt about their assault, But sooner or later they may have an <i>"I don't give a damn"</i> moment, and finally speak out. When you don't know how life works for a victim of pedophilia, rape, sexual assault, or sexual harassment, then you don't understand that speaking out won't come at a time that will make some people happy. And we don't get to tell a survivor when that will be.<br />
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One person is fighting for a political career. The other is fighting to break free and live as a whole person. Some people who see Judge Moore as a true religious pillar, shockingly have already said, "I would rather vote for a child molester, than some guy whose not from my party!" Does winning in politics, mean that you would violate your own moral standards? Maybe the rhetorical question for the sake of victims of sexual assault and the least of these in our country has to be: <i>"What does it profit someone to gain everything, and lose their soul? And what would you give in exchange for your soul?" </i>Roy Moore, and the voters of Alabama will have to answer those questions, sooner or later.<br />
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Special thanks to<span style="font-size: xx-small;">:</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></h3>
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<span style="text-align: center;">@GottaLaff and @Ynubet reflect on Twitter</span></div>
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And all of those who have shared in the #MeAt14 trend. I've learned a lot.</div>
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Previous Issue:</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/11/rape-and-disorder.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDNCs4MrvwbMJGFyhVXHoX10L3uOMPxVsHtTCiQJqASb2QjbBwxkEqzz46F6XgGDJqr-8k2spZEaA8gj1Tzu8Qj-PhkIEF8uV4CEiuWprcxt3hJU3XCv6pT5RuAiaDRf5E0M5dtDmqSM/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-11-01+at+1.24.22+AM.png" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/11/rape-and-disorder.html" target="_blank">Sexual assault behind the shield.Law And Disorder</a></span></td></tr>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-76595547716254773062017-11-01T21:30:00.001-07:002017-11-02T15:21:27.628-07:00Law and Disorder<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>"The abuse of women and girls is the most pervasive and unaddressed human rights violation on this Earth." </i></div>
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<i>-Jimmy Carter</i></div>
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Warning: The following article contains graphic descriptions of sexual violence.</span></h3>
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I would give this article a musical theme, but the issue is so vile it doesn't deserve one. we're in the <i>#MeToo</i> era in our society. Hollywood powerful types are being called out for predatory behavior. And that is good. We need to have that conversation. It can make a difference. </div>
I have a certain list for bad cops too: for either killing unarmed civilians, or rape. The first one has been heavily debated on social media with comments like,<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=60&v=Cn35ooYNE08" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="1332" data-original-width="801" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg__MfDYhIr4ymfvkYSCR4pA-Y2d8EGFeGt0TQ8lt81gN37n8NEJ4G7r71m-N8ANazw-o9qpDbqPYcY7CgUCsh2rQlJTDuEfu-he2nkHuUZ24SMrVfCkfVlYm1gDWy8AL2HjMZsDME8UCs/s320/Scared.png" width="192" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=60&v=Cn35ooYNE08" target="_blank">Ayanna Cruver tells her story tearfully.</a></span></td></tr>
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<i>"you should always obey a police officer... </i><i>he must have done something to get shot... Or the video doesn't tell the whole story." </i>Good police deserve our respect and support. But the shocking reality is, like the weeds among the wheat, there are bad cops among the good ones who do the one thing which they should be protecting people from. It can feel like a game of Russian roulette for a person to get pulled over in today's climate. You never know what could happen or if you will meet a good cop or bad cop. Ayanna Cruver was pulled over by a policeman. Her story had a good conclusion. But she felt the fear and horror that some feel when the police pulls a woman, or a person of color over these days. <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=60&v=Cn35ooYNE08" target="_blank">(Watch her video on YouTube)</a> </i>If her words or story causes feelings of empathy then you understand this issue better than most.<br />
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The latest scenario plays out like <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/jtes/daniel-holtzclaw-alleged-sexual-assault-oklahoma-city?utm_term=.usA0EPrG6#.rcAZ3Vwlr" target="_blank">t<i>he Daniel Hotzclaw case.</i></a><i> </i>Some of you may remember the Oklahoma City cop who was brought to justice after sexually assaulting 13 African American women in 2015. I was hoping we would having seen the last of that sort of betrayal by some of our men in blue, but not so.<br />
Two detectives, Edward Martins and Richard Hall, assigned to patrol the Coney Island neighborhood as part of an anti-drug unit, Brooklyn South Narcotics, broke off from the rest of their team and stopped 18-year-old Anna Chambers and two of her friends, both men, driving an Infinity coupe in Calvert Vaux Park. As one of the detectives shined his flashlight through the window and saw the young woman adjusting her bra the other one asked if she was hiding something, Anna told him she was simply adjusting her nipple piercing. The detectives asked her to prove it, and the young woman complied by lifting up her top, exposing her breasts.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Trolling Cops handcuff suspect with false motives</span></td></tr>
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Like Daniel Hotzclaw, these 2 cops were trolling for vulnerable women who may have run afoul of the law before. So when they came across a small amount of grass and other pills, they didn't call for back up, or even arrest the male passengers. They simply removed the Chambers, put cuffs on her and drove away. Martins called the woman’s friends who were left behind telling them not to follow them. The number was blocked keeping them from being located. According to the prosecutor for this case, Frank DeGaetano:</div>
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<i>It was then that Detective Martins sat down next to the woman and said that he and his partner were “freaks,” asking her what she wanted to do to avoid being arrested, Mr. DeGaetano said. After tightening the handcuffs, Detective Martins pulled out his penis and forced the woman to perform oral sex on him, Mr. DeGaetano said. Then he turned her around, pulled her pants down and raped her, Mr. DeGaetano added, as Detective Hall watched through the rearview mirror and the young woman cried and pleaded with Detective Martins to stop. -</i><a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/30/nyregion/nypd-detectives-rape-kidnapping-charges.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">NY Times October 30, 2017</span></a></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Anna Chambers</span></td></tr>
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This was followed by the men driving to a quiet location, switching places, Hall then sexually assaulted Miss Chambers. Apparently the detectives drove her a few blocks away from the precinct where she called her friends. The victim told her male friends of the attack, and they took her to a hospital, where a rape kit was done, and the DNA evidence proved positive for sexual activity.<br />
However admitting to the crime must have been beneath both Martin and Hall's pay grade. They both said the sex was consensual. The idea that two of New York's Finest' best defense for this heinous act was to call it "<i>consensual"</i> was not only unprofessional, but seriously pathetic.<br />
New York City Councilman Mark Treyger is determine to close an arguable loophole in the law. He says whatever happened in the van should be illegal and that a person in police custody cannot give consent.<br />
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<i>"There is no such thing as consensual sex when someone else is in police custody. That is rape," </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/NYPD-Officers-Rape-Sex-Attack-Arrest-Eddie-Martins-Richard-Hall-454046173.html" target="_blank">NYC Councilman Mark Treyger.- NBC4 New York</a></span></blockquote>
Currently both men's lawyers are trying to defend them on the grounds that Miss Chambers trapped them both into sex, and then she was attempting to get some sort of possible payout. The defense is attempting to paint this young woman as being a questionable witness who was apprehended with drugs on her. However no formal charges were filed against Chambers.<br />
Like any horrific act, the victim is still trying to deal with the aftermath of it all. According to another article, in People:<br />
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Her attorney, Michael David, tells PEOPLE <i>“She feels helpless and depressed, and she stays in a room all day,” David tells PEOPLE. “She was planning to go to college next semester, but she won’t be doing that anymore. Two monsters with badges and guns drove off with her in a small minivan and raped her while on duty.”- </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://people.com/crime/nypd-officers-accused-rape-teenager-police-van/" target="_blank">People/Crime People.com October 30, 2017</a></span></blockquote>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Miller and Hall arraigned with no blue wall support for them- NY Times</span></td></tr>
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Okay, I get it. We no longer live in the day and age of Joe Friday, or Reed and McCoy the polite TV cops who tipped their hats, and said,<i>"Just the facts ma'am."</i> Some seem to like their detectives, a little more sexy, with a few vices, and edgier these days. But policemen are still thought of as exceptional men and women in the public's eye. What they should represent is honesty, respect for those they serve, and doing the right thing even when no one is looking. The question in many people's minds no doubt is: how do you trust the people who carry a badge, and are suppose to represent the finest ideas in a society when they give in to the darkest perversions and deepest of human betrayals, just because they have power over us? To some that may sound like hyperbole, but we've seen far too many acts of police misconduct to write this off as just another isolated incident.<br />
Anna Chambers was brave enough to undergo an embarrassing Rape kit probe, and report her rape to the police, thus coming back with a 50-count indictment from the DA.<br />
Typically, when officers are charged with crimes, their colleagues come to court in a sea of blue uniforms to support them. But on Monday, October 30, not one officer appeared in court with Detectives Martins and Hall. Hopefully that will be an omen in the victim's favor.<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: lime;"><b>Special Thanks to:</b></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Anna Chambers @annaaachambers for allowing me to share her story. Give her a word of encourament on Twitter.</div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: lime;">Previous Issue</span></h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Truth and Justice, ...the Deplorable Way</div>
It's Fox News versus Superman! No really. Fox editorializes the dangers of children reading comics where a super hero prevents immigrants from being slaughtered by an American patriot.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: lime;">On My Vlog Channel </span></h3>
Check out the first YouTube video on Audrie And Daisy. The only thing as bad as sexual assault, is when others side with the perpetrators.<br />
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Thank you all for your support.</div>
Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-16722021330907787382017-09-17T13:02:00.002-07:002017-09-17T13:14:50.809-07:00Truth and Justice... The Deplorable Way<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Fox News writer Todd Starnes, recently wrote an opinion piece where he claims Superman has now become a propaganda tool for the defenders of so-called illegal aliens.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"In the most recent issue of Action Comics, Superman comes to the rescue of a group of illegal aliens -- under attack from a white guy wearing an American flag bandanna and waving around a machine gun."- </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2017/09/13/superman-defends-illegals-against-angry-american.html" target="_blank">Fox News Opinion September 13, 2017</a></span></blockquote>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwg_eW8uBLNaKi17Y6DFzXAZG_nztKl2jZGbHD6I7-2u9xYw4mOJ6tRaSNe77ZllcEEAdBj_ARa-ExzfQf9N3oRbzuUjSPwoUUD_phHY4z_ciVenmqCdDa-MVQpbAT_eVqpWZ6VH0t0xU/s1600/Action+Comics.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="487" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwg_eW8uBLNaKi17Y6DFzXAZG_nztKl2jZGbHD6I7-2u9xYw4mOJ6tRaSNe77ZllcEEAdBj_ARa-ExzfQf9N3oRbzuUjSPwoUUD_phHY4z_ciVenmqCdDa-MVQpbAT_eVqpWZ6VH0t0xU/s200/Action+Comics.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Superman protects immigrants from a <br />hail of gunfire in Action Comics 987</span></td></tr>
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He then points out that Superman seems to shirk his duty by not rounding up the undocumented immigrants, but harasses the white man (Or as he calls him, the American). Now if you are an avid Superman comic fan, then I would encourage you to buy this edition, (Action Comics # 987) and judge for yourself. But for those engaged in the human rights narrative, please bear with me, I'll try not to nerd you out too much. Mr. Starnes POV will either make you roll your eyes, or wonder if Fox is having a slow news day. Todd seems to think that the Man of Steel no longer represents <i>Truth, Justice, and the American way</i>. Now Superman has a new agenda; which is to protect the other kind; alien invaders.<br />
<br />
It's funny how some people like him forget that the character was created by two Jewish kids who were sons of immigrants. Jerry Siegel, and Joe Shuster, created a personal wish fulfillment of a character who would defend those who were defenseless. Shuster admitted that he was a victim of school and neighbor bullies because of his size, while Siegel was klutzy and awkward. Both boys wore glasses, and were shy around the girls (See where the Clark Kent idea came in?). Beyond that, they heard reports of a man who was threatening the very existence relatives and friends who couldn't escape injustice and tyranny in Europe.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"There is an assumption that there is an absolute standard of justice in the world. It's also <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSP7IBWMR0VTHsIA9kM-JVgjIout_4VICN73bNjeRO27cp7dCILhjjLiwhpQSeivhZXEI2nxlvawX5AO0O-iBYZN1e3v4muF1YjSJwi0UWAHBz0ENBc9oSyDzZTL6gdDqKAWOOLqdg6E/s1600/Joe+Shuster.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="997" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtSP7IBWMR0VTHsIA9kM-JVgjIout_4VICN73bNjeRO27cp7dCILhjjLiwhpQSeivhZXEI2nxlvawX5AO0O-iBYZN1e3v4muF1YjSJwi0UWAHBz0ENBc9oSyDzZTL6gdDqKAWOOLqdg6E/s200/Joe+Shuster.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Creator and cartoonist Joe Shuster at 17 trying to become a Superman</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
true to the immigrant experience in that point in their hope for justice. 'We have come here-- we have come to this land. It will be okay here-- it will be okay and just here.' These are families that have come over from Europe, and they're watching whoever they left behind disappear in a very scary fashion."</i>-<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Paul Levitz, President and Publisher of DC Comics (2002-2009) From the documentary, Secret Origin</span></blockquote>
Fox News takes exception that the DC's lead character would take a global stance against cold blooded murder of a group of people by this righteous America with an patriotic flag around his forehead. But ever since I remember, Superman has always had this thing about social justice. The Radio version feature a story called <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ol8Gmi57DI" target="_blank">"The Clan of The Fiery Cross"</a> Yep you heard it right. Superman took on the KKK in a story of crime and white supremacy. Some of the members of the group were business men, and all of them consider themselves good patriotic Americans who shouted <i>"America for real Americans"</i> while they terrorized a Hispanic boy and his family. Wow! Maybe bigotry never dies, it just hibernates...<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1lG69azKgQJO-I79D8rM0rcATvqPX6E3XIk8HgBCFFh3V7gi6fWCFLmIG5vie9MPBF-8NIkwfGSQQUvLo5a3VdNGwZDQa80pkVFgW2oRLETDBgkJyx9iwgqP1uRoP8Mk2zRozF_BF9A/s1600/Mole+Men2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="1224" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt1lG69azKgQJO-I79D8rM0rcATvqPX6E3XIk8HgBCFFh3V7gi6fWCFLmIG5vie9MPBF-8NIkwfGSQQUvLo5a3VdNGwZDQa80pkVFgW2oRLETDBgkJyx9iwgqP1uRoP8Mk2zRozF_BF9A/s320/Mole+Men2.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Man of Steel portrayed by George Reeves and assisted by Lois Lane, (Phyllis Coates)<br /> guards the entry to a hospital where a wounded alien is.</span></td></tr>
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In the 1950's when TV sets were coming in every home, Superman intervened between a small town full of scared people who tried to burn and lynch some inner Earth dwellers. This was as close as Television dared to get to the issue of racism in <i>"Superman and The Mole Men." </i>It's 2nd rate Sci-Fi by today's standards, but fans of early television remember how George Reeves looked as he remarked, to the town bully boss, <i>"Now I'm going to give you one last chance to stop acting like Nazi storm troopers!" </i>The town tough shouts at him in outrage.<i> "Who are you to tell us what to do?" </i>His words counters Luke Benson's bluster,<i> "All I'm telling you is that little creature has as much right to live as you do!" </i>The reincarnation of Superman with the <i>Lois and Clark Series</i> in 1993 sees Superman and the Daily<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkTiHbTvYASqRF_rRA3x4UNAtMOLbWx5zqR9mgGegzTRSuWx5XBMAPNNFMjGe-cPUlsEd8JZVAe3Lj96Pu3-1Kh8fau2ZLMTOuk7xkSNiUg2y4AOMozcWGWl8aJnm7xZFvCMudxFCdjs/s1600/LC+Perry+White.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="899" data-original-width="1177" height="152" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkTiHbTvYASqRF_rRA3x4UNAtMOLbWx5zqR9mgGegzTRSuWx5XBMAPNNFMjGe-cPUlsEd8JZVAe3Lj96Pu3-1Kh8fau2ZLMTOuk7xkSNiUg2y4AOMozcWGWl8aJnm7xZFvCMudxFCdjs/s200/LC+Perry+White.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;">"Vigilance is the Price of Liberty," <br />
warns Perry White</td></tr>
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Planet staff clashing with the emergence of the Fourth Reich. At the end, a distraught Perry White (Lane Smith) discovers one of his own college friends was a Nazi, as he laments the Thomas Jefferson quote; "Vigilance is the price of Liberty," warning his staff that there are more out there of that kind. Seems an eerie foretelling in the face of Charlottesville, Virginia.<br />
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Could it be that some media outlets and opinion writers are finding themselves on the wrong side of certain issues? While some political types want to re-define what the American way is, they're afraid that Truth and Justice has evolved in to some sort of political correctness, which could brainwash kids. To further shame the comic industry, Starnes scoffs that maybe DC will issue a story where we will see The Flash bringing Mexicans across the border, or Wonder Woman rounding up white Texas Ranchers with her lasso, who are just trying to defend their land. (No doubt referring to the Cliven Bundy stand-off in Nevada) The inference of course is comic heroes have evolved into agents of liberal America.<br />
<br />
The psychology here is (IMO) that if you've always got your political switch on, you're going to see things through the eyes of your politics. I'm reminded of watching <i>Brene Brown on CBS This Morning</i> as she recounts her <i>Hurricane Harvey</i> experience. She calls it <i>"Holding Hands With Strangers." </i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i7obEGoOfmoOQvj_06OpCrFJtP481fPKlubzdTHHqOvOq9ogiHzuV6rxiN8-NtwXGgChMaY_Gm16IZgZ82VYFlvVdBz7KNakGpbl78czh-m4M-XCxGSQbWWD0NRbmMqnJ_kQ2lLZ_wE/s1600/hurricane-harvey-wading-out-rt-ps-170828_12x5_992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="491" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_i7obEGoOfmoOQvj_06OpCrFJtP481fPKlubzdTHHqOvOq9ogiHzuV6rxiN8-NtwXGgChMaY_Gm16IZgZ82VYFlvVdBz7KNakGpbl78czh-m4M-XCxGSQbWWD0NRbmMqnJ_kQ2lLZ_wE/s320/hurricane-harvey-wading-out-rt-ps-170828_12x5_992.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Hurricane Harvey victims assisting each other during crisis</span></td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"As a Hustonian, we were just massively reminded-- my husband was in a kayak pulling neighbors out of their houses. I was in a shelter-- there was no time did I see people say, 'I will help you. What is your political belief?-- who did you vote for?' We need to hold hands with strangers. We need reminders-- collective joy and pain-- reminders that we are inextricably connected to each other by something greater than us-- and we need that on a daily basis." - <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lNRbrCRbxk8" target="_blank">Brene Brown interview, CBS This Morning </a></span></i></blockquote>
Maybe the whole idea of a Super-man is the idea of helping those who need help no matter what their status in life is. Maybe a lot of people who helped out in Texas and Florida read a comic book or two when they were kids, or maybe not. It could be the only super power needed is just to give a damn.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Acknowledgements:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Superman Trademark and images related, are the property of Warner Bros., DC Entertainment Inc, Warner Communications 2017.</div>
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<b>Special Thanks to:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/ReverbPress" target="_blank"> Reverb Press on Twitter</a> who broke the story first.<br />
also to my social justice warrior friend on Twitter, <i>Sherry Lucich.</i> @Comixgrrl </div>
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<b>Previous Issue:</b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/09/rape-insurance.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="609" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTXNNZxfiQBbM2Ic-wDRGkvPOtJGnAut_2_rH3akAtZwCddSPxqaDE8xh_2WB70hEiuOsMzHra2DSJmtD7aTWsnQjAcMlG_1cu7VZMkhSqSDbiBWUiDsw_ynECy4RTQOZa2BWsyxwZaBc/s200/77364173-sexual-assault.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/09/rape-insurance.html" target="_blank">Rape Insurance???</a></td></tr>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-2172414157018713152017-09-14T17:03:00.000-07:002017-09-14T18:29:00.458-07:00Rape Insurance???<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSLLpSuNa7FcjLAd24EdotNUZ5czIX3lNuhR5nPBUcy-4yBNhGPKFXWjS4dzSUUKq5OMXK_hvlHv0qtcBUIbPiqSHe269xEZu_XX5Ku-t5jDV7P-f3EuxF1-wJfXp_AmNpv4nqn94s18/s1600/maya-angelou.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1588" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhSLLpSuNa7FcjLAd24EdotNUZ5czIX3lNuhR5nPBUcy-4yBNhGPKFXWjS4dzSUUKq5OMXK_hvlHv0qtcBUIbPiqSHe269xEZu_XX5Ku-t5jDV7P-f3EuxF1-wJfXp_AmNpv4nqn94s18/s320/maya-angelou.jpg" width="257" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>I've learned that people will forget what you said, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>People will forget what you did, </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>But they will never forget,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i> How you made them feel</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><i>-Maya Angelou</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had originally written this story for publishing last month, but out of respect to the flood victims of Houston, Texas, I put a pin in it.</span></i><br />
