September 29—Harrisburg, PA
It takes great courage for any woman to come forward about sexual assault. What Dr. Blasey Ford did on September 27 was inspiring. As a result, so many women have come forward with their own statements about assaults they endured. We must believe the women that come forward. We must hear them, see them and support them.
These powerful stories put into public view and others shared privately with family and friends, are one way that we can eradicate sexual assault. The voices that speak up are opening the doors to conversations that have previously been silenced out of fear. As a society we must talk about this vital concern, an issue that has been swept under the rug by leaders of all types in our nation for far too long.
I am appreciative that Senators Flake and Coons broke through partisanship to find a way to make sure that everyone who has a statement regarding any potential incident is heard, and for Judge Kavanaugh to have a proper avenue to respond. As a former intelligence officer, I am confident that the FBI will do a thorough investigation of matter and report their findings to the U.S. Senate.
However, during the September 27 hearing, it became evident to me that despite his qualifications, Judge Kavanaugh showed significant volatility and political bias. Earlier in September, he stated that it was important for judges to be impartial and unbiased. Judge Kavanaugh’s emotional responses at the hearing have caused me to question his long-term suitability for the court.
There are too many questions about Judge Kavanaugh’s background and behavior and too much partisan combativeness. He does not have the judicial temperament required to serve on our nation’s highest court.
Our nation, as well as the court system, would benefit if the Trump Administration would withdraw Judge Kavanaugh’s nomination and submit another qualified candidate in his place.