“I hope that Dr. Ford will reconsider,” tweeted Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine): “It is my understanding that the committee has offered to hold either a public or a private session, whichever would make her more comfortable.”
How sexist is this remark? Let me count the ways, all two of them.
- This assumes the Professor Christine Blasey Ford is a shrinking violet who need to feel more comfortable when she testifies. It is sexist.
- Beyond this, it is so wrong-headed to be ridiculous that Prof. Ford would be more comfortable testifying in secret before hostile GOP Senators where they would be unrestrained in their attacks on her because the media and public weren't watching. How stupid does she think a published research psychologist is?
Aside from the sexism demonstrated in this one remark, Senator Collin’s shows absolutely no appreciation of what it feels like to have suffered a sexual assault, let alone to have people question the veracity of your account.
Add to this, consider what it would be like to have to have to deal with the attacks Prof. Ford has suffered in the few days since the country, and the world, learn of who she is and who she isn’t. Lies about her have gone viral thanks to the right wing lie machine.
Debunking 5 Viral Rumors About Christine Blasey Ford, Kavanaugh’s Accuser NY Times
Claim: Dr. Blasey’s students left negative reviews on her RateMyProfessors.com profile, calling her “unprofessional” and citing her “dark” personality.
Verdict: False — it was another Professor with the same last name
Claim: Judge Kavanaugh’s mother once ruled against Dr. Blasey’s parents in a foreclosure case.
Verdict: False. The judge’s ruling allowed Ford’s parents to keep their home.
Claim: Dr. Blasey made similar sexual assault accusations against Justice Neil Gorsuch during his nomination process.
Verdict: False.
Claim: Dr. Blasey is a major Democratic donor with a long history of left-wing activism.
Verdict: Mostly false. (She donated $100 since 2013)
Claim: Dr. Blasey’s brother worked at a law firm with ties to the Russia investigation.
Verdict: Misleading. He left Fusion GPS 10 years before any investigation into Russia began.
By rushing the testimony, denying Prof. Ford the ability both to have the FBI investigate and to have witnesses give sworn testimony, she is aiding and abetting the revictimization of a woman living with the memory of a trauma.
For shame, Susan Collins.