I think we're reaching a point with so many of these stories coming out about sexual harassment

[Va Lefty]

apparently many more in the pipeline that they will cease to shock anymore. Accused will do a mea culpa (like thoughts and prayers after shootings) and everyone moves on. Not saying this is right but seems to be where we are heading.

[MaryMagdaline]

1. People are losing their jobs

Shock value may wear off, but fear of losing money will not.

[Orrex]

5. I can think of one predator who's not losing his job

In fact, throughout the current firestorm of long-overdue revelations and consequence, Trump has been more or less overlooked by the media.

Wonder why...

[Hortensis]

12. This entire subject is a SMOKE SCREEN for the tax bill.

What's happening with taxes is ENORMOUS -- if it passes, it will hit and hurt every one of us and everyone we know.

Please note that both MSNBC and CNN are doing near blanket coverage of sexual harrassment while our legislators create a phony multi-trillion-dollar debt from us to the billionaire class that we will be legally required to pay off for years to come.

[Orrex]

17. And it's working like a charm

One vague, dubious accusation about a powerful Liberal Senator, and DU completely loses its shit for a week straight.

Pay no attention that hideously toxic tax bill behind the curtain!

[Hortensis]

20. DU doesn't just completely lose its shit, it's bein played

and divided over yet another issue 90% of us actually agree on, with a few foolish reactionaries predictably shrilling like bagpipes.

[Orrex]

21. That's a better summation than mine

A few DUers have indeed been curiously vocal and insistent throughout this.

Hmm...

[BannonsLiver]

35. The latest nuttery is that Conyers should resign based on his settlement.

Sure, right after all the republicans who had money paid out on their behalf resign as well. Several posters here are desperate for Dems to self immolate while Republicans are being given a pass. Yeah, to hell with that shit.

[snooper2]

23. nothing that happens on this website is going to affect the tax bill passing or not

[Orrex]

27. Certainly true. I have made that point many times myself.

Every time that a call goes out for DUers to contact their Senators, I note that such efforts are almost guaranteed to be pointless, certainly in the case of my own state's Sentator Toomey is bought and paid for by corporate interests.

Regardless, it is disappointing to see DU so easily swept up in the engineered frenzy surrounding Franken, etc.

[Irish_Dem]

18. I agree, being hit in the wallet will make men think twice about harassing women. nt

[Eliot Rosewater]

2. Given not one single conservative or republican gives TWO SHITS about ANY woman ANYWHERE

let alone sexual harassment, we can count on them to use it over and over and over.

[nini]

3. well when you see victim blaming here on DU

this is an uphill battle for sure.

I agree .. we are being desensitized to so many things.

[pintobean]

7. +1

[Lee-Lee]

31. So true

[MariaCSR]

4. The right is trying to go after Joe Biden now

[question everything]

6. What bothers me is that while people on the left, or, at least, not RW apoligize

while admitting not recalling the events that way, the RWers - notably Trump and Moore just deny it.

I suppose the Foxers were an exception.

[Va Lefty]

8. It would also help if we could differentiate

between feeling up a 14 year old and a hand brushing your ass for a couple of secs during a photo op.

[Irish_Dem]

9. I disagree, I think it is a watershed moment. Things won't be the same again, which is good.

Men will fear for their jobs and income stream if they continue with bad behavior.

[Hamlette]

11. I agree. Men are losing their jobs and won't find work again.

it has ruined lives. It will cause people to think before they mistreat others. I predict we reduce it to the point that we can drown harassment in the bathtub.

[Irish_Dem]

14. Yes, men will change to save their own skins. And then maybe it will become the norm.

And then men may actually begin to respect women.

Change the behavior and the attitude will follow.

[RobinA]

32. Well, They Might Change

to save their skins, but the respect part doesn't necessarily follow. You can bludgeon people into changing their behavior, but you can't bludgeon them into changing their minds. That has to come more organically. (see, race relations)

[Irish_Dem]

34. There is good research that suggests change behavior first, then attitude will change.

We used to think it was the other way around.
Totally changed the way therapists do therapy.

I agree it is a slow process, but there are good examples.
Truman signed the order to desegregate the military, and Kennedy sent in federal troops to desegregate
schools. These things had a big impact.

But I agree, evolution is a very slow process.
Humans are quick at doing bad things, but so slow at doing good things.

[Drahthaardogs]

15. Or they will further ostracize women

Like Pence does.

Don't assume that this will change for the better. You are dealing with unscrupulous people in the first place. It might actually make shit worse.

[Irish_Dem]

16. There will always be a group of bad people. But we are talking about changing the majority view of

how women should be treated. We are hoping to make broad societal change and it can happen.

Edited to add:

I saw history in the making as a young woman. Women's rights, civil rights, environmental rights, etc. etc.
We stopped the Viet Nam war.

So yes, I am certain we can have a society where women are respected and safe.

[Drahthaardogs]

25. Uh huh, and I am a grandson of the Ludlow Massacre

And when they won the right to unionize, they said it would never be lost.

Now we have Democrats who won't support unions...

[Irish_Dem]

29. I know, humans are so slow to evolve. I don't get it. nt

[Orrex]

22. Or they will set up rigid NDAs and arbitration clauses

"Sign here, young lady:"

I the undersigned woman agree to waive my right of judicial review in the event that I judge {insert powerful male's name here} to behave in a way that I deem inappropriate; in such an instance the matter will be referred to a third party for arbitration, with the result to be binding and not subject to appeal.

"Great! Now you can appear in this photo op with Mr. Celebrity!"

[Irish_Dem]

24. NDAs, arbitration, and waiving rights are just other forms of harassment.

Just legal loopholes to allow men to continue with bad behavior.

[Orrex]

28. That's a very interesting and effective way to frame it. Nicely done!

[Irish_Dem]

30. Thanks Orrex nt

[Laurian]

10. Is this a GOP strategy? If "everybody" does it, then it makes Trump's behavior

seem less egregious?

These assholes have a scorched attitude toward gaining and maintaining power, no matter the consequences for society as a whole.

[Va Lefty]

13. It does play into the whole "both sides do it" narrative

[Initech]

19. There was a story about Gene Simmons being accused.

After he was banned from Fox for life? Does that surprise anyone?

[Iggo]

37. I can't remember him ever not being accused of sexual harassment.

[Bonx]

26. Outrage fatigue. Happens for most things.

[blueinredohio]

33. I'm not saying it didn't happen but anyone can say it but how do you prove you didn't?

[BoneyardDem]

36. And Trump will ride out the wave of outrage...it becomes the norm and he'll be exhonorated

by his adoring crowds.