<br />
Apparently some women of Texas are being <i>made to feel</i> as though they were born the wrong gender, and their body parts are a pre-existing condition. Or do their male lawmakers need a "Freaky Friday" experience before they write laws regulating a woman's body? State Rep. John Smithee (R-Texas) authored a bill that would require women in the state of Texas to have Insurance covering all non-threatening medical procedures. <a href="https://twitter.com/nowthisnews/status/898681674677993472" target="_blank"><i>"Now This News" </i>on Twitter </a> posted the ironic fact that Smithee himself admits he doesn't understand why a woman has a hysterectomy, a breast exam, or any medical procedure.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEgceLrL-AQsPC2HcFtLqOyPd69nkc78FOYbp6v82kVKUh4cTRGIYft8QalvhmiWeRQiv9Jg58qgI5fekcggcxNK8yigU-8vFyukAv8zYTcmFxtk2BWkcAPI7AIIoPmMD2vIT5bp2UlM/s1600/John+Smithee.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="1473" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaEgceLrL-AQsPC2HcFtLqOyPd69nkc78FOYbp6v82kVKUh4cTRGIYft8QalvhmiWeRQiv9Jg58qgI5fekcggcxNK8yigU-8vFyukAv8zYTcmFxtk2BWkcAPI7AIIoPmMD2vIT5bp2UlM/s320/John+Smithee.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Smithee defends his bill on the floor, but can't<br /> answer questions about women's reproductive issues.</span></td></tr>
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It begs the question, what makes some of the Texas lawmakers feel qualified to past laws about women's reproductive needs while being incompetent on the subject, or why companies from covering abortion care in their standard plans, requiring women to pay extra premiums for coverage if they think they may need abortions at some point. In a nutshell for women, if she's raped and becomes pregnant but did not predict she might need to have an abortion when making her insurance coverage selections for the year, then she would have to pay out up-front for an abortion. This bill, believe it or not, is call "<i>Rape Insurance."</i> It's an open secret that Greg Abbott has been attempting to kill women's reproductive rights in Texas since he took office. Abbott's main target has been Planned Parenthood. It's amazing how he sits at his desk and in a Trump style manner, flashes the signed bill before the cameras in triumph of Texas rights over a woman's rights.<br />
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<div>
Whatever injustices female rape victims endure, including rape kit backlogs, the failure of law enforcement and the courts to catch and convict rapists, to add the burden that a victim, no matter what her economic status is, cannot get a legal abortion under this new law, unless she has already paid for it in advance is criminal. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphen7bZ__9AZD6MT4pZPeUH3g-fYoHsze-lEgBZ3RJqyJ7CDP_JJN6pTvqi5ZfSA2StF0g0e0-WwSnJT-R7hVfK0EFECa0fS6eo2kMTKj7xcyPlBvJwrYBPbC02QiVvIpIgmcEVFiJDAgY/s1600/Abbott+Rape+insurance.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="555" data-original-width="514" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhyphenhyphen7bZ__9AZD6MT4pZPeUH3g-fYoHsze-lEgBZ3RJqyJ7CDP_JJN6pTvqi5ZfSA2StF0g0e0-WwSnJT-R7hVfK0EFECa0fS6eo2kMTKj7xcyPlBvJwrYBPbC02QiVvIpIgmcEVFiJDAgY/s320/Abbott+Rape+insurance.png" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Gregg Abbott, Governor Tx proudly puts his signature to bill.</span></td></tr>
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Texas has callously, in the name of economic freedom, written a bill that (they say) no longer obligates taxpayers to subsidize medical procedures that they may find morally objectionable. This is of course a dog-whistle for the anti-abortion crowd and another attempt to strike a political win for their side.<br />
Their idea of economic freedom for taxpayers, leaves incest and rape victims at the mercy of their circumstances. A victim who gets pregnant through a crime has no recourse, and no other options unless they can pay additional out-of-market premiums just to protect themselves. The sad part is this was passed by mostly male lawmakers. State Rep. John Smithee who authored this cruel bill couldn't tell you how a woman's reproductive system works.<br />
Dr. Eugene Gu, a resident physician at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center and president of the Ganogen Research Institute remarked in an article: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Rape victims by definition lose control over their own bodies during rape. Texas lawmakers essentially just took away that last drop of control women have afterwards. This law would have been much less controversial had they included these very basic exceptions and it is beyond puzzling why they did not do so. It is also ironic that they speak of economic freedom for the taxpayer while subjecting women to the most cruel form of economic control."- </i><br />
<a href="http://origin-nyi.thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/healthcare/347004-texas-rape-insurance-bill-about-economic-violence-against-women" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Texas 'rape insurance' bill is about economic violence against women. <i>The Hill</i></span></a></blockquote>
But according to Texas, women must plan to be raped. And parents shouldn't take their children around relatives or plan for their children to be victims of incest,” Texas Rep. Chris Turner (D) said before the bill passed. “Asking a woman or a parent to foresee something like that and buy supplemental insurance to cover that horrific possibility is not only ridiculous, it is cruel.”<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2017/08/08/texas-house-abortion-insurance/" target="_blank">- Texas Tribune August 9, 2017</a><br />
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I think winning the abortion war at all costs has become the main goal with the politically righteous. People like these, don't look at a person's individual circumstances, or for that matter anyone's situation. That is what's called being out of touch with the people. They focus on making things appear to look better with new political paint over corrosive circumstances. But then again, looking like a winner is all that matters. I think the Houston Chronicle summed it up best.<br />
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<i>"Our state lawmakers can't figure out how to cut our property taxes or fix our broken method of financing public schools. But when it comes to devising new ways of harassing women who want to end pregnancies, they're as inventive as Thomas Edison. "-</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houstonchronicle.com/opinion/editorials/article/Rape-insurance-11882656.php" target="_blank">Health insurance restriction is just the latest scheme to deny women access to abortion- Houston Chronicle, August 17, 2017</a></span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kRsa16Z0AfSmcsbcQBc999tpDl9BvXQJHFuUr8ezPi-Ked78c7BK4-8TxcRAE8r71R0XECvLRKcE8ASWrBtqIpXKa3IZFbG_kJBweMANn2AvLWaEBIr8Ut-r9Ix1XMMs_4aTdaP1wCo/s1600/C+Alvarado+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="740" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3kRsa16Z0AfSmcsbcQBc999tpDl9BvXQJHFuUr8ezPi-Ked78c7BK4-8TxcRAE8r71R0XECvLRKcE8ASWrBtqIpXKa3IZFbG_kJBweMANn2AvLWaEBIr8Ut-r9Ix1XMMs_4aTdaP1wCo/s320/C+Alvarado+copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Special thanks to: </b></div>
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<i>Daughter of a SgtMaj @bodyfit67</i> on Twitter who reminded me to un-pin the story.</div>
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<b>Previous article:</b></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/09/where-is-love.html" target="_blank">Where is The Love?</a></td></tr>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-88506071470992251872017-09-08T13:31:00.000-07:002017-09-08T13:31:12.397-07:00Where is The Love?<br />
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<i>"But if you only have love for your own race,</i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iesha Evans confronting Baton Rouge police 2016</td></tr>
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<i>Then you only leave space to discriminate.</i><br />
<i>And to discriminate only generates hate,</i><br />
<i>And when you hate then you're bound to get irate, yeah.</i><br />
<i>Madness is what you demonstrate.</i><br />
<i>And that's exactly how anger works and operates.</i><br />
<i>Man, you gotta have love just to set it straight.</i><br />
<i>Take control of your mind and meditate.</i><br />
<i>Let your soul gravitate to the love</i><br />
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<i>-Black Eye Peas</i></div>
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<i><br /><span style="color: cyan;">"I'm human. I'm a woman. I'm a mom. I'm a nurse. I could be your nurse. I could be taking care of you. You know?" Evans said. "I'm here. We all matter. We don't have to beg to matter. We do matter."</span></i></blockquote>
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Iesha Evans in a <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ieshia-evans-woman-iconic-baton-rouge-police-protests-photo-speaks-out/">CBS interview last year, </a>explained the reason for her face-to-face confrontation with the police in this now famous picture. She had watched the killing of young men like<i> Philando Castile </i>by the police, even when they had the upper-hand. Moments like these need to be remembered because we see Iesha trying to give an answer of non-violence to (what appears to be) an epidemic of rising police brutality, and yes, sexual assault.<br />
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Sexual misconduct among police officers is the <a href="https://www.policemisconduct.net/2010-q3-national-police-misconduct-statistical-report/">second most common</a> complaint. However, sexual abuse by officers may be <a href="https://apnews.com/fd1d4d05e561462a85abe50e7eaed4ec">underreported </a>because of flawed or absent reporting procedures or the victims’ unwillingness to come forward. Hence, officer sexual misconduct is sometimes referred to as a “hidden crime.”<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Esmerelda Rossi </td></tr>
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In Chandler Arizona, Officer Doug Rose enters the home of Esmerelda Rossi on the pretense of investigating a domestic dispute complaint by Rossi's ex-husband. When her daughter interrupted her mom's shower to announce the police were there, the woman wrapped a towel around herself and asked the office to please wait at the door. He refused to do so. Rose then tells Rossi that she was under arrest. <a href="https://youtu.be/nU8KOBRQksY">The cop grabs her arms causing the towel to drop</a> while you can hear hysteria from both the mom and daughter. After giving the traumatize woman a lecture, both Rose and his partner leave. It was quite evident Rose had entered the home illegally, and conducted a perverted act. Also note Rose's body cam was not turned on. It would have been a true "He said, she said" situation if Esmerelda's daughter had not turned on her cell phone.</div>
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According to the Atlantic Black Star: <a href="http://atlantablackstar.com/2017/09/05/black-women-police/">Black women have a high risk of being victims of this abuse. </a>During a frisk, officers may pat down any areas where they think a gun might be concealed, including intimate areas. Many women report feeling extremely humiliated during these experiences, particularly if the officer is male. Because Black women are more likely to be stopped by the police, and also more likely to be frisked during these stops, they are at higher risk for being sexually assaulted during a stop.<br />
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Some rogue cops may use racist tactics to conduct a search on women of color such as looking for drugs. When Charnesia Corley was a 20 year old college student in Texas, she was pulled over for allegedly running a stop sign and failing to use turn signals. Corley was made to stand, handcuffed, <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Charnesia Corley</span></td></tr>
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outside her car while two officers look inside. She underwent an <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/16/charnesia-corley-houston-texas-police-dashcam-video">illegal body cavity search</a> on the premise that the police detected the smell of marijuana. Corley was then put on the ground, naked below the waist, and examined for about 11 minutes by a female officer using a flashlight. The incident happened in the parking lot of a Texaco garage in Houston late on a June evening in 2015. At first Corley wouldn't comply with the officer's demands for the cavity search, until the police officer threaten to break her legs. This was a similar tactic Daniel Holtzclaw used in Oklahoma City to conduct a reign of <a href="https://www.buzzfeed.com/jtes/daniel-holtzclaw-alleged-sexual-assault-oklahoma-city?utm_term=.wi59omOmlD#.uo1Wd0v05O">Terror on 13 black women.</a> He would pull black women over, run the suspects driver's license. Some of the women had outstanding warrant's or priors such as possession small ounce of Marijuana. Holtzclaw would threaten his victims with being locked up, or performing a sex act on him. A big factor seemed to play in Holtzclaw's favor is that many people question the credibility of a black woman against a police officer.<br />
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These Houston officer's who pulled Charnesia Corley over for a traffic violation escalated the situation into a sexual assault. You can argue all you want to about the police doing their job, but this was a humiliating experience for the victim. <i><span style="color: cyan;">“When you stick your fingers in somebody without their effective consent, that’s rape in any state that I know of,” said Sam Cammack, an attorney for Charnesia Corley.</span></i> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/aug/16/charnesia-corley-houston-texas-police-dashcam-video">-The Guardian August 15, 2017</a><br />
I've been amazed by some on social media who can look at a video of a act of abuse, or murder, and dismiss it. Please note no charges against Charnesia Corley were pressed. </div>
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I pause to say, it's not fair to paint all cops with the same brush, but the bad cops reputations are proceeding them. Most of you saw the video of a frighten female motorist who was stopped by Lt. Greg Abbott in Atlanta GA. She was afraid to move or use her cell phone because she had seen way too many videos of cops. Abbott then retorted the dumbest comment since Jim Crow. <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“But, you’re not black. Remember, we only shoot black people. We only kill black people, right? All the videos you’ve seen, have you seen the black people get killed?”</i></blockquote>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGlqWeSBc5jKHiXXcbAuHpmTj1IDN_XHesORk_gnRaHzSdDoYBiucjzQABy8h_9JACcsXkwrry4xC9ahZ1COOlV_6JaNaWKtBy1uyac6C3ClmuU1IDP16If3I3ewTAAXxuy0rOwYss6Y/s1600/shutterstock_459783517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="352" data-original-width="500" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUGlqWeSBc5jKHiXXcbAuHpmTj1IDN_XHesORk_gnRaHzSdDoYBiucjzQABy8h_9JACcsXkwrry4xC9ahZ1COOlV_6JaNaWKtBy1uyac6C3ClmuU1IDP16If3I3ewTAAXxuy0rOwYss6Y/s200/shutterstock_459783517.jpg" width="200" /></a>There is no excuse for sexual assault or sexual misconduct by the police. Both Rose and Abbott were given retirement pay and quietly slipped out of sight. No criminal charges were ever filed. Because sexual assault has gone unreported for a long time, that has been my focus. I usually leave mainstream civil rights to others. But I continue to see evidence of racism and sexual assault joining forces, and it's mind- numbing to me this we live in a society, where there are predators among the protectors, and we can't tell one from another.<br />
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<i>"The standard you walk past, is the standard you accept."</i> </div>
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-<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">David Morrison Former Lt. General, Australian Army </span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: orange; font-size: small;">Special thanks to: </span></div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Barbara Jackson @Nyota_nuru</i> on Twitter for passing on the story of :Looking at How Black Women Are Policed in America</span></div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: orange; font-size: small;">Related Article:</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-times-they-are-changin.html"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz7xTiXC2ZynBab5yEctns3gCyH4X-yTkqI6WTL6EArlYqodR6qx6xxGoO7EsweER0lDIFvemzlOmHKwcxDLvQxeI4CBnRTmK9obPaJg-mnk15rYxhJas4d0cZ1qVOxub2JmM94aTc8CU/s200/Liggons2.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-times-they-are-changin.html">The Times They Are A Changin </a></td></tr>
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Previous Article</div>
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<a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/09/in-heat-of-night.html">In The Heat of The Night</a></div>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-48885170986882379462017-09-01T14:43:00.000-07:002017-09-01T14:43:51.255-07:00In The Heat of The Night<i><span style="color: cyan;">In the heat of the night</span></i><br />
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<i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn1Er6gplu6nZN1cEiQ6UNm_av9NQJsGpnb9_0opJFLK49y9o7Eg7bg7RDfgmSZQEshLfPc2Xx1vGu7zK3EDJHXc3KSZEGSjI2_plbXxPdeYKl07BDsPcJYUCQar_MFahW3mdZXj19TY/s1600/Ripple+moon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: cyan;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn1Er6gplu6nZN1cEiQ6UNm_av9NQJsGpnb9_0opJFLK49y9o7Eg7bg7RDfgmSZQEshLfPc2Xx1vGu7zK3EDJHXc3KSZEGSjI2_plbXxPdeYKl07BDsPcJYUCQar_MFahW3mdZXj19TY/s1600/Ripple+moon.jpg" /></span></a></i></div>
<i><span style="color: cyan;">Seems like a cold sweat<br />Creeping cross my brow, oh yes<br />In the heat of the night<br />I'm a feelin' motherless somehow<br />Stars with evil eyes stare from the sky<br />(In the heat of the night)</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: cyan;">-Quincy Jones</span></i><br />
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A blues tune about the crimes of the old South, written and composed by Qunicy Jones, became the title of a hit movie in 1967 about the evil misery of crime. I think about how sexual assault in the military is quiet, but it's presence is still there, and ripple through lives.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">Seems Like a Cold Sweat</span></h3>
The bad news is, sexual assault continues to be an issue in the US Armed Forces. A female trainee at Fort Benning, Georgia, leveled sexual assault allegations against her drill sergeant, which set off deeper investigations showing additional allegations of sexual misconduct involving trainees and drill sergeants.<br />
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The good news is, I give the US Army good marks for taking action against these Drill Sergeants who crossed the line. According to a NY Times article:<br />
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<span style="color: lime;"><i>“Our initial actions are to ensure the safety and welfare of all of our Soldiers,” the statement said. “The drill sergeants have been suspended from drill sergeant duties, and will have no contact with trainees during the course of the investigation."-</i> <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/23/us/fort-benning-sexual-assault.html?smid=tw-nytimes&smtyp=cur"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Fort Benning Drill Sergeants Suspended Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations. Aug. 23, 2017</span></a></span></blockquote>
The Army has taken some pains to assure the public that all soldiers there are required to complete the Army’s “very thorough” Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention training program, known as Sharp. The obvious problem to me is, while the US Army acknowledges that sexual assault is a real issue, I wonder if their methods in dealing with sexual assault are out-dated. I've yet to see many victims of sexual assault give SHARP high marks in effectiveness.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">PFC Schutte Woodruff</td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">"I honestly can't remember one thing particular thing that came from any of the videos at all because we were so tired, and we were so beat down, and none of those videos helped me at all. The SHARP program, definitely could have been enhanced if they had maybe a live speaker talk about it, or if they just had somebody that was passionate about it. I think that's where a lot of times it gets kind of thrown under the rug. We just make people go through the SHARP, but they're not passionate about it. They have no desire to really get with victims and see how they operate because you can't really fix something that's a problem if you don't understand where that person may be coming from. A lot of the times I've ran into a few that just... they're not approachable. As a victim, you need to be approachable. If I can't approach you with my deepest, darkest secrets, you are nothing. You, you are of no help. All the training you have is nothing if I don't come forward."- <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD5MvyQu24c">Natasha Schuette Woodruff Youtube, CAPE, June 10, 2010</a></span></span></i></blockquote>
Sharp and SAPRO (Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office) are set up as programs to speak<br />
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to the issues, but not necessarily to the soldier, sailor, airmen, or marine personally. Creativity can't change attitudes about rape. And you can give death by power point lectures on the subject, but it's not the magic bullet in stopping or at least decreasing the number of assaults. What can a recruit do in a situation where he or she is watched, commanded, and handled by a person with complete authority over their every move? If a Drill Instructor wants to give her extra duty, she must comply, if he wants to isolate her, she has to obey. Basically, a boot camp recruit, jumps, stands, sits, speaks, eats, and takes a crap when the DI tells them to. It's all about making a person into a someone who takes orders and obeys without question. When a Drill Sergeant demands a recruit gives up his or her sexuality, that is a human violation, and has no place in any institution.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">I've Got Trouble Wall To Wall</span></h3>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD5MvyQu24c&t=38s">Natasha Woodruff shares her testimony</a> of her sexual assault in boot camp, but also the little things that lead up to the incident. Her testimony shows that her Drill Instructor was highly proficient in his job, but morally bankrupt in handling female recruits.<br />
