Has everyone lost their collective minds??

[Amimnoch]

1. Sexual harrassment did not happen by any definition.
2. Sexual assault did not happen by any definition.
3. Biden does have a well recorded history of being a contact person. This does not equate to either of the conditions laid out in 1 or 2, but it is an opening for persons receiving said affection to be uncomfortable, and the person whose personal space is invaded does have the right to be or not be uncomfortable as a result.
4. Anyone who has been through any kind of LCEC, or workplace harassment course can tell you, there are behaviors that are not acceptable period (wanton staring/leering, groping, cornering in a threatening manner, conditioning career advancement in return for personal attentions) which does not warrant response to be in violation.
5. there are conditions where it is incumbent upon the person who is made uncomfortable to make an oral declaration of discomfort, such as complimenting ones attire, placing hands upon a person in any way that is not overtly sexual in nature, or making a verbal or non-verbal request of an intimate nature (such as asking to go out for drinks, or dinner).
6. Biden made the PERFECT response of acknowledging the complaint against him, validating the feelings of the person making the complaint, and issuing heartfelt remorse that any behavior of his may have made a person feel discomfort.
7. It does NOT matter that the person stating feelings of violation has a history of wearing any kind of clothing, or appearance. He/she/they give NO consent to ANY behavior based on their dress, appearance, or history.
8. It does NOT matter if the person stating the feelings of violation has a history of accepting the contact or discourse with others. He/she/they have stated an issue of feeling violation for this incident. It matters. It deserves to be addressed.

I really wish more would respect the person(‘s) making complaints, because not doing so now distinctly sends the message that it isn’t okay to come forward with more serious infractions, and I also wish that more would recognize that this isn’t the same level of infraction, the accused has made a statement that completely respects the accusors, and promises atonement, which is standard and generally accepted recompense for the level of infraction that was committed.

GET A GRIP PEOPLE!!!

[jimlup]

1. yes I agree

I think American culture has gone a bit wackado on this kind of thing. Funny thing is the Democrats who get hit by it are always minor infractions. The fucking Republicans who get hit by it "Grab'em by the pussy" Drump are in the fucking White House. Sorry for the language but it expresses best how I feel about it.

There exists a huge double standard. Biden isn't perfect. Nobody is.

[fountainofyouth]

2. Sure, there's a double standard

If we judge our candidates by the standards Republicans judge theirs, God help us!

[Haggis for Breakfast]

3. Amen, Amimnoch, Amen.

[Glorfindel]

4. Gosh...there are times (such as these) in which it is a definite advantage

to be an openly gay man. I couldn't be HIRED to smell some woman's hair or kiss her head. And, God knows, I'd never dream of doing such a thing to a straight man. Added bonus: If I compliment something a woman is wearing, she knows I mean it as praise for her taste, not her sexual attractiveness, about which I could not possibly care less. Extra added bonus: Since I'm on the far side of 60, young gay men give me hugs, which I enjoy very much without anything sexual being implied or inferred. I'm sorry my straight brethren (and sistren) are having to undergo such convulsions, but, seriously, as Amimnoch has stated: "GET A GRIP PEOPLE!!!" Right here and now, the ONLY thing that matters is getting Democrats elected. Period. End of discussion.

[Amimnoch]

12. Yes, a rare benefit for sure.

Funny you mention it. I was pondering the same things as I was reading other posts.

Democratic Party 2020 is all that matters. Fascism is taking over. Our free media is under attack, protections for minorities and the most vulnerable are under attack. Not so subtle threats of military and police utilization against our citizenry to keep the oval office has already been stated.

We HAVE to win. This 243 year old experiment is in danger of ending. With climate change, our entire existence, and the existence of future generations is in jeopardy.

[pscot]

5. This trash is the product of right wing meme factories

I started noticing it about 6 months ago. It's a shame to see Democrats buying into it.

[not fooled]

9. Yes

and the "release" sure is suspiciously timed--right before he's likely to announce.

Meanwhile, a credibly accused rapist and serial assaulter sits in the White House.

Insanity prevails.

[EveHammond13]

6. Joe Biden made googly-eyes at me across the room! Put me on tv Jake Tapper!

[Hekate]

7. Kick

[handmade34]

8. well....

"incumbent upon the person who is made uncomfortable to make an oral declaration of discomfort" yes, just maybe not to the press, 6 TV programs, in a tweet, on Facebook, etc... maybe the appropriate thing would be to address the person who is causing the discomfort???

Okay, I get it, Biden is a big shot, but I think there are ways she could have gotten a message to him or those around him

[PatrickforO]

10. Nice post.

You've stated truth.

It is appropriate to apologize with no excuses, and moving forward even more appropriate to refrain from touching unless invited. I hate to say that because touch is part of what makes us human - to reach out for one another. But, until we get this rape culture thing under control, we have to forego the physical contact unless invited.

That's just the way it is.

The world has moved on, as Stephen King would say, and that isn't an entirely bad thing.

[Meowmee]

11. Agree completely nt