Below is a letter I wrote yesterday referencing a relative of mine who now lives in another city, but with whom I remain very close. I post this with her permission.
October 1, 2018
The Honorable Susan Collins
United States Senate
413 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Senator Collins,
I am writing about a family member who is very
near and dear to me. On the evening when President Trump was declared the
winner of the 2016 presidential election, she cried. We were both disappointed
that Mr. Trump won, but I was surprised at her emotional reaction. She
explained to me that it had to do with her having been a victim of rape some 35
years ago. She felt that Mr. Trump’s electoral victory amounted to the whole
world telling her that her victimization didn’t matter. Mr. Trump’s inclination
to act aggressively toward women even when they resisted him, his “grabbing” of
them in a sexually aggressive manner, my relative felt, should have ruled him
out as a viable president. But it did not, and she took it very personally and
emotionally.
Now a similar situation appears about to occur
with Judge Kavanaugh. Certainly Dr. Blasey Ford’s testimony last Thursday was
utterly convincing and included no evasiveness. The same cannot be said for
Judge Kavanaugh’s testimony.
I fear we, the American people, are going to a
very dark and troubling place should he gain a seat on the Supreme Court, a
place in which the Court itself will suffer a severe blow to its reputation –
but also a place in which millions of Americans, victimized women and
those who care about them, will feel very personally disenfranchised. The
vulnerability this engenders will breed resentment and rage which will do our
country (not to mention the Republican Party) no good. Please use the power of
your vote to prevent this from happening. Please say no to Judge Kavanaugh’s
nomination to the Supreme Court.
Sincerely,
Robert L. Moore
Professor Emeritus of Anthropology
Winter Park, Florida 32792
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