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">"I was out on the firing range and the same drill sergeant came around, and as he cleared my weapon he was asking me if I would let him have sex with me, or if there was anybody in the barracks that he could-- and that I was I was so shocked I was like-- 'no drill sergeant-- you know. 'I don't know if anybody in the Bay would want to do that.' I said you know-- 'no.' When I got back I went to that same battle buddy-- and her I talked about it and she was like-- 'wow, I can't believe he said that,' and there was nobody around though because the firing ranges are set up differently--- and so there was no again-- no witnesses for anything but that would have been my second red flag." </span></i><i><span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cD5MvyQu24c">Natasha Schuette Woodruff Youtube, CAPE, June 10, 2010</a></span></span></i><br />
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The problem of sexual assault continues because some men and women are recruited, and even promoted, based on total performance, and not on character. <i>Character</i> is the inner stuff that keeps us all in check at every level of our lives. Good parents don't abuse or hurt a child to prove they are in charge. A person may have the smarts and skill to run a company but someone with integrity doesn't grope an employee because he writes the paycheck. A good minister doesn't molest a young altar boy in the name of God because no one is looking. Character needs to matter more that ever in our military.<br />
When a person enlists into the military, a background check is made to some degree. The background check should red flag behavior which would make the person an undesirable. I wonder how deep the background checks go? A quick check would show felony convictions, or even misdemeanors, but does it always catch the other things. Sometimes these slip under the radar because a deep character assessment wasn't carried out.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UdwrhNiWGkfAphgzOIO9sMRN5aJ1P_NIT2JDT8XXPYqoIq0NRNaOnYHptuqUF5prRiNH62_On7VqOhsQOV0NQB7uSgDrluU4C9HvD23U59FCpbWCfmc9AYLv9lvbG2WDePN2GIGIHjk/s1600/Invisible+War+Quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="826" height="257" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_UdwrhNiWGkfAphgzOIO9sMRN5aJ1P_NIT2JDT8XXPYqoIq0NRNaOnYHptuqUF5prRiNH62_On7VqOhsQOV0NQB7uSgDrluU4C9HvD23U59FCpbWCfmc9AYLv9lvbG2WDePN2GIGIHjk/s320/Invisible+War+Quote.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="color: orange;">Stars With Evil Eyes</span></h3>
The other problem is; if leaders are dead serious about getting rid of sexual assault and harassment out of the military, then it needs to be said to the troops, and said often. Good leaders don't just talk about the issue when it becomes a scandal, but they do their best to make sure everyone knows it won't be tolerated. And the highest ranking officers need to keep the leadership below them accountable right down to the last man. We've had so many military scandals in the past including what happened at <i><a href="http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1997-04-15/news/9704150051_1_frank-j-spinner-drill-sergeant-aberdeen-sex-scandal">Aberdeen,</a></i> it should be a constant reminder that this problem won't go away with time.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Thanks you:</span> <i><span style="color: cyan;">Rosie Palfy</span></i> and <i><span style="color: cyan;">Veracrusin</span></i> for your insight and awareness into military issues.</div>
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<span style="color: orange;">Special thanks to:</span> <span style="color: cyan;"><i>Barbara on Twitter</i> </span>@Barbara20110481 for sharing the article: <i>Fort Benning Drill Sergeants Suspended Amid Sexual Misconduct Allegations. </i></div>
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Related Vlog:</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGANM_xUEOqogReXzymJb_eZ8_ETcKWuLwx3swHBKo6D-0ORx3TL8Y1Uw7OrXP7S-4EHjYLc1TO3aDoJc6Lf7L9Y95JkB1-pPZJTcyhj0Fms4kvll_Kjt0-1sBkozqr1cGatzPJfAqUqw/s1600/Another+Military+Scandal.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGANM_xUEOqogReXzymJb_eZ8_ETcKWuLwx3swHBKo6D-0ORx3TL8Y1Uw7OrXP7S-4EHjYLc1TO3aDoJc6Lf7L9Y95JkB1-pPZJTcyhj0Fms4kvll_Kjt0-1sBkozqr1cGatzPJfAqUqw/s320/Another+Military+Scandal.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/es-iIsnrL9c" style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">The Invisible Warrior Report- Another Military Scandal</a></td></tr>
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Previous Blog Special: <a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/08/trumpspell.html">Trumpspell</a></h3>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-34426915786411662562017-08-21T10:24:00.001-07:002017-08-21T10:31:35.154-07:00Trumpspell<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VMEvQ9gt4SiozKpoAXjsoPyYe2rnRI1xzxP2nzmbcApJSaLmFKWkHNzN7L7XOb0l9gapbm7q67fi-lgh484lKr3wa8GSr_wHcfTCE6pp2abSYokgkiZwfHLvUgIaawPAKeRYS43fV5U/s1600/Godspell.png" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1VMEvQ9gt4SiozKpoAXjsoPyYe2rnRI1xzxP2nzmbcApJSaLmFKWkHNzN7L7XOb0l9gapbm7q67fi-lgh484lKr3wa8GSr_wHcfTCE6pp2abSYokgkiZwfHLvUgIaawPAKeRYS43fV5U/s320/Godspell.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victor Garber Jesus character sings <br />
the stinging lyrics "Alas For You" in Godspell (1973)</td></tr>
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<i>Alas, alas for you,<br />Lawyers and pharisees,<br />Hypocrites that you are.<br />Sure that the kingdom of Heaven awaits you,<br />You will not venture half so far.<br />Other men who might enter the gates you,<br />Keep from passing through!<br />Drag them down with you!</i><br />
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As a theater major in college and someone who embraced musicals, the lyrics (inspired by Scripture) are ringing through especially this week. The song (Alas For You) is a reenactment of when Jesus was confronted about who He would follow. It was a political trap by the religious leaders of his time. Would He denounce the church or the Roman ruler, Caesar. To paraphrase, His answer was: <i>give to Caesar what belongs to him, and give to God what belongs to God. </i><br />
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Last week Donald Trump gave a press conference which devolved quickly into a shouting match over the Charlottesville melee involving White Nationalists. Following Trump's remarks, which seemed to give racists and other hate groups safe space, CEO's who sat on the President's Manufacturing Council resigned, followed by his Strategy and Policy Forum, and then his Infrastructure Council never got off the ground. Finally, the Arts and Humanities Committee tossed in the towel. But his Right Wing Evangelical force (perhaps singing Onward Christian Political Soldier) remains his steadfast allies under his Trumpspell. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Trump supporter sending a mixed message</td></tr>
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I watched Trump bully the media, hide his tax returns, defame his opponents with the most cruel rumors, encourage his rally attenders to knock the shit out of people, and get exposed on tape, on tape bragging about how he could sexually assault women. But for some bizarre reason, the Religious Right Pastors, saw Trump's candidacy as being ordained by God. Donald Trump courted the Christian vote all the way to the White House while doing some of the most shocking and jaw-dropping things any candidate has ever done. This, in my opinion, goes to the character of the man. Any registered voter can vote for a crazy man if he wants to, but don't try to convince us that he's normal, or an angel. As someone whose seen the best and worse from church types (myself included), the religious community is deceiving itself as well as its followers. </div>
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One lone pastor from Trump's Evangelical Advisory board apparently drew a line after Trump's attempt last week, to tell reporters and the country that the Klan and other hate group's agenda was no worse than those who oppose them. Pastor A.R. Bernard spoke with Joy Reid on her program about his concerns of where this president's agenda was headed.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L-R Pastor AR Bernard, Joy Reid, and Pastor Mark Burns</td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">"I don't think he's racist; I think he's ill-advised. I think he's an opportunist and I think a lot of what he's doing and saying is politically motivated. His vacillation over the weekend from one position to another simply indicates to me that he never established a set of core values that guides his thinking and a moral compass-- so that vacillation for me is Him being tossed back and forth between opinions that surround him and that's problematic for a leader. --At some point in time you have to have a set of internal convictions that say okay this is what I believe in, regardless; this is what I'm going to support." </span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rFdFTcB0Vw&t=219s">-Pastor AR Bernard AM Joy August 19, 2017</a></span></blockquote>
In that same interview Bernard said he was hoping that by being on Trump's council he could effect change, but finally conceded their paths were different. But Pastor Mark Burns, when asked about the beatings that pastors endured by these hate groups, side-stepped the question by giving a nervous and confusing mini-sermon of how people must think of themselves as Christian first and being black second. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerry Falwell Jr. defends Donald Trump on Sunday's show</td></tr>
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Jerry Falwell, Jr. stepped into the fray Sunday, on ABC's This Week, after no GOP spokesman would defend Trump. And for Falwell the important issue was that Trump didn't give into his political foes on political correctness. He continued to avoid Trump's failure in calling these men domestic terrorists, sighting that political correctness is the real issue. Finally towards the end of the interview, Falwell offered this analogy:</div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">"I heard his statement the other day-- I didn't hear anything that would offend somebody, but I was speaking to some of my friends in the Jewish community in Charlottesville-- I have a very good friend who is the president of the largest historically black college in the United States, Hampton University-- and we started having conversations, and they started explaining how insecure and how scared they felt that day-- when these terrorist groups were walking up and down the sidewalk, right outside their synagogue-- and I understand how good people could hear the same statement, and take away different things from it,-- and after hearing that, I understand how some people could misunderstand his words. And Yes, he could be more polished and politically correct, but that's why I supported him, because he's not." </span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://youtu.be/FQ40xeoTexc">Jerry Falwell Jr. ABC This Week</a></span></blockquote>
As I scratched my head in an effort to try and earnestly understand Mr. Falwell Jr's statement, it was <br />
and still remains, a real WTH moment for me. He could empathize not with the fear his black and Jewish friends felt in the shadow of terrorists parading up and down their streets, but with how they could misunderstand Trump's non-politically correct unpolished talk. It's as though people see something bad, but the Christian Religious Right, in their zeal, want God's kingdom to be set up in <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christian Broadcast Network founder Pat Robertson<br />
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Washington DC at any expense. A person religious or atheist, has the right to vote for the candidate of his or her choice. But so-called moral leaders do not have the right to pick and choose their brand of acceptable good and tell this country this is what God has for us. You need to stop laying hands on just any politician for his promises, or sticking Scripture next to his name on social media, attempting to make him into God's image. There is no collective, "Thus sayeth the Lord" for America.<br />
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I stand by the personal belief that I will treat a person, the way I want to be treated. If the church is preaching another sermon, then I'll stay outside of their walls. If people can recognize a bad leader for America, through his bigotry, misogyny, and dishonesty; why can't the church?<br />
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<b>Previous blog special:</b> <a href="https://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/08/evil-came-to-charlottesville.html">Evil Came to Charlottesville</a></div>
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Related: Human Decency and Respect is not political correctness. </div>
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It's part of The Constitution</div>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-1754903628074016342017-08-17T14:18:00.000-07:002017-08-17T19:30:44.711-07:00Evil Came to Charlottesville<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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You kill a black man at midnight<br />
Just for talking to your daughter,<br />
Then you make his wife your mistress <br />
And you leave her without water;<br />
And the sheet you wear upon your face<br />
Is the sheet your children sleep on,<br />
At every meal you say a prayer; <br />
You don't believe but still you keep on.<br />
Larry Norman<br />
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I remember this protest song from the 1970's from an obscure artist, Larry Norman, entitled the <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_dwsvD38vOk">"The Great American Novel."</a></i> These words came crashing into my brain this week as I watched an event in Charlottesville go from a racial clash, to a leader, and possibly a whole administration, that wants to have it both ways. <i>Brene Brown, </i>(Author, teacher, and lecturer) in a presentation remarks:<br />
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">"Racism is trauma, poverty is trauma, classism is trauma, homophobia is trauma.-- When vulnerability, the ability to be who we are, becomes a realm of only the privileged, we have lost our capacity to create a school, a home and a country that we love." </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVD8YRgA-ck&t=824s">-Brené Brown, SXSWedu 2017 Keynote, Daring Classrooms</a></span></blockquote>
This week our country was asked by our president to understand that people who have intolerance to other people are not so bad. Donald Trump, in a wild shouting match with the press, claimed the people came to Charlottesville Friday to peacefully demonstrate.<br />
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">" There were people in that rally-- and I looked the night before-- if you look they were people protesting very quietly, the taking down of the statue of Robert E Lee"</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">- Donald Trump</span></blockquote>
As I watched the livestream on Friday night, I saw something different than Mr. Trump did.<br />
Friday night August 11, a mob of mostly young men with Tiki torches screaming from the Thomas Jefferson to the Robert E Lee statues, "You will not replace us-- Blood and Soil--- Whose Streets... Our streets!!!" Plus it's obvious to the casual observer what a mob of thousand lit Tiki torches are designed for--- These so-called protestors that Mr. Trump defended to the press surrounded the Confederate statue with the VA student anti-protestors trapped at the foot of the memorial, with no exit route. On the UVA campus, people gathered for an all faith prayer meeting:<br />
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">"We were worshiping, and close to the end of our worship service we received the message that we could not leave the church because a mob was approaching the church with torches. They were chanting blood and soil-- they were chanting you will not replace us-- they were chanting Jews will not replace us-- they were chanting white lives matter-- and for over 30 minutes we were not allowed to leave the church. When we were finally allowed to leave, we could not go out the front door for fear that we would be assaulted. We were ushered out the side door and the back into alleys; this is America in 2017" </span><a href="https://youtu.be/mFMHFlIozmw">- <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Reverend Traci Blackmon Executive Minister, United Church of Christ </span></a></i></blockquote>
She describes something echoing back to the 1950's. It was something that was done in secret, away from the public. But what the President of the United States described to reporters as a peaceful quiet protest, had been orchestrated under the tent, "Unite The Right." A combining of Neo- Nazi's, Klansmen, and White Nationalist. They were there to terrorize the population of this college town, in the name of white purity. They came looking for a confrontation. Men like Christopher Cantwell, a proclaimed White Nationalist, and spokesman for "Unite The Right" met with a news team covering the demonstration. He bragged openly about being willing to kill.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJELyjkOyBUdcfuecvZOF8DvgRUZBhb6FCT1-aWQEhCb0vpFLGvOw1ioagGPbRwOEm3XyVBHAeEjeDJGToe1-pCv9Dij289-bjDt2UIjwqFOa4nx_q6SIcjbaosMaYQ9rS5wm5Dz8Fv0/s1600/C+Cantwell.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsJELyjkOyBUdcfuecvZOF8DvgRUZBhb6FCT1-aWQEhCb0vpFLGvOw1ioagGPbRwOEm3XyVBHAeEjeDJGToe1-pCv9Dij289-bjDt2UIjwqFOa4nx_q6SIcjbaosMaYQ9rS5wm5Dz8Fv0/s320/C+Cantwell.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">White Nationalist Christopher Cantwell "Unite The Right" </span></i></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">"Of course we're capable. I'm carrying a pistol-- I go to the gym all the time. I'm trying to make myself capable of violence. I'm here to spread ideas-- talk in the hopes that someone more capable will come along and do that. Someone like Donald Trump does not give his daughter to a Jew."</span>- <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://news.vice.com/story/vice-news-tonight-full-episode-charlottesville-race-and-terror">Christopher Cantwell "Unite The Right" Race and Terror, Vice News</a></span></i></blockquote>
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These are not peaceful people. They have a racist agenda of white domination in America. They came to Charlottesville to be seen before America and the media, promoting the idea of saving the Robert E Lee statue which is set for removal from Lee Park in Charlottesville. The real agenda in my opinion, was to come out of the shadows as a recruitment stunt for others with their views. Racist hate speech and demonstrations are nothing new in this country. But what is new is a President who by Monday of this week saw their activities and cause in a different angle. He pushed back on reporters in the lobby of Trump Tower proclaiming that there were nice people on both sides, and there was enough blame to go around.<br />
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">"...Excuse me-- what about the alt left? They came charging at the, as you say, 'the alt right-- 'Do they have any semblance of guilt? --Let me ask you this: what about the fact that they came charging with clubs in their hand swinging clubs? Do they have any problem, I think they do.-- I watch those, very closely much more closely than you people watched it, and you had a group on one side that was bad, and you had a group on the other side that was also very violent, and nobody wants to say that but I'll say it right now-- you had a group on the other side that came charging in without a permit and they were very very violent. --I've condemned Neo-Nazis-- I've condemned many different groups but not all of those people were Neo-Nazis, believe me, not all of those people were white supremacist by any stretch."</span></i></blockquote>
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I had to watch this press briefing (that was suppose to be about his infrastructure plans) several times, just to wrap my brain around the idea; our President is trying to change our perspective on racists and white nationalists. America was still reeling from the weekend melee that took place in Charlottesville, ending in a young woman's death at the hands of a radicalized white supremacist, when Trump began this mad man's argument. We saw the Neo-Nazis, the KKK, (who traded their traditional klan garb for polo shirts, khaki pants, and Make America Great Again ball caps), punching with brass knuckles, clubbing with bats, flinging water bottles of water and urine at their adversaries. We saw the architect of race purging, David Duke, rear his ugly head to proclaim that the Alt-Right was hear to reclaim America for the white man.<br />
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But this president pushed half the blame for what happened, and dropped it into the column of those who opposed the Klan, the Neo-Nazis, and others with a white purist agenda. It left me stunned, and no doubt other's reeling. He can't see the difference in white supremacy, and Americans who (aside from political ideas), believe we all share the same principles. </div>
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Many people, from ordinary folks on social media to mainstream media, and folks on both sides of the political isle, have denounced his rouge conference. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zjD_amAy0Q&t=121s">America from social media to the mainstream</a><br />
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zjD_amAy0Q&t=121s">were shocked by Trump's proclamation</a></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">"Mr. President, people, good people don't pal around with Nazis and white supremacist; maybe they don't consider themselves white supremacist and Nazis, but certainly they hold those views. This has become very troubling and for anyone to come on any network and defend what President Trump did and said at their press conference yesterday-- is completely lost and has the potential to be morally bankrupt."</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: cyan;">-</span> Gianno Caldwell, Republican Political Strategist</span></blockquote>
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No matter what political beliefs you might have, if your moral compass points North, Trump's words left you in shock.</div>
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But there were those who responded to Trump's remarks with perverse glee. Both <i>Richard Spencer, </i>who is the author of the Neo-Nazi movement "The Alt Right" (giving Hitler salutes of Hail Trump, Hail to our Leader"), and the morally bankrupted, <i>David Duke, </i>sent positive Tweets and remarks back to Trump after his Monday wild street-corner shouting match with the press. This was their victory dance. Donald Trump has done their dirty work and normalized their cause at our expense. I won't even dignify their sick mindset with direct quotes or pictures. Perhaps many of you understand what Trump's <i>"Make America Great Again"</i> cry has meant for soulless men like these. To tell America that we need to simply forgive, and come together, rings hollow. In some sad way, most of us have come together over the death of <i>Heather Heyer </i>who was snatched away this life, thanks to a radical terrorist. And some have come together because of the failing of this president to call evil something that is not so bad. But we as a Nation are living with the trauma of failed leadership.<br />
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For the sake of this country which belongs to all of us, and our children and generations to come, we cannot let this President's words go unchallenged.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption">Artist Sam Welty painting a mural of Heather on the town's <a href="https://www.visitcharlottesville.org/listing/freedom-of-speech-wall/2211/">Freedom of Speech Wall</a>.</td></tr>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-81268107792874770462017-08-11T17:43:00.000-07:002017-08-11T19:06:24.548-07:00The Taylor Swift Grab<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Taylor Swift performs the song "Safe and Sound"</i></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><i>In order to escape accountability from his crimes,</i></span><br />
