My first instinct is to get angry. This story panders to my prejudices. A powerful, arrogant and privileged person who is famous for abusing his power in business is accused of abusing physical and/or emotional power? Mabel, get me my best pitchfork, we're going out tonight!
But then I remember the other part of my personality, the one that stands up for true justice, the one that objects when we make statements about people who appear to have stolen a phone or a laptop. I say these allegations haven't been proven in court, and we shouldn't "Try him in the press."
I think that attitude is warranted double when someone is contemptible. Justice for people accused of murder, of rape, of terrorism. This is the gold standard of justice, when we are fair with people who we think did it and deserve to be punished.
So. I am not speaking for him, and I am not minimizing the severity of the crimes innuendo is accusing him of committing. But I am speaking for our shared notion of justice.
Let these allegations be investigated thoroughly. Do not allow his wealth or power to discourage us. Let us show the world that we take accusations of violence against women on the job or in the home very seriously.
And when that process is concluded, let us form our judgments. But until then... Let us speak first to justice, and only second to our opinion of the individual in its cross-hairs.
But then I remember the other part of my personality, the one that stands up for true justice, the one that objects when we make statements about people who appear to have stolen a phone or a laptop. I say these allegations haven't been proven in court, and we shouldn't "Try him in the press."
I think that attitude is warranted double when someone is contemptible. Justice for people accused of murder, of rape, of terrorism. This is the gold standard of justice, when we are fair with people who we think did it and deserve to be punished.
So. I am not speaking for him, and I am not minimizing the severity of the crimes innuendo is accusing him of committing. But I am speaking for our shared notion of justice.
Let these allegations be investigated thoroughly. Do not allow his wealth or power to discourage us. Let us show the world that we take accusations of violence against women on the job or in the home very seriously.
And when that process is concluded, let us form our judgments. But until then... Let us speak first to justice, and only second to our opinion of the individual in its cross-hairs.