In today’s media culture and political sphere, our rhetoric is divisive. Every issue is partisan.
Every issue seems to divide democrats and republicans, liberals and conservatives. And that is beyond frustrating. Some issues should not be up for debate, because they are so blatantly immoral. For example, a pedophile is vile, and sexual assault is wrong. Both parties should hold that stance. Neither party should be defending sexual assault.
As a liberal, it is disheartening to see articles accusing liberals of defending perpetrators of sexual crimes. We are not. As a liberal, I condemn the actions of Al Franken and support the women who have spoken out against his indecent behavior. If the allegations are true beyond a reasonable doubt, I condemn Bill Clinton for raping a woman. I condemn any man who abuses his power, regardless of party or ideology or beliefs. I condemn Roy Moore for preying on children, on those who cannot consent. I condemn Donald Trump for speaking of women like they are objects to be traded and obtained. If it was Hillary Clinton that made such comments, I would have supported the Republican nominee for president.
The party of the man in question, whether that’s Matt Lauer or Roy Moore, is irrelevant to the discussion. Stop making sexual assault a partisan issue. Condemn all those who hurt women, regardless of their beliefs.
I am tired of seeing people in power abuse their positions. America deserves better. Women deserve so, so much better.
Elect men and women who are decent and kind and generous, not misogynistic and vile and abusive. Elect those who represent American ideals of freedom and equality. Elect those who respect women and uphold their honor.
Because, it’s time that women and men who were abused and are being abused to get the justice they deserve. Regardless of party.
Did you hear that? Regardless of party.
Edit: I am not saying that I condone the idea of guilty before proven innocent. Just as victims have the right to be heard, those accused have the right to not be blindly labeled as guilty.