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<i>the perpetrator does everything in his power to promote forgetting.</i></div>
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<i>Secrecy and silence are the perpetrator's first line of defense.</i></div>
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<i>If Secrecy fails, the perpetrator attacks the victim's credibility.</i></div>
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<i>From Judith Lewis Herman</i></div>
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<i>Trauma and Recovery</i></div>
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I will be honest with you, I've never bought a Taylor Swift song, or been to a concert. That might make me less than a fan, but nevertheless, I know who she is, and I've caught a tune here or there. </div>
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Miss Swift is at the peak of her popularity these days. With her clean looks and amazing musical magic, she's packing out concerts and scoring hits. But recently, Taylor has found herself fighting for reputation as an artist and a person.</div>
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<span style="color: cyan;"><i>In 2013 Taylor says she was “violated” by a then–country radio DJ, in a way she “had never experienced before.” David Mueller, who was 51 to Swift’s 23 at the time, “grabbed my ass underneath my skirt,”</i></span> <a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2017/08/10/taylor_swift_s_sexual_assault_testimony_was_sharp_gutsy_and_satisfying.html"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">-Slate.Com Aug. 10. 2017</span></a></blockquote>
When the incident happened Swift's mom chose not to take it to the media or the police, but instead reported it directly to Muller's boss who took quick action and fired the then Country-Western DJ. Apparently in Muller's head, he did nothing wrong that should have gotten him fired. So he's now trying to get some revenge and payback by suing Taylor Swift. This seems to be a tactic that perps use these days. They'd rather eat a shit sandwich than admit what they did was wrong. If any system finds them guilty of sexual misconduct, perpetrators have retrained themselves to steal a victim's narrative and hide among the wrongfully accused while employing acting skills and claim bogus victimization.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PitLUjVFhWy13GzEBO880K9pLqRJkuXUphrvk0HXu6iWMlG5t7p7AcHgVouXy_6jqTpXK7v1NqVHwS85xWW5A6XSPIudCanGBmXoZrgs9ZI1n6FatRBC_jyK3rB0s5iikW_OC_DblYs/s1600/Swift+hand+grab.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="595" data-original-width="800" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PitLUjVFhWy13GzEBO880K9pLqRJkuXUphrvk0HXu6iWMlG5t7p7AcHgVouXy_6jqTpXK7v1NqVHwS85xWW5A6XSPIudCanGBmXoZrgs9ZI1n6FatRBC_jyK3rB0s5iikW_OC_DblYs/s320/Swift+hand+grab.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor Swift center poses with David Muller and Girlfriend</td></tr>
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Aside from the fact that this ass-grabbing thing, is just crude and stupid to do to someone you know in public, it takes a lot of nerve to think anyone should put up with handling them like a piece of choice meat. But in the narcissist's mind, he must win at all costs. The truth is against him; reality isn't his friend, but he continues to shout, kick, accuse, and flail about like a man sinking in quicksand. I looked at the photo that Taylor Swift posed for with Muller's girlfriend. If Muller's fingers were around her waist, then he's got arms like Gumby. <br />
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I mentioned the fact that I'm not a fan of Miss Swifts, (in the conventional sense) not because I don't like her or her music, but because her celebrity status doesn't prejudice me one way or the other. She is a person and a human being who shouldn't have to endure this type of treatment from fans, friends, or anyone.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic74h7fE8Ff63q-H1BHJ6wRbsn7SMMwfbcMhg5wEu4_3qxvdYgTlkOxvdVD1DQYfckiOJ3qpS2ylUTqePx5Bn3vP0WHxw1WYgBpT1-0NKkAKlNRmK52-Sfc8weftzbFcvzrOa1YBQGWto/s1600/Beyonce%2527s+warning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1342" data-original-width="811" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic74h7fE8Ff63q-H1BHJ6wRbsn7SMMwfbcMhg5wEu4_3qxvdYgTlkOxvdVD1DQYfckiOJ3qpS2ylUTqePx5Bn3vP0WHxw1WYgBpT1-0NKkAKlNRmK52-Sfc8weftzbFcvzrOa1YBQGWto/s320/Beyonce%2527s+warning.jpg" width="193" /></a><br />
Other Pop celebs like Beyonce have been the target of stupid people whose pitiful excuse was that they couldn't help themselves. In 2013 in Copenhagen, Denmark, in the midst of strutting down the stage and slapping hands of screaming fans, one guy couldn't help himself; he crossed the line by giving the superstar a whack on the ass. Her reaction? She gracefully turns around and states: <i><span style="color: cyan;">“I will have you escorted out right now, alright?” </span></i><a href="http://www.alternet.org/speakeasy/alyssa-figueroa/beyonces-response-getting-butt-slapped-exemplifies-why-we-need-react">-<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Beyonce's Response to Getting Butt Slapped Exemplifies Why We Need to React to Everyday Injustices Alternet.Org May 29, 2013</span></a><br />
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Fortunately for the Copenhagen fan, he took his scolding, and it ended there. David Muller, Ex- DJ on the other hand thinks that the lawsuit will help him get his manhood and dignity back. But Swift refused to settle out of court or to blink in any way. Her counter suit of one dollar seems to be symbolic of what the real issue is about.<br />
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">She says she is not suing for money, but rather to convey a warning on behalf of all American women about sexual assault and is hoping that a favorable verdict by a Denver jury of six women and two men will send the message of "get your groping hands off us" to men across the nation and around the world. </span></i><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/10/opinions/taylor-swift-message-to-men-callan/index.html">CNN.com August 10, 2017</a></blockquote>
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If Muller and his attorney were hoping to encounter a shrinking <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9X0GxcL0PckT67RXRWJMuLmSB7YVb0mjBz3T69QLh1_gR4zrAVyzaeD1Gw6eHci89-jMVT6E0M9D2vBzpuIhomLLF5Z2_B60nlQ9jiVqkxjHP6xtt43pxpOFKyMoSW1c4cfHD37p3PA/s1600/Taylor+Swift+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="842" data-original-width="1200" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9X0GxcL0PckT67RXRWJMuLmSB7YVb0mjBz3T69QLh1_gR4zrAVyzaeD1Gw6eHci89-jMVT6E0M9D2vBzpuIhomLLF5Z2_B60nlQ9jiVqkxjHP6xtt43pxpOFKyMoSW1c4cfHD37p3PA/s320/Taylor+Swift+sketch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Courtroom sketch of Taylor Swift</td></tr>
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violet, full of remorse or too afraid to face her assailant again, from all accounts in the Denver court room today, she remained calm and unwavering in her convictions that Muller would not get a pay-day off of her. And if Swift was too busy before with her career, or was indifferent to the issue of sexual assault in the past, she's not anymore. It's possible that David Muller indirectly might be responsible for creating another advocate. Whoops!! But that, in my book, is a bonus. </blockquote>
<i><span style="color: cyan;">When McFarland asked her how she felt when Mueller got the boot from his job at the Denver radio station, Swift said she had no response. “I am not going to allow your client to make me feel like it is any way my fault, because it isn’t,” she said. Later, she continued: “I am being blamed for the unfortunate events of his life that are a product of his decisions and not mine.” Women who allege sexual assault are scolded all the time for ruining men’s lives, even if those men are proven guilty. Swift’s sharp testimony is a very visible condemnation of that common turn in cases like these. That’s an important message for women who may find themselves in Swift’s position someday, and maybe even more so for the men who’ll be called on to support or rebuff them.- </span><a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2017/08/10/taylor_swift_s_sexual_assault_testimony_was_sharp_gutsy_and_satisfying.html">August 10, 2017 Slate.com</a></i><br />
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The Judge of course threw out the silly trial, declaring Muller failed to show burden of proof that Swift intended to hurt his career. I'll be a little nerdy here and say, chalk up one for the good guys!</blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWYTCXz6iQz0MOuacy4D6oJ5gIJiGNinuwtw47FzUJvnskogyb5KGhqgedfK6-qTvQHaf-eLGbb6xrKqXL1iXK6-IZYkuR_E_qH4szzdC1GvQEG8wevq2Qzix4G6HYysDsBtkh4Uape4/s1600/Swift+and+Cancer+patient.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1153" data-original-width="634" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYWYTCXz6iQz0MOuacy4D6oJ5gIJiGNinuwtw47FzUJvnskogyb5KGhqgedfK6-qTvQHaf-eLGbb6xrKqXL1iXK6-IZYkuR_E_qH4szzdC1GvQEG8wevq2Qzix4G6HYysDsBtkh4Uape4/s200/Swift+and+Cancer+patient.jpg" width="109" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"> 6-year-old Taylor Rayburn diagnosed<br />
<span style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: left;"> with kidney cancer<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></td></tr>
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Fame is not, and should never be, a trade-off for self worth. And whether Taylor wins or loses this legal battle today, she has a new fan in me.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Related:</span></b><br />
Some people are declaring their freedom under the new President. For them it means life, liberty, and the pursuit of grabbiness. Check out my YouTube channel on this issue.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/J9oewuxtKSU" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_9utnuYb05ShS-4vwLpcW-Q8a76Ag2m4kthGVqtVaRucc-6kgwtNTyFzqSjGywmfcMv9meMHNOonCH4rtDLV9Fk-c5bAJRlSsJjoueNL6d5g8C3EViN6l6eSyn9bkceteSoXPXFGKjFM/s320/Youtube+promo.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/J9oewuxtKSU">Click here for Youtube </a></td></tr>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-26615960443505836762017-08-08T11:41:00.001-07:002017-08-08T11:41:12.801-07:00THE INVISIBLE WARRIOR REPORT: Sexual Harassment- The Beat Goes On<a href="http://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2017/08/sexual-harassment-beat-goes-on.html?spref=bl">THE INVISIBLE WARRIOR REPORT: Sexual Harassment- The Beat Goes On</a>: The beat goes on, the beat goes on. Drums keep pounding rhythm to the brain. La de da de de, la de da de dai. Charleston was once the rage...Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-16476145180433712362017-08-06T19:30:00.000-07:002017-08-09T17:59:42.872-07:00Sexual Harassment- The Beat Goes On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3Ebh5xUEOspKWmd0DGKBpDj4aipExO-dSYKli925HtGO6ee0AU4GUJNbhxXuC6YtGuohhaEJX1jbruo3B7BH6SBPKXGwOFD4_g8PzGYvkZEdfh7Hc5UGRkbJEV1dKqeOgFfqHTVYBNo/s1600/Sexual+Haraasment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="650" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO3Ebh5xUEOspKWmd0DGKBpDj4aipExO-dSYKli925HtGO6ee0AU4GUJNbhxXuC6YtGuohhaEJX1jbruo3B7BH6SBPKXGwOFD4_g8PzGYvkZEdfh7Hc5UGRkbJEV1dKqeOgFfqHTVYBNo/s320/Sexual+Haraasment.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i>The beat goes on, the beat goes on.<br />Drums keep pounding rhythm to the brain.<br />La de da de de, la de da de dai.<br />Charleston was once the rage, uh huh,<br />History has turned the page, uh huh.</i><br />
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- Sonny Bono<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Drums Keep Pounding a Rhythm to The Brain</span></h3>
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I am dumfounded that sexual harassment scandals continue not just among politicians like Anthony Weiner, who sexted penis pictures, but the beat goes on with "on-air media types" who claim to be the voices for truth and justice for us all. <i>Bill O'Reilly,</i> long time voice for right-wing journalism on Fox News, was finally forced off the air because the stench of allegations against him were too overwhelming, including:</div>
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<i>"Approaching an African American woman whose desk was near his, referring to her as “hot chocolate,” and grunting like a “wild boar”<br />offering multiple unwanted sexual advances and lewd comments to a woman producer on his show, phoning her “when it sounded as if he was masturbating” and describing “various sexual fantasies”<br />suggesting that she “buy a vibrator,” “engage in phone sex or a threesome with him,” and listen to “the details of his alleged sexual encounters with a cabana masseuse, airline stewardesses, and Thai sex-show workers”- </i><a href="https://www.theatlantic.com/news/archive/2017/04/why-was-bill-oreilly-really-fired/523614/">The Atlantic, April 19,2017</a></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4fPJoL_ysNMt519DB7YnWxypnu8ArO9o-vS7jiG2o0QrFLfuLSgHjeuGnuDkwenWxq9wZoJ_v_EJqcr2cVf17KyipCFMOsrdRVzftGduiIKwSFPwSOmDIDZwe5ed6eMwrGKgSQptTcM/s1600/carlson-alies-sued-hed-2016.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="652" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4fPJoL_ysNMt519DB7YnWxypnu8ArO9o-vS7jiG2o0QrFLfuLSgHjeuGnuDkwenWxq9wZoJ_v_EJqcr2cVf17KyipCFMOsrdRVzftGduiIKwSFPwSOmDIDZwe5ed6eMwrGKgSQptTcM/s320/carlson-alies-sued-hed-2016.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L- Gretchen Carlson, R- former CEO Roger Ailes</td></tr>
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The former top guy at Fox News: Roger Ailes got outed in July 2016, after allegations emerged that he had harassed female colleagues.<br />
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<i>"In a lawsuit, former anchor Gretchen Carlson claimed she was sacked for refusing Ailes’ advances. Six other female Fox employees and former Fox host, Megyn Kelly, also alleged harassment by Ailes.- </i><a href="http://www.newsweek.com/new-allegations-emerge-heres-rundown-fox-news-sex-and-harassment-scandals-646950">Newsweek August 5, 2017</a></blockquote>
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<span style="color: orange;"> Boys Keep Chasing Girls</span></h3>
And now, out of that same camp, comes allegations of Eric Bolling's unprofessional and disrespectful behavior towards women. Bolling was a former co-host of the Five and recently began an O'Reilly Factor replacement gig of an afternoon show known as the "Specialists." Ironically Bolling, a voice decrying the disgusting behavior of Anthony Weiner, now has been accused by three female colleagues of sending them sexting pics of someone's man parts. Fox, looking past his "Boobs on the ground" remark, and referring to another on-air female contributor Caroline Heldman, a politics professor at Occidental College, as "McHottie" <i><a href="http://www.slate.com/blogs/the_slatest/2017/08/05/fox_news_suspends_host_eric_bolling_amid_accusations_of_sexual_harassment.html">now has been forced to deal with this issue.</a></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IflczohX_4IU6KWW8HbCXDQJwKfa3jzAfAFP_JNVpd0QNCPpYsTj7JGxU57aG_mT5F9AFIzzT_vGiFrvFN96LVLrSdw6uPIRDqkFmrTq6IPpVxB-YMWFgOi13J2-1Mg9FlhsjdLhw2I/s1600/Eric-Bolling-on-Fox-news-640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IflczohX_4IU6KWW8HbCXDQJwKfa3jzAfAFP_JNVpd0QNCPpYsTj7JGxU57aG_mT5F9AFIzzT_vGiFrvFN96LVLrSdw6uPIRDqkFmrTq6IPpVxB-YMWFgOi13J2-1Mg9FlhsjdLhw2I/s200/Eric-Bolling-on-Fox-news-640x480.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eric Bolling on suspension</td></tr>
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I can't help it if you feel like there is a conspiracy against all right-wing male journalists at Fox. The problem is with the institution, and not with me or anyone who would tell you to your face that sexual harassment from anyone is wrong and indefensible. When any institution or corporation throws out a few bad apples but doesn't dig deeper to root out this cancerous behavior, then they're asking for more blow-back of the same kind.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Little Girls Still Break Their Hearts</span></h3>
Victims of sexual harassment face losing their jobs, being branded as a troublemaker, a liar, or worse. Caroline Heldman chose to try to navigate through the harassment with Bolling, O'Reilly, and Roger Ailes right hand guy Bill Shine, to try to keep making a difference on-air. As I look at Twitter and Facebook accounts, I'm blown away by the insensitive and down-right misogynist replies from full grown people with high-school mindsets. When you trade plain ordinary values of respect for the devotion to our favorite politician, celebrity, or institution, then humanity is in trouble.<br />
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So here is my final big-picture thought-- If you think women who accuse men of this, have an agenda of trying to wreck someone's career, you're part of the problem. If you think sexual harassment is no big deal, then you're disconnected from people. If you think it's a political conspiracy, or the person making the complaints hates your party, then you really don't care about the truth. It's easier for me to turn the channel, rather than turn my back on victims of sexual harassment. And no person on either side of the political isle should get your vote, knowing that they carried on in a way that demeans another person.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Nzn05XlzgI59m3ILIZW0wiSIwfUPNQ4d00yTaJOkbFH2oOhiF-PsZF_pGoWEoDvgD24rk4zPsoGqFBB6NcJhfAbSko-RCY9fc5wuqQUFEMVWecdBTKJ939ujsdWoKQT6v-JHPY-r50g/s1600/David-david-schwimmer-19199081-1331-2000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Nzn05XlzgI59m3ILIZW0wiSIwfUPNQ4d00yTaJOkbFH2oOhiF-PsZF_pGoWEoDvgD24rk4zPsoGqFBB6NcJhfAbSko-RCY9fc5wuqQUFEMVWecdBTKJ939ujsdWoKQT6v-JHPY-r50g/s200/David-david-schwimmer-19199081-1331-2000.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Activist Celebrity David Schwimmer</td></tr>
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<i>"I really feel like men need to be made aware that this is happening to their wives, their daughters, their sisters, and their mothers. I don't know anyone in my family, that hasn't been a victim of sexual harassment." - <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRpbMDdqvVI">David Schwimmer, Associated Press April 5, 20017</a></i></blockquote>
<a href="http://www.criticalhit.net/entertainment/watch-david-schwimmers-powerful-star-studded-sexual-harassment-video-series/">Check out David's video series on this issue.</a> Of course Sexual Harassment can happen to either gender. So my aim goes to those who are in power, as well as those making excuses for this behavior.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://youtu.be/wcjN0ri91ME"><img border="0" data-original-height="983" data-original-width="1600" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhaNTwF_h7iEqtgd_1xBG2negDN7C5jPkOSEh7uNxI_GD9RAsXk2A0G2RHmWu_bVKnZvUAYRyQJTZW3IZequdJes9d7Jo1teu5TuNWbb-nQelDJBIFnr-5RrZL74fhvRpbvCAohH-qQFg/s320/Justice+denied.png" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/wcjN0ri91ME">Watch and share my Invisible Warrior Report<br />RAPE KIT BACKLOG: JUSTICE DENIED<br />On YouTube</a></td></tr>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-31131603417212406242017-07-23T20:16:00.000-07:002017-07-25T10:07:31.067-07:00Rape Busters!<i>If there's something strange in you neighborhood</i><br />
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<i style="text-align: center;">Who you gonna call? </i><i><br /></i><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cast of New Ghostbusters movie<br />2016 Sony Pictures</span></td></tr>
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<i>If there's something weird<br />And it don't look good<br />Who you gonna call? </i><br />
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<i>-Ray Parker Jr.</i></div>
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Too bad we don't have a team of men or women, with scientific gadgets to eradicate sexual assault wherever they find it. They'd have technology to take the guess work out of crime fighting. Yes, very Sci-Fi, and no, I'm not suggesting killing people who commit sexual assault, but perhaps a way to bring justice to victims and catching the assholes who commit the one crime that gives certain institutions feet of clay.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Betsy DeVos- United States Secretary of Education</td></tr>
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After reading and watching the latest developments of what's been happening since <i>Betsy DeVos </i>began investigating sexual assault claims from groups on both sides of the issue, how Title IX has affected their lives, I need to address the rumors and miss-statements of Rape on our University and College campuses. </div>
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Many men's rights groups have sounded the "<i>falsely accused alarm,"</i> claiming they were victims of a bad and unfair adjudication process. There has been pressure from men's rights groups, and right-wing advocates who are obviously anti-Title IX activists, attempting to point Universities and students towards calling the police only, and that the Universities should stay out of the criminal justice game.<br />
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The first fact is: Colleges and Universities don't have the right to address sexual assault and rape on a criminal justice basis. They are there to educate students. However Colleges and Universities are microcosm's of our society, with rules and standards for behavior and conduct for those attending. When students are accepted, they agree to follow the rules and accept the consequences for bad behavior.<br />
A University which accepts federal money to help operate has an obligation not to discriminate against any student based on race, gender, or religion according to the law. When a student gets expelled from a school, it's because they have broken the code of conduct law, which the school has established, written out, and a student has agreed to follow. If they break the rule, the school has an obligation to investigate, and conduct a disciplinary procedure, not a criminal one.<br />
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What has been challenged by many students is their right to live in a safe environment. Title IX has been the law since 1972. It took a handful of students to find it and make their case known. This is not a law designed to protect feminists against men. It's meant to keep any institution from discriminating against any student and give all students an equal, fair chance for education.<br />
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The problem it seems, is that many Universities have been forced to do their jobs if they weren't already doing them, trying to stop rape on campuses, and people with politically driven agendas don't like what's happened. It's not to say that a false accusation doesn't happen from time to time, but it appears MRAs (mens rights activists) are attempting to wear the uniform as victims in order to win this fight in the political arena.<br />
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The second fact is: many victims don't go to the police because some law enforcement agencies have have built a reputation of not believing the victim. The more inclosed the local town and culture of the area is, the better the chances of the town, circling the wagons and shutting the scandal down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibS9bfSerPX7En4aQ2m1O8HkOJAdVr92aafnB2UM0fgoHAvH7vvQKNhGoezGpc9O6nCBF3Lizp-MUdTMZsbT070p8BYLaoGPM4NVYgHf6avrjmFzdvY3WzhFijJnDaa9d6H3RRfg8sGJg/s1600/Badge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="852" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibS9bfSerPX7En4aQ2m1O8HkOJAdVr92aafnB2UM0fgoHAvH7vvQKNhGoezGpc9O6nCBF3Lizp-MUdTMZsbT070p8BYLaoGPM4NVYgHf6avrjmFzdvY3WzhFijJnDaa9d6H3RRfg8sGJg/s320/Badge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Some police have been called out to investigate the rape of a girl by the quarterback of the town's local football team. Sometimes police are cynical through a lack of understanding what rape is really all about and also failing to take an unbiased view of rape and its victims.<br />
