Since journalist Ronan Farrow helped to take down Hollywood predator Harvey Weinstein, the #MeToo movement has become a recognizable societal force, encouraging women to speak out against sexual harassment and abuse.
Unfortunately, some elements of #MeToo are nothing more than outlets for third-wave feminist, anti-male hysteria. Due to this, some genuine concerns have been grouped with non-threatening and insignificant behavior, as if they’re one and the same. These generalizations are more harmful than anything. One of the major negative aspects of the #MeToo crusade is the tendency to wield real or manufactured victimhood as nothing but a timely political tool.
On Thursday, Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., revealed she had in her possession some private correspondence detailing sexual misconduct between Judge Brett Kavanaugh and a woman when the two were in high school. The disclosure threw the contentious confirmation story off track, casting doubt onto an already maligned nominee. On Sunday, after much speculation, the anonymous female at the center of the situation was revealed to be Christina Blasey Ford, a professor at Palo Alto University in California.
While there is heated debate over how to move forward given the new information, one thing is glaringly apparent: Feinstein delayed revealing the letter not out of concern, but out of political convenience.
As reported, the long-time politician and ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee has possessed the letter since July. The confirmation hearings didn’t begin until Sept. 4, during which Feinstein never breathed a word of concern about the very serious allegations against President Trump’s second nominee to the Supreme Court. If there was ever a perfect time to ask questions of Kavanaugh regarding his previous conduct, it would have been when he was under oath and seated before the panel.
I certainly don’t know if the behavior Ford is alleging is true. As of right now, the existence of no evidence means the word of Kavanaugh is just as good as his accuser’s. The judge was vetted both now and before his 12-year long tenure on the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Those examinations revealed nothing like what we’ve seen in the past few days. In addition, a letter signed by 65 women who confirm the judge’s good character, and the existence of no other allegations in his entire history, is strong evidence against the current claims.
But let’s set aside those factors.
Feinstein’s delayed theatrics have unequivocally marred both the integrity of the process and the credibility of the accuser. Her tardiness on a subject that is supposed to be of the utmost importance makes a complete mockery of actual sexual assault. It hurts future victims. How can they feel safe in coming forward if their admissions may be pushed aside until it works best for the careers of those in whom they’re confiding?
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, a swing vote in Kavanaugh’s confirmation battle, is rightly bothered by the Democratic display.
By choosing to be political instead of prudent, Feinstein has damaged the integrity of everyone. The accuser and the accused are seen in a harried light, one that could have been avoided had the questions been addressed at the hearings which occurred only two weeks ago. Furthermore, the senator has cast more suspicion onto legitimate concerns of the #MeToo variety. She is standing on a high-profile platform and reducing sexual misconduct to nothing but a partisan ploy. How is that pro-woman?
I agree with Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who said in a statement that he would “gladly listen” to Ford and review any information she provides as long as the process continues on schedule. That is the only way to address the situation, thanks to Feinstein’s obvious manipulation.
If we live in an era when authentic sexual harassment and abuse can be swiftly dealt with, then there should never be cause to keep information under wraps. We want real victims to feel justice has been served and those who have been wrongfully accused to be properly cleared. That requires an unhindered timeliness on the part of those who can control it.
Right now, someone is lying to the public, and that is almost as unnerving as any decades-old claim. Feinstein’s self-centered behavior has obstructed the search for the truth, and that fact should bother individuals of all political stripes.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a senior contributor at RedState.com.
