Current Affairs General US politics (ie, not POTUS related)

[verreauxi]

Don't take my word for it, this case is just blatantly connected to identity-politics:

The Limits of #MeToo: Sectionalism, Economism, and “Identity Politics” on the Left

In the #MeToo era, identity politics has veered away from its roots. A misuse of identity is not just a conservative problem.

As the Kavanaugh backlash shows, #MeToo hasn't gone far enough

The Kavanaugh Hearings Are Hurting #MeToo

So, I had to (re) look-up the definition of identity politics, and as I suspected, it is so broad as to be meaningless.

Here's a definition from wikipedia: "Identity politics are political positions based on the interests and perspectives of social groups with which people identify. Identity politics includes the ways in which people's politics are shaped by aspects of their identity through loosely[clarification needed] correlated social organizations. Examples include social organizations based on age, religion, social class or caste, culture, dialect, disability, education, ethnicity, language, nationality, sex, gender identity, generation, occupation, profession, race, political party affiliation, sexual orientation, settlement, urban and rural habitation, and veteran status."

So basically, any political position involving people could be labeled "identity politics." Under this definition there are very few political positions that are not identity politics. Given the above definition, why do people love to use this empty phrase so much? Is it meant to sound pejorative?

We have a case where a woman claims she was sexually assaulted many years ago. We have many Republicans and Democratic Senators on record stating they believe her. We have a Supreme Court appointee who, it is claimed, lied under oath. And you say this is a case of identity politics by the Left. Why use such an empty phrase to label one side on this and not the other? Why use such a phrase at all?

 

[Ghoat]

The Supreme Court is probably the most significant factor in the spiralling corruption and uselessness of the Congress, for which it is widely and rightly reviled.

Since it has gone Republican, the Court has consistently ruled in favour of unrestricted dark money, voter suppression, and gerrymandering in Congressional elections, resulting in a Congress that has never been so unrepresentative and unaccountable in the modern era.

The Court has been a driving force in the degredation of American politics, not least because, as you yourself admit, people like you don't pay attention.

And with Kavanaugh on board, the pace by which the rot sets in will only accelerate.

The whole point of his confirmation is to ensure that Republican veto power will prevail in maintaining a policy agenda that a susbtantial majority of voters oppose, against even decades of Democratic control of the legistlature and executive (which, Republicans recognise, is plausible in light of the Trump horror show).

This, more than anything else, is why he is unfit to serve.

Gone republican? What do mean exactly by that, and when did this happen?
What makes you say it's a driving force in degradation of politics?
How does Kavanaugh give the GOP veto power over policy that a substation majority oppose?

I'm not arguing your points, I'm trying to understand what you are saying and/or why, that's all.

I think you did misunderstand one point of mine tho - I was saying what happens in Washington or SCOTUS isn't something that I stress or get twisted up in during my day to day life. It's pretty far down the list behind work, kids, and things that are going on locally. That doesn't mean I'm not paying attention.

 

[Ghoat]

Do you think women are more or less likely to get a fair hearing on matters of sexual assault with the current administration? More or less inclined to speak up?

I'm not sure the current administration has any genuine influence one way or the other on fairness, or inclination to speak up. The vast majority if not almost all of these cases are reported locally, and are a matter of local jurisdiction. I don't see how a woman in Ada, Oklahoma who files a sexual assault charge would be affected by the resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

 

[DanEFC92]

 

[TheFinnFan]

Grahams quote "why dont we dunk him in water and see if he floats" is absolute cult. Bravo mister.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I'm not sure the current administration has any genuine influence one way or the other on fairness, or inclination to speak up. The vast majority if not almost all of these cases are reported locally, and are a matter of local jurisdiction. I don't see how a woman in Ada, Oklahoma who files a sexual assault charge would be affected by the resident at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

You don't think the President of the United States openly mocking a woman who spoke up has any impact? Or his admissions that he's groped women in the past? No impact at all? It must be a coincidence that the focal point of his defense was to try and make out that he was just doing what 'normal' men do, and if that's wrong then most of the men in America are wrong. That's not likely to have any influence whatsoever though, right?

 

[LinekersLegs]

It's too late for someone close to me.. but you can make a difference for other survivors whether here in the UK or elsewhere

I’m very sorry to hear that mate. Unfortunately despite things like #metoo, Catholic church scandal etc I still don’t think it is appreciated how common assault was, and unfortunately still is, and its long term affects.