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<i>We found indications that officers fail to meaningfully investigate reports of sexual assault, particularly for assaults involving women with additional vulnerabilities, such as those who are involved in the sex trade. Detectives fail to develop and resolve preliminary investigations; fail to identify and collect evidence to corroborate victims’ accounts; inadequately document their investigative steps; fail to collect and assess data, and report and classify reports of sexual assault; and lack supervisory review. We also have concerns that officers’ interactions with women victims of sexual assault and with transgender individuals display unlawful gender bias. - </i><a href="http://apps.washingtonpost.com/g/documents/local/us-justice-department-finds-discriminatory-practices-in-baltimore-police/2117/">U.S. Justice Department finds discriminatory practices in Baltimore police, Washington Post</a></blockquote>
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<i>"Officers routinely questioned sex crime victims in a way that put the blame on the victims themselves, like suggesting they were responsible. Detectives would ask “Why are you messing up that guy’s life?” and suggest the victims were lying by not reporting the assault immediately.<br />A prosecutor handling a sexual assault case wrote in an email to a BPD officer that the woman who reported the crime was a “conniving little whore,” and the cop responded “Lmao! I feel the same.”<br />Detectives made “minimal to no effort to locate, identify, interrogate, or investigate suspects,” the DOJ said. BPD sex crimes unit officials would complain that all of the sexual assault reports were false, saying at a social event, “In homicide, there are real victims; all our cases are bullshit.” </i></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And People Ask Why Rape Victims Don’t Report To Police- </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/rape-victims-report-police_us_57ad48c2e4b071840410b8d6" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Huffpost August 12,</a><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/rape-victims-report-police_us_57ad48c2e4b071840410b8d6">2016</a> </blockquote>
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<i>"Don't under estimate the need for attention... Especially young girls. There's a lot of pressure on young girls in our society to be pretty-- to be liked, to be the popular one. And it's not fair but it's the way our society works."- </i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Darren White, Sheriff of Nordway County, Missouri -From Netflix Documentary "Audrie and Daisy</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RUf-pzFQacrcA_cdKzg2ttuntSx34TeQz8i1u8_bdCAEgIIszITUb4umfFUtcslYZbxk6BvbHY5VKXnHdLI4ihXvKiiStq7c6ew8RCHriHNC2uYNjrkGIztcu0kPfHJcvqQ3LMcNITc/s1600/Krakauer+Book.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="651" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_RUf-pzFQacrcA_cdKzg2ttuntSx34TeQz8i1u8_bdCAEgIIszITUb4umfFUtcslYZbxk6BvbHY5VKXnHdLI4ihXvKiiStq7c6ew8RCHriHNC2uYNjrkGIztcu0kPfHJcvqQ3LMcNITc/s320/Krakauer+Book.png" width="208" /></a></div>
In John Krakauer's book, he documents a victim's initial dealing going to the police to report her assault. The policeman (Officer Vreeland) asked the victim, (Kelly Barrett) "so what do you want to come of this?" Paraphrasing the author; Barrett was taken aback by the question. Officer Vreeland continues, "Since you were fooling around before, and no one saw the rape happen, it will be hard to prove." and as he was closing the interview the officer asked if she had a boyfriend... explaining "Sometimes girls cheat on their boyfriends, and later regret it. and then claim they were raped."<br />
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The Times Tribune Editorial Board recently published an article entitled, <a href="http://thetimes-tribune.com/opinion/call-police-in-rape-cases-1.2220835">"Call The Police In Rape Cases."</a> They site the arrest and conviction of Former Vanderbilt University football player Brandon Vandenburg.<br />
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They seem to be insinuating that this is the way the police work in rape investigations. <a href="http://kevinmcgill1.blogspot.com/2015/07/un-happy-hour.html?spref=tw">I applaud the work of the Nashville PD in Vandenburg case,</a> but it's not the prevailing mindset of law enforcement across this country. The police need to collectively update how victims of sex crimes are treated. You cannot gain someone's trust with bad public relations. It's something that needs fixing.<br />
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Victims should have both options in seeking justice. And whether a victim reports this crime to the police, or her University he or she deserves the full competent support from both institutions.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HZ9Xmy2Dg8QUciVi_-SGlJhri-rP74IAwNdneBUQEmJ07_qAwKCSjmPx3XlpL6SCTUxYWGi07bksH_QZDI0URaD_BhXdW8PPkjF5EY7_6e3i28-_QqxNuRlx2grtKl07ZkcSPxldl6k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2017-07-23+at+6.41.03+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9HZ9Xmy2Dg8QUciVi_-SGlJhri-rP74IAwNdneBUQEmJ07_qAwKCSjmPx3XlpL6SCTUxYWGi07bksH_QZDI0URaD_BhXdW8PPkjF5EY7_6e3i28-_QqxNuRlx2grtKl07ZkcSPxldl6k/s320/Screen+Shot+2017-07-23+at+6.41.03+PM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZiDdowY2QM">Check out my You Tube Channel on this topic.</a></td></tr>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-60836253586112470952017-05-29T13:06:00.000-07:002017-05-29T13:06:05.502-07:00In Remembrance Of The Fallen<div style="text-align: center;">
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In honor of many fallen soldiers, I'm republishing this issue of the <i><b>Invisible Warrior Report</b></i> in honor of the memory of a young woman whose death, remains unanswered, and a cover-up in our Government. I hope that there are those who will continue to search for answers.</div>
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LaVena L. Johnson was sexual assault, brutally beaten, murdered, and evidence of the rape was covered up. This was truly injustice for her, and her family.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeoIL5ntoq50EnhaKALhfwfpfwNe-UgB2IeO8lGAz9cD8XhuSw1WQFLGY_RKpIvCl11wvHEIyWtq7Pl5-LtQKUvPAnP0kdfMMMZRMcC_dPpDF7L5LZ7n3-AAXdnG-kSJqlV50WRhuJT0/s1600/Lavena.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQeoIL5ntoq50EnhaKALhfwfpfwNe-UgB2IeO8lGAz9cD8XhuSw1WQFLGY_RKpIvCl11wvHEIyWtq7Pl5-LtQKUvPAnP0kdfMMMZRMcC_dPpDF7L5LZ7n3-AAXdnG-kSJqlV50WRhuJT0/s1600/Lavena.jpg" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></i><i><span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKCyUe4syc4"><img border="0" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3soVNJV1BTYMv0lMfI9OaUCdzN3t61BeyuNgF9Qs1I5RCLd4oxf9dDY60oklGj6_sq3oINef4_8MWV6UAhH4BFmISLNCOPXLBaDOmiKEqyEC2uLjikdlYx-hB9vMioOA9eFYUkTamb5o/s1600/Duet+Unforgettable.png" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKCyUe4syc4">Natalie and Nat King Cole singing together posthumously </a>I</span></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: orange;">Unforgettable, that's what you are,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: orange;">Unforgettable, though, near or far,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: orange;">Like a song of love that clings to me</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: orange;">How the thought of you,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: orange;">Does things to me,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: orange;">Never before, has someone been more.</span></i></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9elFzSz75v4pgHoVulfjkiPshEBjBSem34qp1uub9ZrRBxLQcsF4Z4sQooS8t8RLYOs8_4Bi4MkhBlks3xU5uYbYTb78UFnVqgPFSVZvlJFbEcfsmJfnaER9pKTKI6uegqo0Xzwhpo2Y/s1600/Lavena+and+Father.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9elFzSz75v4pgHoVulfjkiPshEBjBSem34qp1uub9ZrRBxLQcsF4Z4sQooS8t8RLYOs8_4Bi4MkhBlks3xU5uYbYTb78UFnVqgPFSVZvlJFbEcfsmJfnaER9pKTKI6uegqo0Xzwhpo2Y/s1600/Lavena+and+Father.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">PFC LaVena Johnson with Her father John Johnson</span></td></tr>
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As I watched a video of Natalie Cole singing an amazing duet with her father, the late and great Nat King Cole, my thoughts rushed forward to the heartache of John Johnson, a veteran and father of PFC LaVena L. Johnson, who died in Afghanistan in 2005. She undoubtedly has become "unforgettable" to many of us who know her tragic story. It is painful for any parent to lose a child under any circumstances, but when the reasons are under a cloud of suspicion and a cover-up, we are restless in our spirits for answers. Perhaps no one is more restless or heart broken than her parents, John and Linda.<br />
The military seems to be attempting to move forward in trying to correct its bad record of sexual assaults in its ranks, but the mysterious death of this young woman and others, killed while serving in the theater of war, still hovers over the military, as they undoubtedly hope that time will erase the memory of this crime.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">Trigger Warning! </span>Graphic Subject!</b><br />
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<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">An Unforgettable Crime</span></h3>
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Yes, I said crime. Because the evidence is staggering. I've poured over the details of her death, read countless news stories, and watched interviews with the Johnson's, and LaVena's death is still haunting.<br />
A young young woman who by all accounts was positive, out-going and a true patriot, wanted to serve<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Sfc1IW0kaSTCcYo1dt5ejaLrMTm5MoUBZLU3qrB2-AlNFCGqi_hINPxBxee69OriUEn01ycFqg6hkrDykmETEEXMe_P71Hdgj13LHAO-wZWJ4oF8XTVC_aowGoGAXGgZm4NYdn5NlCA/s1600/Lavena+Grad.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Sfc1IW0kaSTCcYo1dt5ejaLrMTm5MoUBZLU3qrB2-AlNFCGqi_hINPxBxee69OriUEn01ycFqg6hkrDykmETEEXMe_P71Hdgj13LHAO-wZWJ4oF8XTVC_aowGoGAXGgZm4NYdn5NlCA/s1600/Lavena+Grad.jpeg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">LaVena was an honor roll graduate</span></td></tr>
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her country after 911. LaVena, the oldest of 3 children, was determine to go to college, but not place a heavy financial burden on her parents, and believed that to serve her country and then pursue her education afterwards would be a great solution. John Johnson remembers that LaVena approached him about signing up. His reaction was that of pride that his daughter wanted to forge her own future.<br />
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<span style="color: #666666;"><i><span style="color: cyan;">"My daughter LaVena was a very patriotic person she love this country and she thought she was doing something good; she thought she was doing something right. She first had discussed this with her dad. I was not in agreement with this at all because ---I just thought she was just going straight on to college. She was an honor roll student; she was a very good student ---and the most beautiful daughter than any mother would want to have. She had discussed this with her dad first and finally told me." </span></i><i>---</i>Linda Johnson</span></blockquote>
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The most daunting thing any parent can do is to let go and allow your child brave the unknown. LaVena was an unforgettable daughter and friend. She was well liked; always had a smile and a cheerful disposition. That is what makes this story so painful: that a sweet person of 19 would die in this horrific manner, and that her killer, or killers still go unpunished.<br />
Also the unforgettable way this young woman was treated by the US Army and those whom she served. Conflicting reports show that LeVena's body had contusions, she had missing teeth, a bruise under her eye and a gun shot wound to the head. It is impossible for a person that was only 5'1" to shoot herself with an M-16 military rifle. As a Vet myself, I know the sort of damage an M-16 can do up close. The most horrific damage was done to the vaginal area, where apparently acid of some sort was used to destroy the evidence of a sexual assault. But in spite of this botched cover up, and the fact that someone tried to set the KBR contractors tent on fire with LeVena's body in it, her death was ruled a suicide by the Army, and a Congressional Subcommittee endorse their ruling. This can only lead me to believe that this investigation was criminally negligent, and a huge cover-up by our government.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">"We know that the people we're dealing with, lie easy as they breathe. So that's why we </span></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_nr9YMyZpCfs6MwC99kTFFSMSVTbssGG3R2oLIRi2WTkP4tXsoRGQJElM8RaAyI1SZbNELfehAdjjVRlxXjASuNe2ze9HYAUNva4ZDTvmOBilowjBK6qdoXWWM0_uVNRolmcaa1PH_4/s1600/lavena-johnson5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: #999999;"><img border="0" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6_nr9YMyZpCfs6MwC99kTFFSMSVTbssGG3R2oLIRi2WTkP4tXsoRGQJElM8RaAyI1SZbNELfehAdjjVRlxXjASuNe2ze9HYAUNva4ZDTvmOBilowjBK6qdoXWWM0_uVNRolmcaa1PH_4/s1600/lavena-johnson5.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999; font-size: xx-small;">LaVena With Mom Linda Johnson</span></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: #999999;">need the congressional hearing; so that people can be under oath to tell the truth. We want justice for our daughter because I believe with all my heart my daughter was murdered. I cannot look at the pictures; I don't have to look at the pictures. I've heard enough from my husband. And it took him awhile to even let me know the things that have been done to my precious daughter--- and to know that my daughter was set on fire and someone tried to burn her body--- it was heartbreaking." </span>-</i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Linda Johnson</span></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjvzuwjBdMY"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRL-9_cfI7C_XnRpGJ0UNf5n1YjCww4jUDoiLbIYZnKvxIeoKzX_undOZksHGU6ZDUzVB-HA2m_9YiBhL1aDkcMcZ8zQKku31EEIIJDJubpjx3u2YzgeaBpjFc3EZLqIJKzH01w9HhCGg/s1600/Screen+shot+2014-05-20+at+8.01.36+PM.png" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjvzuwjBdMY">The Johnson's Sharing grief and outrage "We deserve better than this." 28:00</a></td></tr>
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Can you imagine remembering the last time you saw your daughter alive was when she was running with open arms across the tarmac to greet you like a child? And now you're at the same airfield months later, to receive her body in a box? This story is surrounded in a mystery, involving straight-faced liars, and an ineffective Congress who backs up rape and murder with silence.<br />
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Ann Wright, Retired Army Colonel, and advocate against the Iraq war, actively help the Johnsons to find the answers to LaVena's murder. After setting up a meeting with the Johnsons and Congressman William Clay Jr. (D-Mo) she was barred by the military from attending the meeting. No doubt this was because the Army feared Ms. Wright a former Army Col. would be a formidable person that would not accept their bullshit.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36fR-9dcRw5csRYNm5VDxND4PksLkyw_mx2PxgMzAyw2b8EOLFW9Oer21oWp2dgxz88CtI9b8eiVVcMbEUNhgDyRyCogx-LIUvId4zE4onvP-aXrKKEkggXgwR_xM4qaIi7WOfB3WikY/s1600/ann+wright2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi36fR-9dcRw5csRYNm5VDxND4PksLkyw_mx2PxgMzAyw2b8EOLFW9Oer21oWp2dgxz88CtI9b8eiVVcMbEUNhgDyRyCogx-LIUvId4zE4onvP-aXrKKEkggXgwR_xM4qaIi7WOfB3WikY/s1600/ann+wright2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Retired Lt. Col Ann Wright</span></td></tr>
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<span style="color: #999999; font-style: italic;">"We know the military has misinformed many military families to include Tillman family--- Karen Meredith whose son Ken was killed by Iraqi trainees--- Kemisha Block who was shot in her barracks and the family told she was killed by friendly fire-- one shot--- it turned out she was killed by five shots and her killer which was one member of her unit committed suicide right in her barracks--- and yet the family was not told this for over eight months. So there's a lot of misinformation that's going on with the families, and I firmly believe that if we can get the Congress to hold hearings and require people to come forward under oath that indeed we can get to the bottom of what happened to LeVena Johnson</span><span style="color: cyan; font-style: italic;">." </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Col. Ann Wright</span></blockquote>
<h3>
<span style="color: orange; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Unforgettable Cover Ups</span></h3>
There are many men and women who have gone to serve in both Iraq, and Afghanistan since 911. Sadly many lives have been lost due to honorable combat. Even sadder is when some of these protectors died not by the enemy but by other means, and the military attempts to cover over the details.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcirMY3lLlJKHa-9Q2Rc31B2LYSS70hIlha9yAf8u3tkaBtKWxsCkHPhbGTEyUjyEuJTXiUO0Mr8uOFrK_Z-p8dQE8G58MButg60i4-mvEDn5ARHmhykLpY6U_lv8NCFKdZjcEj0UXGA/s1600/Kamisha+Block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcirMY3lLlJKHa-9Q2Rc31B2LYSS70hIlha9yAf8u3tkaBtKWxsCkHPhbGTEyUjyEuJTXiUO0Mr8uOFrK_Z-p8dQE8G58MButg60i4-mvEDn5ARHmhykLpY6U_lv8NCFKdZjcEj0UXGA/s1600/Kamisha+Block.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Spc. Kemisha Block </span></span></td></tr>
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Spc. Kemisha Block was a female soldier who was fatally shot by Staff Sargent Paul Norris. Norris was an insanely jealous suitor and a rage-aholic who abuse the young female soldier during her time at Fort Hood, and somehow managed to pull some strings to be stationed with Block at<i> Operation Iraqi Freedom</i>. The relationship was against Army regulations, but his superiors seemed to look the other way. Fellow soldiers feared for her safety, and even Kemisha attempted several times to get transferred from Norris's command. When her plight did reach the proper authorities, Norris was ordered to stand down and cut off his relationship with Kemisha. He responded by appearing at her barracks one evening and shooting the unarmed soldier in the face 5 times. The Army listed her death as being casualty of Friendly Fire. Sadly Kemisha's family did not unearth the real truth for months. The Army allowed this crazed NCO to terrorize this soldier until his jealous obsession with her became Kemisha's end.<br />
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Pat Tillman who was famous for walking away from a lucrative football contract and a stellar career in<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Corporal Patrick Tillman</span></td></tr>
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the NFL, signed up to do his bit for America following 911. Because of this celebrity status his death was propaganda for the Bush Administration, and their war on terror. When Pat was reported dead, his widow first received the news that he had been killed in a gun battle in Afghanistan. His mother described his death as too contrived. It was something you'd see in a John Wayne movie.---Charging up a hill to protect his fellow Army Rangers. Sadly the unadorned truth was that Pat was killed by "friendly fire." Instead of coming out with the truth that Tillman and an Afghan Militia Forces allied soldier were shot and killed even as he called out to his band of brothers to cease firing. Rather than to tell the family and the public the truth, a deliberate lie was put in place to cover up Tillman's death.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Pat's mom Mary said in an 60 Minute interview; <a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-really-happened-to-pat-tillman/">"<i>When you're lied to, your brain goes all over the map, and things that aren't really true can appear to be true."</i></a></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbr_7B_Hj2wDVv2frO36ur1eDQRX6i6FhNdIRcVwvFXkIWLynaSnaC-8KsDCL5l27lUkv8A_8SmXtyMOjX_64NkJJUKxk_14SW4ufMS38gxNUHygxa3lsXVx7j4izQ3kK_Fa9k6giZIw/s1600/Anne+Dryden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbr_7B_Hj2wDVv2frO36ur1eDQRX6i6FhNdIRcVwvFXkIWLynaSnaC-8KsDCL5l27lUkv8A_8SmXtyMOjX_64NkJJUKxk_14SW4ufMS38gxNUHygxa3lsXVx7j4izQ3kK_Fa9k6giZIw/s1600/Anne+Dryden.jpg" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Lance Corporal Anne Dryden</span></td></tr>
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Lance Corporal Anne Dryden came from tough stock. She was a sweetheart but a tough devoted Marine as well. Again another casualty death while deployed overseas. He body was found in a portable latrine following a friendly wrestling match where Dryden suffered a concussion to the head. Her parents were told that her death was a friendly wrestling match gone bad. Her mom was suspicious, but got scared away from the original finding. She refused to do interviews about Anne's death, and advised her ex-husband Scott to do the same. As it turns out Scott Dryden refused to back down, and received completely different version of events. Yes, there was a wrestling match, but it was not so friendly. This was re-accounted to him over the phone by someone who later just disappeared. He set out to find out what really happened. For one thing; female soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan have been told to never go to the portable latrines without a buddy. And then to find her body left in a latrine like that leads one to suspect possible rape and murder. Of course, it was up to the Commander to make the decision whether press charges. Hello? Do I have to tell you how well that worked out?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9Na0TISDq7NXJig5fugeWihWt-khAXDFTtAc08a_PAKIJjk0b2JhlJrtwtGKw1mHLKtTZjSSheKpKlstO6DHoEYcJp3z5dl4k6N0oFT29m5I_sT7ibFVNpWSFJeTib5KCr34CE97Bkw/s1600/annwright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9Na0TISDq7NXJig5fugeWihWt-khAXDFTtAc08a_PAKIJjk0b2JhlJrtwtGKw1mHLKtTZjSSheKpKlstO6DHoEYcJp3z5dl4k6N0oFT29m5I_sT7ibFVNpWSFJeTib5KCr34CE97Bkw/s1600/annwright.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ann Wright Questions Military's Finding in deaths</span></td></tr>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="color: #999999;">"Women are supposed to go to the latrines only with a buddy, as so many rapes have occurred near the porta-potties," she says. "That's why many women carry knives in Iraq and Afghanistan for protection. </span></i><i><span style="color: #999999;">Predators in a war zone," says Wright, "usually follow a rape with intimidation because the victim is already surrounded by violence and confusion. They'll say, 'You're going to be dead by tomorrow. Raping you is just the cost of war. We'll just chalk it up [your death] to unsafe security.'" She believes this may be what happened to Annie Dryden.</span> <a href="http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/fallen-angel/Content?oid=2301531">Anne Wright</a></i></blockquote>
