General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: CNN reporting 5th accuser comes forward against Al Franken [View all]Ms. Toad
(34,066 posts)on survivors of rape and sexual abuse: He seems so nice to me. He's never acted badly, therefore the woman is not believable.
It doesn't make one whit of difference if there is a single other person an abuser ever touches. Insisting that if it is only ohe voice it should be ignored is classic dismissive behavior that keeps women silent, because we know that if we are the lone voice we are in for hell.
As to Franken, I read the apology differently than you do.
He indicates that his memory of the interactions with the first accuser are different.
He acknowledged, flat out, that the photo represents behavior he is ashamed of (Nonetheless, even with his express admission, about half of DU is insisting the photos were fake, photo-shopped, a skit, or represent perfectly acceptable behavior)
As to the more recent accusations of butt grabbing, while not discussing the specifics - his apology acknowledged crossing the line with some women. Both the women's stories - and his apology which I read as an acknowledgement - ring true to me.