 

[LinekersLegs]

You don't think the President of the United States openly mocking a woman who spoke up has any impact? Or his admissions that he's groped women in the past? No impact at all? It must be a coincidence that the focal point of his defense was to try and make out that he was just doing what 'normal' men do, and if that's wrong then most of the men in America are wrong. That's not likely to have any influence whatsoever though, right?

I believe that how Clinton’s accusers were treated had a very negative impact on whether women came forward not least because they heard their friends/family, who they would be most likely confide in first, dimsiss and demean Juanita Broddrick/Monica Lewinsky et al.

I have exactly the same expectation under Trump,


if these girls are groped by a classmate how likely are they to go to their mother?

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I believe that how Clinton’s accusers were treated had a very negative impact on whether women came forward not least because they heard their friends/family, who they would be most likely confide in first, dimsiss and demean Juanita Broddrick/Monica Lewinsky et al.

I have exactly the same expectation under Trump,


if these girls are groped by a classmate how likely are they to go to their mother?

As I said, this goes further than 'just' sexual assault, but covers issues affecting women generally. This recent study from Vanderbilt found a clear divide between how Republican supporters and Democrat supporters viewed any kind of discrimination against women - https://www.futurity.org/gender-balanced-legislatures-democracy-1877252-2/

It showed that the mere presence of a woman on the legislature committee was enough to sway people, so the views of the president are certain to. Indeed, I'm surprised that Darren is shocked by this as Jordan Peterson has predicted a backlash by white men who are not quite as privileged (but still more so than any other group) as they previously were for a while now.

 

[Number_25]

Christian shariah.

 

[Ghoat]

You don't think the President of the United States openly mocking a woman who spoke up has any impact? Or his admissions that he's groped women in the past? No impact at all? It must be a coincidence that the focal point of his defense was to try and make out that he was just doing what 'normal' men do, and if that's wrong then most of the men in America are wrong. That's not likely to have any influence whatsoever though, right?

That's pretty much what I'm saying, yes. Your original assertion was that women would be less like to get justice/report in sexual assault matters under this administration.

So your logic is because of actions committed, or alleged to have been committed by Trump that he hasn't been punished for, then:

1) Women who have been sexually assaulted and may be struggling if they want to go to the local police and file a complaint are less likely to do so. (Because of this administration)

2) And if she does report it she is less likely to get justice because
- Police won't take it as seriously (Because of this administration)
- The district attorney will be less likely to file charges (Because of this administration)
- The judge will be more pro-defendant when it comes to rulings, motions, suppression, what the jury can/can not see or hear as evidence (Because of this administration)
- The jury will be less likely to listen to the case put forth by both the prosecution and the defense and impartially deiced if the burden of proof is met (Because of this administration)
- And if the defendant is found guilty, the judge will likely be lenient (Because of this administration)
This is assumed in New York, Montana, Alaska, Georgia, New Mexico and all states in between. From Berkley, CA to Bangor, ME to Pensacola, FL to Topeka, KS. Not only GOP males, but also Democrat males, as well as female cops, DA's, judges, and jurist that may or may not be of color. Regardless of education level, income level, sexual orientation, political affiliation or age they will collectively be less likely to provide justice to a woman who is a victim of sexual assault.
Because of this administration.

I find that preposterous.

 

[BirkenheadBlue]

Even for McConnell, the comments he’s coming out with are depressingly shameless.

 

[BirkenheadBlue]

It's too late for someone close to me.. but you can make a difference for other survivors whether here in the UK or elsewhere

Sorry to hear that Dan. I’m in the same boat.

@LinekersLegs excellent link that. Would encourage everyone to donate. Even those who clearly have no earthly idea what they’re talking about on this topic. With a little luck they’ll never have to.

 

[BirkenheadBlue]

I believe that how Clinton’s accusers were treated had a very negative impact on whether women came forward not least because they heard their friends/family, who they would be most likely confide in first, dimsiss and demean Juanita Broddrick/Monica Lewinsky et al.

I have exactly the same expectation under Trump,


if these girls are groped by a classmate how likely are they to go to their mother?

Jesus wept. In what’s been a depressing week, that video might just take the cake.

 

[blueblueday]

I'm watching it now live. It's chilling. The protesters in the gallery are screaming.
Dark days ahead for the good ole USA. I stand in solidarity with my American friends whom feel so hopeless right now in the face of conservative power and hope you can right this wrong, if not in November then within the next generation at least.