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Sadly the disrespectful way many of these soldiers died, and how their families were lied to is an inexcusable shame that will not go away with time, medals, or military honors. I hope that the roll call of these men and women who died under suspicion circumstances will echo and ring in the ears of the military for years to come. Because they choose to lie to us us about these unforgettable lives.<br />
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Please remember these soldiers and their families in your special way this Memorial Day. They are gone but remain "Unforgettable."<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGWqVX2GP7t4YirWPd6PQ3t_Ae7Qk2hgHDNwu18OJNJ0rJkHDp6JE_IiXbWknWzvIAAHtaHNLhkerfBfp4EZSiJvHIVKbwWWyd-djJcvZtHdGqoy-d3o-udMR1jr_jSwhu5z8zh8agCQ/s1600/lavena+johnsons+tombstone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGWqVX2GP7t4YirWPd6PQ3t_Ae7Qk2hgHDNwu18OJNJ0rJkHDp6JE_IiXbWknWzvIAAHtaHNLhkerfBfp4EZSiJvHIVKbwWWyd-djJcvZtHdGqoy-d3o-udMR1jr_jSwhu5z8zh8agCQ/s1600/lavena+johnsons+tombstone.jpg" /></a></div>
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Resources</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjvzuwjBdMY">Democracy Now: Youtube.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.cbsnews.com/news/what-really-happened-to-pat-tillman/">What Really Happen to Pat Tillman 60 Minutes: CBS.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.clevescene.com/cleveland/fallen-angel/Content?oid=2301531">Anne Dryden Fallen Angel: Clevescene.com</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'<a href="http://www.alternet.org/story/98061/u.s._military_is_keeping_secrets_about_female_soldiers'_'suicides'">U.S. Military Is Keeping Secrets About Female Soldiers' 'Suicides': AlterNet.org</a></div>
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Special thanks as always to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rosie Palfy</div>
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Verasantaclara</div>
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and special thanks to </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Elizabeth Grous </div>
Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-24421968296110132642016-07-23T20:55:00.000-07:002016-08-01T16:46:52.797-07:00Everyday People<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOc8GBZAkjUphiA8NtO8WDJ6SQdP8hyhfwinjQSIK5UExFw69dUYbvYGQwsz46r2mYZmpYZP0iiC1EIcUBE6i-jh6l3zsPAJ-bn9i1i1_0iLK6o7UriifMm8LhHNrN5pByq9DlmM1ATQ/s1600/people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOc8GBZAkjUphiA8NtO8WDJ6SQdP8hyhfwinjQSIK5UExFw69dUYbvYGQwsz46r2mYZmpYZP0iiC1EIcUBE6i-jh6l3zsPAJ-bn9i1i1_0iLK6o7UriifMm8LhHNrN5pByq9DlmM1ATQ/s1600/people.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Everyday People</td></tr>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUUhDoCx8zc">Sometimes I'm right and I can be wrong</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUUhDoCx8zc">My own beliefs are in my song</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUUhDoCx8zc">The butcher, the banker, the drummer and then</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUUhDoCx8zc">Makes no difference what group I'm in</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUUhDoCx8zc">I am everyday people</a></i></div>
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<i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YUUhDoCx8zc">-Sly Stone</a></i></div>
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<span style="color: orange;">Sometimes I'm Right, and I Can Be Wrong</span></h3>
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Funny how some songs will lay dormant in your head for years, only to awake at a moment of contemplation. (If you click on the lyrics, you can hear the song) And A song like Every Day people becomes more than just a happy cultural pop tune. It become a statement of the who we are, or who we should be to each other. The divisions in our society seem to be widening almost everywhere we go. Politics seems to be the most evident these days where the lines are even more blurred than before. Religious beliefs are taking strange turns, and of course racial tensions are at a fever pitch with no no obvious conclusions in sight. Both men and women seem to be drawing new lines in the sand. Brene Brown, therapist and public Ted Talks speaker noted: </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"the other thing we do is we make everything that uncertain certain. Religion has gone from a belief and faith and mystery to certainty. I'm right you're wrong shut up! that's it--- Just certain--- The </i><i>more afraid we are--- the more vunerable we--- are the more afraid we are. This is what politics looks like today. There's no discourse anymore. There's no conversation their just blame" <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEPbkvhPuRk">-</a></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEPbkvhPuRk">Brené Brown: The power of vulnerability: TED TALKS</a></span></blockquote>
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<span style="color: orange;">My Own Beliefs Are In My Song</span></h3>
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<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></div>
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One of the biggest problems in advocating against sexual assault in the military or college campuses or society is that the issue gets divided up, analyzed, and marginalized by those who are suppose to be the biggest supporters. When you hear the word rape, do you think of only a gender or race, or a status in life? Sexual assault and rape breeds apologists, victim-blamers, gender defenders, number grumblers, and political speculators. After you've read all their op ed pages and blogs, and online comments you don't know if the subject really makes sense.<br />
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I want to restate so that everyone reading this gets it: Rape is wrong, Rape is a crime. People who rape should go to jail. And if this happened to you, then you are not the blame.<br />
We are everyday people. Men, women, and children. No matter what our color is, or economic status, or our politics, rape does happen to everyday people.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5qr-Jgwy4LgS0wK8SMC-9OU_3YTDuFGUKtGfobjkIGVwEmA0LDO72O1zRtyP8_aidsDMi0JUSjdRJ34fx9wW5lgJhVbtjB_1oL-X_sHLc3Buqvg2ePHoP98roSpUmxLuLiUMlV-eXd0/s1600/Alcohol+and+rape..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl5qr-Jgwy4LgS0wK8SMC-9OU_3YTDuFGUKtGfobjkIGVwEmA0LDO72O1zRtyP8_aidsDMi0JUSjdRJ34fx9wW5lgJhVbtjB_1oL-X_sHLc3Buqvg2ePHoP98roSpUmxLuLiUMlV-eXd0/s200/Alcohol+and+rape..jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
I've talked to and tweeted many survivor-victims who have the courage to say <i>"this happened to me."</i> And "This person did this to me." Victims are not looking to indict all men, or all women, or a certain race. They're trying to bring an issue into the light. It's great when we come together to illuminate the problem by stating "Rape is wrong. What can I do to help?" Shockingly I've seen responses such as <i>"Young white girls get more attention."</i> Or absurd statements like <i>"women rape as much as men do. Maybe more."</i> Some of this comes from an honest place of hurt and feeling treated less important. But then there are those who fear they're on the wrong side of an issue. So rather than to admit you could be right, they say "try to include both sides in the issue."<br />
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<span style="color: orange;"><br /></span></h3>
<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">You Love Me, You Hate Me</span></h3>
Many times the media, and even we bloggers are guilty of running after the low hanging fruit, but personally I feel that a victim gets re-victimized again by the very people who should be in his or her corner. Everyday people who are rape victims need to understand that nothing in your background makes rape less or more qualified to have your voice heard and to stand with others in this Invisible (Or maybe not so Invisible) War.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8T8JfsyWWrYSQzkRjcv44T0xr53ddSPsMIsg_DSCZMlH4CBbU6QWgwI5dUqWXelWSslIFXGUbZTutAMbYCFBeGvW56TQ5PxxNrZhShlo1duuu4OWWU7RtnvBUMFlUsGH1bq1gTfQJf0/s1600/Social+Justice+Warroirs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt8T8JfsyWWrYSQzkRjcv44T0xr53ddSPsMIsg_DSCZMlH4CBbU6QWgwI5dUqWXelWSslIFXGUbZTutAMbYCFBeGvW56TQ5PxxNrZhShlo1duuu4OWWU7RtnvBUMFlUsGH1bq1gTfQJf0/s320/Social+Justice+Warroirs2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Matt Rogers and <span style="text-align: left;">Franchesca Ramsey Social Justice Warriors</span></span></td></tr>
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Franchesca Ramsey does a very good job with humor and truth sharing the complexities of making a difference in a world where scoffers and haters will attack you for speaking up on issues like truth and equality for all. You should check out her MTV video: <a href="http://www.mtv.com/full-episodes/ec3w0b/decoded-decoded-212-episode-season-2-ep-212">Social Justice Warrior Training Video, LEAKED!</a> While it has the feel of a parody about the military mind set, if you've ever known how it feels to be hit with a false narrative in the face of an issue, then you'll appreciate this funny video of how we need to "boot camp up" to deal with misogyny, racism, and what's the difference in being respectful versus politically correct. I like the idea of dealing with what it takes to stand up for basic human dignity. Because no mater how real and tangible the truth can be, the loud angry voices of shame and criticism will always try to overwhelm and drown it out. Speaking the truth (And again I'm borrowing from this video) can be as overwhelming as being locked in a room full of gas. (We went though this in basic training to simulate being captured and tortured by the enemy.) It burns your eyes, lungs, and overwhelms your senses. That's how it can feel when you're on Twitter, Facebook, Reditt, or other social media. Have you ever read the comment section of YouTube after enjoying a good video? Proceed at your own risk.<br />
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Rape is an ugly, vile, and disgusting crime that should not be spoken in political terms. Those who want to make this issue go away, will label it as a women's issue, which only feminists shriek the loudest about.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">Different Strokes</span></h3>
Sexual assault or rape seems to be regarded like a screaming infant with a dirty diaper. When the institutions can no longer hide the crime, they speak with tones of surprise, maybe some outrage, and even the promise to "address the problem." Now those who are in earnest will work with authorities, the victims, and others to resolved the problem. They don't give PR spin, or try to turn your attention elsewhere for the sake of their institution.<br />
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And the not-so-ordinary people have been putting their foot into our mouths and speaking out of turn such as Conservative Journalist Liz Trotta.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80r5pVE_3KBN8clPg4WFVaOC5knQPaDCh6cxy9QFfcqUt0SN_etyhiO5izDFV0A1SY80fvJgC77-TaXcAodENqc5JzHxDfp84DEEmlzWy6UuU8ehsdcfVHneYwMgktW3nOALCVm_hP7k/s1600/Fox-News-contributor-Liz-Trotta-Screenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg80r5pVE_3KBN8clPg4WFVaOC5knQPaDCh6cxy9QFfcqUt0SN_etyhiO5izDFV0A1SY80fvJgC77-TaXcAodENqc5JzHxDfp84DEEmlzWy6UuU8ehsdcfVHneYwMgktW3nOALCVm_hP7k/s320/Fox-News-contributor-Liz-Trotta-Screenshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Liz Trotta</td></tr>
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<i>"Just a few weeks ago Defense Secretary Leon Panetta commented on a new Pentagon report on sexual abuse in the military. I think they've actually discovered there's a difference between men and women. --- and the sexual abuse report says that there's been since 2006 a 64 percent increase in violent sexual assaults. Now what did they expect? I mean these people are in close contact; the whole airing on this issue has never been done by congress. It's strictly been a question of pressure from the feminists." <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> -</span></i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ooMMue-qwQ">Liz Trotta on sexual assault in the military- YouTube Feb. 13, 2013</a></span></blockquote>
Just recently a writer for the Washington Examiner noted that college campuses have become a place which harbors <i>"Snow Flakes"</i><br />
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<i>This past school year, colleges and universities saw some of the most embarrassing displays of student and faculty behavior ever witnessed in modern history.<br />Bolstered by a grievance culture that promotes victimhood, campus protesters demanded "safe spaces" from ideas they disagreed with and "trigger warnings" on readings that might make them uncomfortable. They accused those whose comments might seem slightly insensitive of committing "microaggressions." <a href="http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/whats-next-for-the-college-snowflakes/article/2595381#.V3sSdRVtZeE.twitter">-What's Next For College SnowFlakes?</a></i></blockquote>
Please note the obvious political dog-whistle words. Someone has been sexually assaulted on a college campus, perhaps the alleged rapist is still there. A student/victim of this crime which haunts her is called a cup cake because they want refuge from either their attacker, or from the politics of it all. While any student should still submit to their courses set before them, in my opinion this should happen in a safe environment where they can attempt to study without further harassment or from retaliation. The lack of empathy by some so-called enlighten thinkers, on the subject is staggering.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">We Are The Same, Whatever We Do</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SJW-Dealing With Anti-Equality Advocates</td></tr>
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I have an obvious bias when it comes to the issue of sexual assault. You can never water it down in the political arena and expect an real truth to come out of it. Those who want to quiet the voices of every day people who are victims or advocates, will attach side issues of gender inequality, or what the statistics are. Also while harboring a dislike for women, they make it a feminist issue. (And of course feminist is a "bad" thing.) This creates an air of feeling defensive or being ashamed for defending victims. Some advocates find themselves tangled in arguments on social medial by slick, well-versed, spoiler-types, who troll this issue to silence it forever. If you spend any amount of time on social media you'll run headlong into those who try to disarm this issue with accusations of people who care too much about this issue, are too stupid, or too bleeding-heart, and who perhaps should be raped themselves.<br />
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You will never win with these people, because while your agenda is to make them understand, the issue, their agenda is to hurt and ridicule you. My friend Catherine, a retired therapist, always tells me: "Kevin don't let them rent space in your head." Meaning block and move on because their goal is to always disagree with you.<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">We Got To Live Together</span></h3>
The worst part can be is when victims/advocates lash out at each other, and then we begin to lose <br />
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ground. It's sad when we start out coming together as allies, and then when politics creeps in, or we see each others imperfections we walk away, while this crime against us all continues to destroy us like cancer. We are all different in so many ways. We must give each other room to be who we are.<br />
We may not all be religious, or have the same political views. But our common ground must be in coming against sexual assault, rape, sexual harassment, and other things associated with them. The number of victims are being added to the roster each day, regardless of race, age, who they voted for, men, or women, straight or gay. Haters, blamers, and shamers, will always study us, and try and whisper words or doubt, and stand back to watch the results.<br />
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Our goals need to be focusing in on helping victims who don't know where to turn. Someone right now, may be a victim of homelessness, fighting for their VA rights, contemplating suicide, or just needing someone to talk to because they couldn't sleep last night. Many could feel a real loss if all they see is backbiting, distension, or hurt. Because in the back of their minds they're no doubt thinking... "It maybe a matter of time when they begin to whisper about me like this." So let's not be the third wave of victimization. We can claim that we're diverse, but are we really unified as Everyday people?<br />
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: cyan;">Sources</span></h3>
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Every Day People- YouTube.com</div>
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Social Justice Warrior Training Video Leaked MTV.com</div>
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Liz Trotta On Sexual Assault- YouTube.com</div>
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What's Next For College Snowflakes- Washington Examiner.com</div>
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<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: cyan;">Special Thanks To</span></h3>
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<i>Vera Santa Clara </i></div>
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Who got me started thinking about the danger of division with advocates</div>
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<i>Denise (Dancing Paint Brush)</i></div>
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For your invaluable editing and spell checking powers</div>
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<i>Catherine (Deja1422)</i></div>
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This has been an emotional month my friend with personal loss for us both</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This Blog is Lovingly Dedicated To my everyday Twitter friend, Jan "Jipso" Goss<br />RIP Jan. You showed us how life was suppose to be. You will be missed</span><br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: orange; font-size: small;">Previous Blog</span></h3>
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx0z1p9jO0y4U07WxK5ukcXyY7hAV5KNT1KuMCKeCbB4hE95lXqjnxPucnOTymXD7oFbnXL7pGg0UX-7Kr39PiKEYB8OeUxPWPMqhaPeXruPWjoGzVL0Wyt64EMClLxtv7IhNnZVdJZc/s1600/Anne-Hathaway-Hair-Les-Miserables-Video.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><b><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwx0z1p9jO0y4U07WxK5ukcXyY7hAV5KNT1KuMCKeCbB4hE95lXqjnxPucnOTymXD7oFbnXL7pGg0UX-7Kr39PiKEYB8OeUxPWPMqhaPeXruPWjoGzVL0Wyt64EMClLxtv7IhNnZVdJZc/s200/Anne-Hathaway-Hair-Les-Miserables-Video.png" width="200" /></b></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="color: #0000ee; font-size: small; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2016/06/i-dreamed-dream.html">I Dreamed a Dream: The Reality of Rape And Sex Trafficking</a></span></td></tr>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-59582759516175605462016-06-24T11:19:00.000-07:002016-07-03T13:55:04.683-07:00I Dreamed A Dream<div style="text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Anne Hathaway as Fantine The Victim of Society<br />From Les Misrebles</span></td></tr>
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<i><i><span style="color: lime;">There was a time when men were kind</span></i></i></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><i></i><i></i></span></div>
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<i><i><span style="color: lime;">When their voices were soft</span></i></i></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><i></i></span></div>
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<i><i><span style="color: lime;">And their words inviting</span></i></i></div>
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<span style="color: lime;"><i></i></span></div>
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<i><i><span style="color: lime;">There was a time when love was blind</span></i></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: lime;">And the world was a song</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: lime;">And the song was exciting</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: lime;">There was a time</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: lime;">Then it all went wrong,,,</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: lime;">Claude-Michel Schonberg</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: lime; font-style: italic;"><i style="text-align: start;"></i></span><br />
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<i><span style="color: lime;">From Les Miserables</span></i></div>
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Fantine is the tragic figure of Victor Hugo's story to overcoming oppression, corruption, and other issues in Les Miserables. Although she is not the main character of the book, you cannot turn away from her trials as she goes from a young girl in love, to an abandoned single mother, and finally a prostitute on the streets of Paris who has nothing else to sell but her body to keep her child from being thrown out into the streets.<br />
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Recently I had the privilege of producing some videos for an organization which helps to rescue people from a life of prostitution. I learned how young girls (mostly) have been lured into the sex trade and even held captive against their will. Debra Woods told me her story.<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">When Love Was Blind</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD_GlQloKfnMzpXT1S07cw817MJLVWg0yDKIZlon5d-pKtPFZ9xeHNwFKMgTMyOoaw7xpsp_gjqnTluObA4CiEKqTfs3Y38FzVBlZ6nZSGEi5Ct9XbG6Sf9vq0rpwpJTUuhHWXffOZiA/s1600/Deborah+Woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDD_GlQloKfnMzpXT1S07cw817MJLVWg0yDKIZlon5d-pKtPFZ9xeHNwFKMgTMyOoaw7xpsp_gjqnTluObA4CiEKqTfs3Y38FzVBlZ6nZSGEi5Ct9XbG6Sf9vq0rpwpJTUuhHWXffOZiA/s200/Deborah+Woods.jpg" width="176" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Debra Woods</td></tr>
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Debra Woods came from a good environment with a loving dad and grandparents who reaffirmed and praised her for her achievements. But with an absent mother at the age of 12, she began to rebel like most children do. By the age of 15, Debra had a full on rebellious streak which included drug use, running away from home, and by 17 she was a single mom. She had reconnected with her mom who had been in prison for drug use and sex work. Debra's bad behavior in her father's home eventually led her to leave and live with her mom. Shortly afterwards she met a man who had charm, smooth words, and seem to love her. Her boyfriend convinced Debra to take a trip with him to LA and meet some friends of his. After checking into a hotel room, her sweetheart tossed some condoms to her and told Debra that she was going entertain his friends. Apparently money had been or was about to exchange hands for this entertainment. This infatuated and naive teenager was about to be introduced to prostitution, and he looked at her and remarked: "this is pimping, bitch." She endured a living hell for the next10 months. <br />
<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">He Took My Childhood In His Stride</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihI3XiSTKoEzc4ovepw7mqPDBdY-u4emJjyB6uWkOOfmahxLrkx9IcE78ntEy1y7lcMIH5fy4Aq1ldbiNo3uEir_gUDrQU_XedyGpIdgMis4AGR-RG7CrX0soIuTQGwDp9GPmZTy1zWA8/s1600/Boy+and+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihI3XiSTKoEzc4ovepw7mqPDBdY-u4emJjyB6uWkOOfmahxLrkx9IcE78ntEy1y7lcMIH5fy4Aq1ldbiNo3uEir_gUDrQU_XedyGpIdgMis4AGR-RG7CrX0soIuTQGwDp9GPmZTy1zWA8/s200/Boy+and+girl.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Romeo Pimp and his unsuspecting victim</td></tr>
