I’m sure you have seen plenty about the Kavanaugh judicial committee hearings and the testimonies by Dr. Ford and by Judge Kavanaugh. I watched all the live coverage (as I did the Anita Hill – Judge Thomas hearings) and I heard lots of commentary on it after it was over. I have seen memes on Facebook and I have talked with people about who’s testimony to believe, and who handled themselves the best in front of the committee.
So, you don’t ‘need’ to hear from me. But, it’s my blog. It’s a place for my opinion.
Here goes…
I found myself glued to the televised hearings! It was fascinating TV! And, it was a look at some of our elected officials at work in a way we don’t usually get. Here is my take-away on it:
* I was actually impressed with how well most of the members of the committee spoke. I know they have been at it for awhile and many of them on this committee were once attorneys. It showed. They have good knowledge about the procedures and our judicial system.
* I felt the emotion from them all! Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh of course spoke with passion about what happened/didn’t happen. The Congressmen and women also did. Good questions were asked. I lean ‘blue’ in my social beliefs and therefore I know I felt proud of the Democrats on the committee and how they handled themselves. My perspective favors the left. But…
* I tried my best to put aside the political game playing. It’s hard to take anything said by Congressmen and women without wondering if it’s all for the cameras, or for egos, or for the party politics. And just once I wish the sentence said by the media that “he is up for reelection” was not a consideration. Seriously! Can our congress perform their jobs without thinking about being re-elected?
* Dr. Ford was very believable. She spoke from her heart, and she said several times she was trying to help as much as possible. She knew what happened to her and she knew WHO was the abuser – 100 percent sure. After hearing her testimony I believed her.
* Judge Kavanaugh was definitely emotional and at times during his opening statement I felt his pain. I almost wanted to turn away and not watch – because it was really hard to watch. He was coming apart in front of us all. Mad at times. Hurt. Sad.
But – then the questions for Judge Kavanaugh started and that is when I think I saw the real him, and the truth started to come out. The lifestyle he lived during his high school years, and especially the summer in question. Country club life, beach weekends, sports events. I could picture it. I could picture all the guys getting together, hanging out and drinking beer. A lot of beer. I have known people who ‘change’ when they drink and even some that have blackouts. I’m reminded of the Luke Bryan song “All My Friends Say.” It’s about a guy who drinks hard, and wakes up the next morning – not knowing where he is, what happened to his money, etc. All his friends say “I went a little crazy..”. I think Judge Kavanaugh fit that description. The judge became very nervous and edgy when asked about his beer drinking – and he immediately turned it around and asked back “don’t you like beer?” That behavior is textbook for someone who knows they have a problem with alcohol. Maybe they are not yet willing to openly admit to it, maybe the drinking has not stopped them from achieving personal and professional accomplishments. For a long time it can be hidden, or laughed off, or ‘excused’. I have known these people.
After hearing Judge Kavanaugh react to the questions about drinking, and about some of the youthful shenanigans that he and his friends did, I have no doubt that he physically attacked Dr. Ford back then. No doubt. He just doesn’t know that he did. He doesn’t remember. And when he is his sober self he would not do it. Ask anybody who deals with and helps alcohol abusers. This is classic behavior.
Saying this I am not optimistic that the Judge will be removed from consideration for the Supreme Court position. But, I wish he would be. He is in denial about his early life, and he may have actually lied in doing it. During his lengthy opening statement At the hearing he blamed the Democrats. He did not stay non-political. He expressed anger. He said things and acted in a way a federal judge should not.
I feel sorry for him. I know he feels bad for what he has put his family and friends through. There has been lots of pain all around, and people have had to take sides. I also feel very bad for Dr. Ford for having to live all these years remembering the experience of total fear and humiliation. I feel bad that she and her family now have gone through all this, out in public.
There isn’t a winner. But, a HUGE lesson is here. Yes. Something can be learned from it. What is it? Actions at any age have consequences. Coverups never stay covered up. Truth will come out eventually.
Marla’s Musings 