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The boyfriend who Debra met turned out to be a "Romeo Pimp." It's a good name for them. Romeo Pimps target problem girls mostly. They troll the bus depots, malls, you can find them on or in generally any place transient or troubled girls might be. They're called Romeo pimps for a good reason. They're very charming, charismatic, and sympathetic to a troubled girl. He goes from a sympathetic ear, to maybe a protector, and then being the boyfriend, and the man with all of her answers. This is not the comical over dressed flashy guy from from the past; he looks like your everyday man so that he's not noticed by the cops. When these men eventually have a woman in their clutches, they close the door on her choice to leave. The beatings, intimidation, and threats to family members are employed as a tools to keep her in line. In Debra's case what ended her 10 month nightmare of terror was getting incarcerated, and returned to her family.<br />
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But most girls become women, who have the deep wounds, which turn to scars from the experience. <br />
Even after the pimp has been removed from her life, the hardness of being sex trafficked becomes tatooed onto her heart. She's learned how to survive and adapt. Many because of poverty, drug addiction, or homelessness, many return to the streets on their own to have enough money to make the rent, have food, or support their habit. Like in the story of Les Miserables, Fantine went from a young girl in love, to a woman struggling from day to day just to survive. She sold her possessions, and then eventually herself to survive.<br />
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Advocates (some who have been victims themselves) do not see these girls and women, as sex workers, but victims of sex trafficking. Because most of the victims have started out as young girls who were forced into this lifestyle as early as 13 years old, the choice was not theirs. And after being arrested and profiled as hookers or prostitutes by the police, and even society, they carry the Scarlet Letter of shame. In an interview with Police Chief Jerry Dyer; he stated,<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fressno Police Chief Jerry Dyer</td></tr>
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<i>"We in law enforcement have found over the years---is that historically we have treated many of the girls out there on the streets--- involved in the sex trade and prostitution as suspects, when in reality is that they are victims. So many of them are forced into this lifestyle and cannot get out. And that's why we have had to change our attitude in law enforcement--- to look at them as victims."</i> - Police Chief Jerry Dyer Fresno PD</blockquote>
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Police Chief Dyer and other police officers in a task force called <i>The Coalition Against Human Trafficking</i> are working to to break the cycle along with Debra Woods and the organization: <i><a href="https://youtu.be/ifQyV85lNfU">Breaking The Chains.</a></i> But sadly there are dark corners in this issue; we have pimps who wear the military uniform or the badge while exploiting victims for profit and their own personal needs. <br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">The Tigers Come At Night</span></h3>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MCQueen</td></tr>
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In 2014 sex trafficking was discovered at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, where <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/fort-hood-sexual-assault-prevention-officer-ran-on-base-prostitution-ring-witness-article-1.1816048">a NCO masquerading as a Sexual assault prevention officer</a> would approach cash strapped female soldiers in attempts to recruit them into a prostitution ring. It all fell apart for Sgt. 1st Class Gregory McQueen, when a female soldier reported him for sexual assault and attempting to coerce her into his stable. McQueen had set up services for high ranking officers as well as civilians. The problem in the military isn't just confined to one military base in Texas, but as far as Korea. See: <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/checkpoint/wp/2014/10/31/the-u-s-militarys-long-uncomfortable-history-with-prostitution-gets-new-attention/">The U.S. military’s long, uncomfortable history with prostitution gets new attention</a><br />
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And the meme "good cop, bad cop" takes on a whole new meaning as a story in Oakland CA reveals that several cops exploited a young sex worker. They traded her safety and anonymity for sex and money. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Officer Brendan O'Brien </td></tr>
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<i>The scandal began in February 2015. Guap was seventeen at the time and working on the streets of East Oakland as a sexually exploited minor. In an interview, Guap said that one day a pimp chased her down International Boulevard, but she spotted an Oakland police car and approached the vehicle for help. That’s when she met officer O’Brien. </i><a href="http://m.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/the-real-reason-why-oakland-fired-its-police-chief/Content?oid=4826701">The Real Reason Why Oakland's Police Chief Was Fired- East Bay News June 10, 2016</a></blockquote>
At the time Celeste Gaup was 17 years old running down International in Oakland Ca. from her pimp.<br />
Fortunately for Celeste (at least for the moment) she spotted a patrol car, and asked for the Officer's help. Officer Brendan O'Brien was Celeste's rescuer and the man of the hour. According Gaup, she and O'Brien began dating then the officer introduced her several other officers. All of them became sexually involved with her for money and protection. She was also transported from Oakland, to Alameda County, Richmond, and Livermore. Sadly the motto: "To Protect and Serve" gets another black eye and it did in the Kenneth Hotlzclaw situation. See my blog: <a href="http://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2016/03/the-times-they-are-changin.html">The Times, They Are A Changin</a><br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">I Had A Dream My Life Would Be...</span></h3>
Back in April at a meeting with several of the staff of <i>Breaking The Chains Organization</i>, with the co-founder Tiffany Apodaca, Debra Woods entered the room. She recalled some words to me which she spoke in an interview:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNBckEIXfZkBunelBMq1R-F0FTMzu4w9q6e2HBPSEbKK3WY5YL_0sSEUuFa3vi7JOBUKFkNE1VGmzGgzWPbImBKAcghbMcsOFxcGJWPiHV-uDvf0OTdVwmju5zP8qo7OmdaHdy1lIDHM/s1600/Deborah+Woods+Today.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUNBckEIXfZkBunelBMq1R-F0FTMzu4w9q6e2HBPSEbKK3WY5YL_0sSEUuFa3vi7JOBUKFkNE1VGmzGgzWPbImBKAcghbMcsOFxcGJWPiHV-uDvf0OTdVwmju5zP8qo7OmdaHdy1lIDHM/s200/Deborah+Woods+Today.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span style="text-align: left;">Debra</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span> Woods Today</span></td></tr>
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<i><br />"I have a lot of friends out there. I have a lot of girls--- and although I haven't seen them in 10 years, and although I've seen them in the most seediest of circumstances. I love these women. These are women that I cried with--- these are women that I have struggled with."</i></blockquote>
She then ushered in two young women who looked about 19 or 20. The were frail, and a little nervous with tears streaming down their faces. Debra then introduced them as two of the many girls she left behind years ago when she left the lifestyle, but seemed to have found a way to go back and rescue. I just looked stunned as others embraced the girls and introduced themselves. When those who have the power fail to be part of the solution, then we who have just a little hope, and a lot of heart must step into the arena. The Invisible War continues. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Special Thanks To:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Debra Woods and Tiffany Apodaca</i></div>
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Co Founders of Breaking The Chains for inviting me into your world and sharing your story and vision. and for giving hope to women everywhere.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Police Chief Jerry Dyer</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For Taking a bold stand in the face of an issue that is older than America itself</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Denise (Dancing Paint Brush)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For being my invaluable editor and spell-checker</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Vera Santa Clara And Catherine (Deja1422)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My friends and Article finders who share what's going on in today's Rape Culture</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sources</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Fort Hood sexual assault prevention officer ran on-base prostitution ring: witness</div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
By:Sasha Goldstein New York Daily News</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The U.S. military’s long, uncomfortable history with prostitution gets new attention</div>
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The New York Post- October 31, 2014</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The Real Reason Why Oakland's Police Chief Was Fired</div>
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East Bay News by Darwin Bond Graham and Ali Winston</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Breaking The Chains</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Breaking The Chains.Org</div>
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YouTube- https://youtu.be/ifQyV85lNfU</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpZ4JNCTuYzPZUQ5yC4MN_sj2qD-qzXf0QtkZ8KLTIEHLsRD2o3RX4_skx-BEPbjr_SwirgO9U3ZArGUlu4ibo80aBgBAtQjB7ZXSdOau7i7LYvGZLMEMgTMKFtt3rg4O5PpeI3JM3HY/s1600/male+victim+of+sexual+trauma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpZ4JNCTuYzPZUQ5yC4MN_sj2qD-qzXf0QtkZ8KLTIEHLsRD2o3RX4_skx-BEPbjr_SwirgO9U3ZArGUlu4ibo80aBgBAtQjB7ZXSdOau7i7LYvGZLMEMgTMKFtt3rg4O5PpeI3JM3HY/s200/male+victim+of+sexual+trauma.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: orange; font-size: large;">The Previous Blog:</span></b><br />
<a href="http://kevinrmcgil.blogspot.com/2016/06/macho-man.html">Macho Man: The truth about Male Sexual Assault</a><br />
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-65600748590879133152016-06-10T13:11:00.001-07:002016-06-10T14:07:30.685-07:00Macho Man<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://youtu.be/AO43p2Wqc08"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84pspdEWqbc7dOOolnHwLKQsKzK2d-OqNeZBariqcGLMVATi0_JbyfDR9ZgTqEAOhUGh4yqIxdmpcrUjphtYfo_FeZlUAzlEbuJMtmIFIvIxqJw60fUgTJ_XzUACT23iXKMtIllNcO-E/s320/Village+people.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://youtu.be/AO43p2Wqc08">Village People I've Got Be A Macho</a></td></tr>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">Every man ought to be a macho, macho man<span style="background-color: #ccccdd; font-family: "verdana" , "arial"; font-size: 13.4px; line-height: 19.1429px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">To live a life of freedom, machos make a stand</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">Have your own lifestyles and ideals</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;"><br /></span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">Possess the strength of confidence, that's the skill</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">You can best believe that he's a macho man</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">He's the special god son in anybody's land</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: cyan;">Village People</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>℗ 1978 Can Not Stop Productions NYC 1978</b></i></span></div>
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<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">I've Got To Be</span></h3>
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Cowboy, Construction worker, Native American, Biker, Soldier, and Cop, made up the fun pop style of the group called the Village People. They strutted, gyrated, and sang to the pop sounds of Disco. We were no longer in the "Mad Men" era of Jazz, or the folk crooning's of the Sixties. It was colored lights, silk shirts with puffy sleeves, tailored hair and platform shoes. Outwardly we seem to be enjoying life, while not being afraid of the culture of unisex ideas and philosophy. Songs like the Village People's Macho Man, parodied the over done idea; the culture of male dominance and toughness. It was something of a joke, at least on the surface. Bulking up and being Mr. Hard Body back then, was no longer center stage in society. But still the idea of what a real man should be always remained in the forefront of many societies, especially in America. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doing what boys and men do</td></tr>
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To be a real man the culture has taught us, means power, respect, and privilege. We live in this man-built, male driven society to succeed at all cost. Real men are suppose to live, play, and love like men do. We follow that pathway of maleness through sports, business, and the military. <i>"Be a man...," y</i>our father would say. <i>"It will make a man out of you...," s</i>aid the recruiter or the coach.<i> "Big boys don't cry"</i> forced back the emotional and physical pain that every boy remembers from one generation to the next. We play hard, we fight to win, and never let people see your pain, insecurities, or short comings.<br />
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The unadorned truth is men in the military, college campuses, and even church institutions have been sexually assaulted. They fall prey to coaches, superior officers, the clergy, as well as acquaintances or peers. When it happens, everything the victim thought was true about masculinity becomes a brain salad of confusion. Like any victim of sexual assault, the boy or man feels a deep initial guilt. <i>"How could I let this happen to me?" w</i>hile no doubt questioning his own masculinity.</div>
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<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">Every Man Wants To Be</span></h3>
Rape is thought to be the sexual conquering that happens exclusively to women. And so following the pattern in our society, male rape victims never talk about it, because to do so would conclude that they are not real men. A male victim of rape feels he has no other choice but to try to out-run the shame of the experience by keeping quiet while pursuing a more outwardly manly lifestyle. But the silence only allows his doubts, anger, fear, and guilt to grow inside of him.<br />
On the surface the lyrics:<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUz5jd25SqD5DiKwKP1u9lPJ0rMJu6h_kzY1vlPcXDn-fwnECApOUXXQKDEvEpoNi2ev9wSyhDKop4dAZnCge3vbKYZs0bMAFK9uS725vZ2UwcP2ftp-g9Vk6MyK32DGM4Loq5wGfkoY/s1600/male+eye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLUz5jd25SqD5DiKwKP1u9lPJ0rMJu6h_kzY1vlPcXDn-fwnECApOUXXQKDEvEpoNi2ev9wSyhDKop4dAZnCge3vbKYZs0bMAFK9uS725vZ2UwcP2ftp-g9Vk6MyK32DGM4Loq5wGfkoY/s200/male+eye.jpg" width="200" /></a><i>"Macho, macho man, I gotta be a macho man..." </i> are humorous, but it is also the programming of our society. Be macho, act the part, or at least fake the tough male boldness with everything we have. <i>"If people find out this thing happened to me, then I might as well be dead."</i> For awhile most male sexual assault victims can pull it off. But then like anything that goes unchecked, the assault(s) come flashing back. The victim pushes back harder with more work, more man activities. Maybe they drink more, move to another state, or whatever it takes to squelch the thing which violated them. </div>
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<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">Call Him Mister Ego</span></h3>
Sadly the very thing that young men choose to enhance their masculinity, has become their <br />
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betrayer. <i>"Be all that you can be...,"</i> the old commercial jingle would chime. Or <i>"Aim High..."</i> and <i>"The Few, The Proud..."</i><br />
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Bill Minnix who joined the Air Force in 1973 at the age of 17 was eager to serve and of course, do something with his life. While stationed at Kessler Air Force Base, he had been targeted by officers at that base who invited him and other recruits to these parties where they were given large amounts of alcohol. Minnix says he was raped 4 times within several weeks. The sexual assaults plus seeing his perpetrator everyday, lead to him not showing up for duty on multiple occasions. Finally after only 6 months of active duty, Minnix was given an "other than honorable discharge" and released from the Air Force. Another hard truth is that although rape is more prevalent with women; <a href="http://www.villainouscompany.com/vcblog/archives/2013/05/military_rape_b.html">more that half of the report cases in the military are of male servicemen.</a> But our credo of what a man is suppose to be, grips male victims with the guilt. They've seen female victims come forward, and speak out, only to be ridiculed, re-victimized, retaliated, and branded as not good enough.<br />
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<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">To Live A Life of Freedom</span></h3>
When the myth of who men are supposed to be collides with the reality of sexual assault and trauma, they get the living shit beat out of them. They feel not only not good enough in their profession, but not good enough to be a man. The most significant statement of stigma that Bill Minnix made after his discharge was:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="color: cyan; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>“Nobody believed me. My family didn’t believe me," he said. "My sister picked me up from the airport. I couldn’t share with her what had happened, because a man just doesn’t get raped."</i></span> <a href="http://kuow.org/post/veteran-fights-overcome-stigma-and-trauma-military-sexual-assault" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-<span style="font-size: x-small;">Veteran Fights To Overcome Stigma And Trauma Of Military Sexual Assault APR 29, 2016</span></a></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYm7mGMe0fOrYSVlZnOXsIkQlri3pshcIzfpb5TIlq-QIaa-jaG3AfreoBvHmr9b6goBTKsG1qv9TAd6iaEj9P5jU1NNUgkkiRcPTa-LUR8baNsYzafqvBOQDP5haztIhx9za-tJKbWNE/s1600/Bill+Minnix2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYm7mGMe0fOrYSVlZnOXsIkQlri3pshcIzfpb5TIlq-QIaa-jaG3AfreoBvHmr9b6goBTKsG1qv9TAd6iaEj9P5jU1NNUgkkiRcPTa-LUR8baNsYzafqvBOQDP5haztIhx9za-tJKbWNE/s320/Bill+Minnix2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Advocate and Sexual Assault Survivor: Bill Minnix- Photo BRADLEY W. PARKS</span></td></tr>
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The culture of what is acceptable about both genders tells us that a man doesn't get raped. And that may be part of the reason for such low reporting of this crime. The shame and fear of ridicule from those that we know, keeps us silent and feeling disconnected from others.<br />
<br />
Bill like other survivor/victims felt disconnected and lost. Disconnection and shame leads many male victims to broken relationships, homelessness and even in Bill's case attempted suicide. 40 years later,<a href="http://www.opb.org/news/article/military-sexual-assault-abuse-trauma-ptsd-discharge-status/"> Bill Minnix was ready to end it all.</a> With his Chevy Hatchback over looking a cliff he was ready to hit the gas and plummet to his death. Fortunately another car pulled up behind him at that moment.<br />
maybe that was the moment which lead Minnix to make a call for help. Shame was the monster in the car with Bill and many other men like him, saying "Real men never let this happen." The shame was his constant companion which reminded him of his failure as a man. Many male sexual assault victims are losing this battle because they're running away from being open to the reality that their sexual assault happened. They won't tell anyone because if they do so, it will expose them as being weak.<br />
<br />
I'd advise everyone reading this blog to go and listen to Dr. Brene Brown on the topic of shame and vulnerability. It could change your life. She said in a conference:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1L3MECHNctMc1IQrw28nGSOLNJylBR-p4-DgFl7FuvdJIsnAqCxNfNk-PPXzGvaZ22AK5ZDm6u2nNI3srpl0cm5dxHDT7qjH0JyxncfSbtgP4e_Hr8oPSKOK5md5KMbioWT4VdVFmZc/s1600/Brene+Brown2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii1L3MECHNctMc1IQrw28nGSOLNJylBR-p4-DgFl7FuvdJIsnAqCxNfNk-PPXzGvaZ22AK5ZDm6u2nNI3srpl0cm5dxHDT7qjH0JyxncfSbtgP4e_Hr8oPSKOK5md5KMbioWT4VdVFmZc/s320/Brene+Brown2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dr. Brene Brown- Listening To Shame</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="color: cyan;">"Vulnerability is not weakness. And that myth is profoundly dangerous. I define vulnerability as emotional risk, exposure uncertainty. It fuels our daily lives. that vulnerability is our most accurate measurement of courage to be vulnerable, to let ourselves be seen, to be honest.---If you put shame in a petri dish,it needs three things to grow exponentially :secrecy, silence and judgment. If you put the same amount in a petri dish and douse it with empathy, it can't survive. The two most powerful words when we're in struggle: me too"</span> </i><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://youtu.be/psN1DORYYV0">-Dr. Brene Brown: Listening To Shame- Ted Talks March 16, 2012</a></span></i></blockquote>
A few of my feminist friends will give me a gentle nudge on social media, hinting to me that I need to tell the stories of men and boys in our society who have been victims of sexual assault. And I humbly admit that they need to be more part of the conversation about sexual assault, because this is not a woman's or feminist issue, and it should not be used as a tool for the Male Rights Advocates to shame those who speak out. This affects us all. And with that said; I call more men to step out of the shadows into the arena having the courage to be vulnerable, because vulnerability is courage. Be the man in the arena who steps in to the fight, and makes this his fight too. Men like Bill Minnix are in this fight. They are speaking out through organizations like Protect Our Defenders, and other groups to let men and women know that they don't have to do it alone.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">Possess The Strength of Confidence</span></h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQXa2mPM3LJpCST7a1rA9imrWtB3bwj_agXbTtYwHzCSnnzxQv6cl9l8YLPhKnpUhCpcKMTELJxMizi0liUOarP88mkqta8y_UPgWRfefP-6UDgwqHVnKXPwRslZOuEzYpWWRc8YdGB0/s1600/male+victim+of+sexual+trauma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQXa2mPM3LJpCST7a1rA9imrWtB3bwj_agXbTtYwHzCSnnzxQv6cl9l8YLPhKnpUhCpcKMTELJxMizi0liUOarP88mkqta8y_UPgWRfefP-6UDgwqHVnKXPwRslZOuEzYpWWRc8YdGB0/s200/male+victim+of+sexual+trauma.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Fear of Ridicule and Blame for Men</span></td></tr>
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Men like Bill Minnix need to be able to step out of the shadows of shame, and be heard and believed. They should not be re-victimized by a society or culture in America or anywhere that would tell them,<i> "because this happened to you, you're not macho, and you are not a man." </i> Boys who wanted to serve their church in the name of God are betrayed by priests, or clergymen. In families some are attacked by another family member, and shamed into silence. And men on college campuses, in the military and other institutions are sexually assaulted, ridiculed, retaliated, and then eventually discharged with a less than honorable label. Some can't find work, become homeless, and or develop a drug addiction, and PTSD.<br />
<br />
Our society refuses to understand male trauma and suffering. Men try to survive in a culture of manliness, bravado, and whatever else, and of course the shame continues to remain with them until they find themselves on the edge of a cliff ready to hit the accelerator and end their misery. Is it wrong to be cool, or feel manly, and enjoy what other guys enjoy? Of course not. But when the outer man is disguising a wounded broken soul, that is hemorrhaging with shame, life becomes a masquerade.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hZYl8nvUxpEyaDzZiAPXBIX-QYTUIglh0TqL19D0IrJxTNaUXEnVMfn-ad-coVlsmUvFDSp-TcvVyLVnagAXFVRj90XnttJ2Xsi71sM8jPl0yvWvTjnA7bXkSODXQkyZSCzuXJOzFhI/s1600/man_interrogation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4hZYl8nvUxpEyaDzZiAPXBIX-QYTUIglh0TqL19D0IrJxTNaUXEnVMfn-ad-coVlsmUvFDSp-TcvVyLVnagAXFVRj90XnttJ2Xsi71sM8jPl0yvWvTjnA7bXkSODXQkyZSCzuXJOzFhI/s200/man_interrogation.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">When We do Nothing For Men and boys</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Although most of the stories I've share in my blogs, deal with sexual assault against women, I'm reminded by my fellow advocates (mostly women) that we need to encourage more men to speak out and share their stories. We must help both men and women to help break the silence. Again Brene Brown remarked in a Ted Talk, that a wise Feminist friend once told her, <i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CL2jcwBc0HY">"When we do nothing for men and boys, then we do nothing for girls, and women."</a> </i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Brene Brown at The UP Experience 2009- You Tube-2009 </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Real men are afraid mostly being rejected by those who are closest to them. They hide their pain from family, friends, sweethearts, and people whose respect they covet. Maybe they take a risk and share their story, only to look back into the face of someone who reacts with a TMI (Too much info) stare. And so like Bill Minnix, many male victims would rather survive in silence than to risk being vulnerable again. We need to be open to their hurt and allow them to be real men who can step into the arena of shame, without the fear of getting the emotional shit kicked out of them by the ones they love the most.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkkSOlc49OcuKmfSGDTTtPI4NaeG6L_iPf64qG79kwXpq6Y_L4XaPzGHnDE60qK9pQsJ3Fl90F11atvg_lNq-b-XXW7Hw0wsfZmIqP1yggJUL_e5H9EKOqKlnzMJPstAnO4d4zqmEsv0/s1600/the-man-in-the-arena2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkkSOlc49OcuKmfSGDTTtPI4NaeG6L_iPf64qG79kwXpq6Y_L4XaPzGHnDE60qK9pQsJ3Fl90F11atvg_lNq-b-XXW7Hw0wsfZmIqP1yggJUL_e5H9EKOqKlnzMJPstAnO4d4zqmEsv0/s320/the-man-in-the-arena2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Man In The Arena</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sources</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Macho Man- Village People ℗ 1978 Can Not Stop Productions NYC 1978</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Military "Rape" Estimates: The Truth Behind the Numbers- Villainous Company</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Veteran Fights To Overcome Stigma And Trauma Of Military Sexual Assault- By Conrad Wilson April 29, 2016</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Dr. Brene Brown: Listening To Shame- Ted Talks March 16, 2012 -You Tube</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Brene Brown at The UP Experience 2009- You Tube-2009</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Special Thanks To:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Vera SantaClara. Rosie Palfy and SueVee</i> (For giving me the gentle nudge on the issues)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Catherine- Deja</i> Thanks Cath for telling it's okay for real men to be vunerable<br />
<i>Denise Artlady</i>- My spellchecker. It goes without saying. You're the last stop before I publish</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so many other whom shared with me parts of their stories of personal pain in confidence</div>
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<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
</div>
Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2203313915471379300.post-65647138765140563152016-03-23T22:35:00.000-07:002016-03-28T12:01:51.923-07:00The Times They Are A Changin<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAWkkCMlfVhyphenhyphen3lzdbas3cFASuPpofzXNsikLKXlESrXGZQfTaD_54FEQ7MfWEgccw7TAx3tPB0swIaGP7QA0IVWNqmCwBj8iScfRTAfdK-nkJtM83nyLJXm3Kvxl4CVgIVVWmLP6Zjtg/s1600/InvisibleMan3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcAWkkCMlfVhyphenhyphen3lzdbas3cFASuPpofzXNsikLKXlESrXGZQfTaD_54FEQ7MfWEgccw7TAx3tPB0swIaGP7QA0IVWNqmCwBj8iScfRTAfdK-nkJtM83nyLJXm3Kvxl4CVgIVVWmLP6Zjtg/s320/InvisibleMan3.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Reflection</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">Come gather 'round people</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">Wherever you roam</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">And admit that the waters</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">Around you have grown</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">And accept it that soon</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">You'll be drenched to the bone</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">If your time to you is worth savin'</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">Then you better start swimmin'</span></i></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">Or you'll sink like a stone</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">For the times they are a-changin'</span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span style="color: lime;">-Bob Dylan</span></i></div>
<br />
This is a photo of me taken out in the rain. The artist brilliantly removed my body and left my reflect to symbolize the struggle to be seen in the struggle over in the issue of sexual assault and rape in our institutions. The world when I was a kid was much more simple. I hardly noticed the unrest, conflicts, politics and other things that I would have to deal with later on. As a teenager, there were songs you could dance to, and then songs that you could dance to but had a very deep message. My innocence has gone but I hear those songs loud and clear. They mean something new to me in 2016.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">Come Gather 'Round People</span></h3>
When television camera's dared to show images of men, women and, children being attacked with<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3jsAL8SKbDkKp8mYxS3m6K5so4o_P7RX5kt9IJuaDO8KXeq8Ulcb62niMdrVOPTr3jFqepwdaR8BD4WhrFTN0vW5CZHNjhsRULDBw6rDnDF5rfyS6a5hutIQYZIdYpIQJTwOBGKEvRE/s1600/Fire+hoses+in+Alabama.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3jsAL8SKbDkKp8mYxS3m6K5so4o_P7RX5kt9IJuaDO8KXeq8Ulcb62niMdrVOPTr3jFqepwdaR8BD4WhrFTN0vW5CZHNjhsRULDBw6rDnDF5rfyS6a5hutIQYZIdYpIQJTwOBGKEvRE/s200/Fire+hoses+in+Alabama.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">1960 Birmingham Al. firemen turn fire hoses on black<br />protesters during civil rights movement. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
water hoses, policemen, and dogs, it rocked the conscience of America. We wanted to believe that such things were not happening. It left us stunned and less innocent. After that we couldn't pretend ignorance. Bob Dylan's folk song seemed to herald that we had to make changes in how we lived, and how we treated each other. Marginalized people now had a voice through journalism and the media. Over the decades, the racists, misogynists, and others either had to reform, or go crawling into a hole while living out their lives in silent resentment.<br />
<br />
Now we live in age of the emails, Skype, Instant Messages, texting, and a myriad of other things that were at one time as make believe as the Jetsons or Star Trek. There is nothing evil about the technology or the Internet. It provides the chance for an exchange of ideas and connects us all together. But the second bite of fruit from the tree of knowledge, we not only know what good is out there, but also the dark side of humanity.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4IPNRHK0ZeBuTOGcvUOcFeEjIJjU6A0VyV1U_1-POTAqrBhY9cu5kloc6tJzMTofwFG_QjIYA5pVCQWiTk0f6VdudIH9KrkN54-QUNfryC2fdPAmV1euroscbBxexTsJnZ-usbHdsak/s1600/you-deserve-rape-530x383.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX4IPNRHK0ZeBuTOGcvUOcFeEjIJjU6A0VyV1U_1-POTAqrBhY9cu5kloc6tJzMTofwFG_QjIYA5pVCQWiTk0f6VdudIH9KrkN54-QUNfryC2fdPAmV1euroscbBxexTsJnZ-usbHdsak/s320/you-deserve-rape-530x383.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Today haters display their messages freely and without fear.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Over the past decades we've seen some pretty sobering things in our society, our country, and globally. We've discovered ways to communicated with our neighbors and the world faster through technology and science. News, both good and bad, awaits us every day as we rise from our beds and plant our feet on the floor. While we grab tooth brush with one hand, we grab the iPhone with the other. Our quiet thoughts get blasted with the preaching of so-called TV journalists spewing out opinions disguised as facts. And now with itching ears, maybe we're not looking to discover the truth<br />
like our parents did after shocking news reels came into our living rooms. Maybe we want answers that will fit our political agenda and not prick our conscience. If you don't want to believe that misogyny, racism, rape in the military, or on college campuses exists then, you can find those scoffers, deniers, and fact-twisters on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, or any social media website. You don't have to think for yourself or change your attitude. You need to select the truth that suits your comfort zone or the leader that speaks your mind.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2boGHrwLrONKztZxqq7Gc8TN0JBUHMmXK8_M0UBEC69B28H6ugv7MvfS0NQhx2K5OjYMENiRQcOKahSQoyCNpUiN4EQok8Sp5DC6F8PjQwGC4mg8CPBx9h4rpWMLefNf166ERzEefFgc/s1600/harassment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2boGHrwLrONKztZxqq7Gc8TN0JBUHMmXK8_M0UBEC69B28H6ugv7MvfS0NQhx2K5OjYMENiRQcOKahSQoyCNpUiN4EQok8Sp5DC6F8PjQwGC4mg8CPBx9h4rpWMLefNf166ERzEefFgc/s200/harassment.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><br />A female Marine's name and photo was posted on a Facebook page that other Marines commented on. "Find her, tag her, haze her, make her life a living hell," someone wrote on the page, the report said, and another said she should be silenced "before she lied about another rape."</i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">The retaliation sometimes severely damaged victims' careers. Several said that after they reported their assaults, they received poor performance evaluations, punishments for petty infractions, were assigned to demeaning jobs such as picking up garbage and lost opportunities for promising assignments.<br />According to the report, some troops said they were threatened by their fellow service members after coming forward about their assaults. One female airman said she was called a "bitch," told that she got what she deserved and that she "better sleep light," the report said. </span></i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.airforcetimes.com/story/military/2015/05/18/report-retaliation-against-sexual-assault-victims-rampant/27368747/">Air Force Times- May 18, 2015 Report: Retaliation against sex assault victims rampant</a></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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They get their courage to insult victims o with comments and twisted ridicule. They've slithered out of their holes ignoring facts, stats and even research. They don't want to know what the truth is. They want to know what our political party (or leaders) say about the issues. Theses non-thinkers want to protect the institution rather than make changes.<br />
It's easier to deal a soft lie today, rather than the hard truth. And if you're on the Net you're either looking for truth, or the lie that will scratch your itching ears.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: orange;">Come Writers And Critics</span></h3>
The internet has also put a light on some unspeakable horror committed by some of the very people<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCGMwm2s1vy_G_fEeK-NShY_5c_5nrt0AfL48kO5lP_v7cXDBBKYCkUP5v89Itds688fnabZNcf4EJViQCzM5FCS8LHR05_Bd1r06PTjuWjYHLkowNPoZsY3NjxIV4AkV3OvEQ0OJd-Q/s1600/Dragnet+Time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeCGMwm2s1vy_G_fEeK-NShY_5c_5nrt0AfL48kO5lP_v7cXDBBKYCkUP5v89Itds688fnabZNcf4EJViQCzM5FCS8LHR05_Bd1r06PTjuWjYHLkowNPoZsY3NjxIV4AkV3OvEQ0OJd-Q/s200/Dragnet+Time.jpg" width="149" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jack Web of Dragnet portrays<br />By-gone days of the fictional cop.</span></td></tr>
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sworn to protect and serve us. They were the defenders of law and order. In the 50's through the decades to follow, we saw the Joe Friday's and other TV cops adorn our society as defenders of righteousness. While it's true that most police do not rape, many police agencies have been found guilty of either ignoring, denying, or protecting bad cops for the sake of the brotherhood of blue.<br />
It takes one drop of something dirty in a cup of clean water, and it makes the whole cup undrinkable. So law enforcement cannot expect civilians to like or defend an institution with this problem with the system. Police, like Officer Doug Rose, who along with his partner, appeared at the home of a woman who had just stepped out of the shower. Doug Rose would not give Elmerelda Rossi the courtesy to get dressed. The very vulnerable Rossi got hysterical as she<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jbK-P3ioJj_FcYrWCZk30nitF2oSpDswvgcE80ERAwAwJl3zf644IDmC9iIlePnkZ2ZS86Rahfyzd1RbIsmCF5QVnI2OVyrjFoAV4vVZFLqYsZRSugOQWOxSXeW9SVRlykFO85yvHjo/s1600/Elmerelda+Rossi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jbK-P3ioJj_FcYrWCZk30nitF2oSpDswvgcE80ERAwAwJl3zf644IDmC9iIlePnkZ2ZS86Rahfyzd1RbIsmCF5QVnI2OVyrjFoAV4vVZFLqYsZRSugOQWOxSXeW9SVRlykFO85yvHjo/s200/Elmerelda+Rossi.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Ex-policeman-R Illeagally entered the home of<br /><span style="text-align: start;"> Elmerelda Rossi- L exposing her to shame </span></span></td></tr>
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was grabbed and handcuffed allowing the towel to drop to the floor. <a href="http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/70333597/video-shows-officer-illegally-entering-womans-home-while-she-showers">Rose assert his power and authority over this woman </a>by telling her, “When a Cop Shows Up, You’re Not the One in Charge, and I don't care if this is your house.... Do you understand me?” Doug Rose's actions were illegal, including entering her Rossi's home, the attempted arrest, and exposing her.<br />
Rose also omitted the full details about the incident in his report. Although an internal investigation was started, Rose was allowed to quietly retire with fully benefits. The crime was covered up and made to go away for the sake of the department.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKx4w1V0OEVKnH9-XyutFu-g3EUMIkz9q9x7A5gbZfNT74mh81ALxxQODDcCKr9DS8ZP9BMhb3zavxc7AUHl9eDOfpDFmh1iZUPHTn707imGq25v2mSxr-PbpgjOTJtDiQW9F4FwUYb8/s1600/Hotzclaw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="173" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKx4w1V0OEVKnH9-XyutFu-g3EUMIkz9q9x7A5gbZfNT74mh81ALxxQODDcCKr9DS8ZP9BMhb3zavxc7AUHl9eDOfpDFmh1iZUPHTn707imGq25v2mSxr-PbpgjOTJtDiQW9F4FwUYb8/s200/Hotzclaw2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Daniel Holtzclaw Used his position and authority<br /> to terrorize African American women</span></td></tr>
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The most startling case today involved Daniel Holtzclaw, the ex-Oklahoma City officer convicted of rape and other charges after he preyed on African-American women over six months. One of Hotzclaw's victims was <span style="background-color: #fefefe; color: #262626; font-family: "cnn" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , "utkal" , sans-serif; font-size: 18px; line-height: 24.0001px;"> </span>Shandegreon "Sade" Hill who was pulled over for being intoxicated. She was taken to a hospital on the other side of town and sexually assaulted by the officer while handcuffed to a bed. Later she told the media at a press conference:<br />
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“No nurses, nobody came to check on me,” Hill said. “Me being in the room with the police, not expecting to get violated the way I did, the way I was done, I just couldn’t even believe it. I was speechless. I was scared.---I felt like I was in survivor mode, so I had to do what he was making me do,” <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2016/01/21/us/oklahoma-city-officer-daniel-holtzclaw-rape-sentencing/"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ok City Cop Convicted of Rape CNN January 22, 2016</span></a></blockquote>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjdrMCzTuBh51VsDAIuj1-yVxMiLFSIS9PBlre_QzG9k_YD0FsH9tsL3nXxE4Larf-U9S5VoyqPheg7MWvTovuY7XuK_BYMz7OqpEiUlCRiCbmK_zWwsfZaDgS_WYW1sU6EZwbC7I8mg/s1600/Liggons2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzjdrMCzTuBh51VsDAIuj1-yVxMiLFSIS9PBlre_QzG9k_YD0FsH9tsL3nXxE4Larf-U9S5VoyqPheg7MWvTovuY7XuK_BYMz7OqpEiUlCRiCbmK_zWwsfZaDgS_WYW1sU6EZwbC7I8mg/s200/Liggons2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Jannie Liggons One of Holtzclaw's victims speaks out.<br />"He stopped the wrong woman that night."</span></td></tr>
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Hill finally had courage to tell what happened to her after another victim Jannie Ligons 57, mother and grandmother reported her assault. Apparently Officer Holtzclaw had been targeting African American women. By his standards black women were easier targets of sexual assault because no one would care. <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/jtes/daniel-holtzclaw-alleged-sexual-assault-oklahoma-city#.pnWl4ZQvwR">The other accounts of other victims</a> are so frustrating and unbelievable I don't have time to share the details. But it all came to an end when this officer was reported to the police and the media. Liggons did not have an arrest record. She was just a ordinary middle aged grandmother on her way home from playing dominoes with her friends.<br />
Fortunately, the Oklahoma City Police Sex Crimes Unit was credited for following up on Jannie <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ctFw6xZKjO-R0atOubAw3rRt1Yz1ai0e71YoIYHe-pcxkbzUZy9z1RjKrOxvJCi5FiRGu-SkszvUC5gvydU0EACrPZtGPewu6dERVamkuOuB2wW6GjJTpgIf7yMGiOoJYm1bkIbKwxc/s1600/Hotzclaw3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ctFw6xZKjO-R0atOubAw3rRt1Yz1ai0e71YoIYHe-pcxkbzUZy9z1RjKrOxvJCi5FiRGu-SkszvUC5gvydU0EACrPZtGPewu6dERVamkuOuB2wW6GjJTpgIf7yMGiOoJYm1bkIbKwxc/s320/Hotzclaw3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Daniel Holtclaw trades a uniform of blue for a jump suit of Orange<br />after receiving a sentence adding up to 2 life sentences</span></td></tr>
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Liggons case, <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/jtes/daniel-holtzclaw-alleged-sexual-assault-oklahoma-city#.lbR7kGnznD">and an incredible arrest and conviction followed.</a> Both the victim, and the prosecutor echoed the words, <i>" </i><i>Holtzclaw </i><i>messed up--- </i><i>He </i><i>picked the wrong lady to stop that night."</i> And while I myself along with others cheered those words, I have to stop and reflect. To victimize any person regardless of what they did in the past, is wrong and unacceptable from any policeman, or law enforcement system. It means that the imperfect person who has a record for drug use, or anything else, is fair game for the system. And then to assign that profile to women, and women of color, is a race to the bottom.<br />
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<span style="color: orange;">Come Senators And Congressmen </span></h3>
We cannot have respect and trust for institutions and agencies when they trample on our moral rights as citizens. You cannot just make people summit to a system simply because it is powerful. That system must act on a foundation of morality and equality. The military cannot expect blind allegiance, just because it waves the American flag, and dismisses sexual assaults of its soldiers. The church cannot proclaim itself pure and holy while protecting pedophile priests, and our police system cannot justify their positions of authority when they use their authority to victimize those whom they are sworn to protect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV2NI117qaoLgOB_XGS5QDqZmeiUEJSVV5Pth05MNuloUMFVBDBH5NNa2L98awkTyT7uB0hsK2goGB_LoZpq-WZEVdFSxGUgDCw-D8iZmHrbe3_lstpj-EhuM2wsHs259EbSdOTUt738/s1600/A+Shot+Away.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoV2NI117qaoLgOB_XGS5QDqZmeiUEJSVV5Pth05MNuloUMFVBDBH5NNa2L98awkTyT7uB0hsK2goGB_LoZpq-WZEVdFSxGUgDCw-D8iZmHrbe3_lstpj-EhuM2wsHs259EbSdOTUt738/s320/A+Shot+Away.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
As I have stated before; sexual assault defies gender and race. Rapist don't care about your politics or your economic standing. People of moral upstanding positions in society can be victims, as well as the man or woman with a police record. Party girl who drinks--- good girl who never does. Straight guy or gay--- civilian or military, Christian or Atheist. Times are always changing. But will they change for the better or worst? Because ignoring sexual assault in our society won't make the problem go away.<br />
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Sources</span></b></h4>
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BuzzFeed.com How Police Caught The Cop Who Allegedly Sexually Abused Black Women</div>
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CNN.Com Ok City Cop convicted of rape </div>
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Air Force Times:Report: Retaliation against Sex Assault Victims Rampant</div>
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stuff.co.nz Officer Illegally entering woman's home while she showers </div>
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USNews.com Poll: Sexual Harassment on Facebook Most Common Abuse</div>
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<b><span style="color: orange;">Thank You </span></b></h4>
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(Denise) Dancing PaintBrush for your Clever artistry with your camera.</div>
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VeraCruzin and Deja (Catherine) For being a source of information</div>
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Keep it coming!</div>
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SueVee for keeping me in the trenches and pushing on. Get Better.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJxe_2Kd8DhRU8saTFBo6P-7VxZCnUHpjMouPRfrrym1o9ks5aYwr_UGQDrBHhkEppGoUN6tcGzhxzeiVb-mVtV-RBk7eKYvW1Y44YSKWBxuV6IQxPdJyl_ArQymPP48ETTKy34p3zo0/s1600/April+is+Sexual+Assault%252C+Awareness+and+Prevention+Month.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwJxe_2Kd8DhRU8saTFBo6P-7VxZCnUHpjMouPRfrrym1o9ks5aYwr_UGQDrBHhkEppGoUN6tcGzhxzeiVb-mVtV-RBk7eKYvW1Y44YSKWBxuV6IQxPdJyl_ArQymPP48ETTKy34p3zo0/s320/April+is+Sexual+Assault%252C+Awareness+and+Prevention+Month.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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April is Sexual Assault, Awareness and Prevention Month</div>
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Kevin McGillhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08278723437629260009noreply@blogger.com9