Street Smart

Democrats are pulling out all the stops trying to derail the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. As expected, Kavanaugh answered the questions from both Democrats and Republicans honestly and with integrity. Now that their legitimate efforts during the actual hearing didn’t work (even Spartacus couldn’t save the day!), Democrats have come up with a letter that Sen. Diane Feinstein sat on for over two months. This letter alleges an act of sexual misconduct against Kavanaugh that occurred 36 years ago. Time and space won’t allow a complete analysis of all this, but let’s look at the most obvious points.

I want to begin by saying two things. First, what I’m about to write is in no way intended to minimize the impact of a sexual assault on a victim. It’s a serious matter and should be addressed. Republicans have bent over backward in their efforts to get the information before the committee so that very thing can happen. Second, this is an integrity issue and not partisan. I can see individuals in either party involved in this sort of thing. Most of them are, after all, career politicians. That said, the current circus taking place in Washington is downright embarrassing and defies simple logic on so many levels.

Feinstein claims that she sat on this letter because the victim wanted to remain anonymous. Think about that. In Feinstein’s mind, it was reasonable to withhold information regarding allegations of sexual misconduct against a potential Supreme Court Justice because she wanted to protect a person’s anonymity? Does that truly make sense to anyone? At the very minimum we have to question Feinstein’s judgment, although her motive is quite obvious. I say she’s guilty of malfeasance in office and should be removed from the Senate. Her actions clearly amount to misconduct.

Kavanaugh’s accuser is Christine Blasey Ford. What’s her reason for coming forward when she did? A couple of explanations are plausible, but let’s look at this logically rather than emotionally. First, the timing of all this is entirely suspect. Ford had 36 years to mull this over but picked now to bring her allegations forward. How could a rational person (a professor no less) write a letter regarding such serious allegations against such a high-profile individual and expect to remain anonymous. The pivotal word in that last sentence may be “rational.” Again … defies simple logic. Now she’s being offered the opportunity to have her allegations heard but is reluctant to do so unless several unprecedented conditions are met by the Judiciary Committee. Here’s how she wants that to happen:

1. She’ll dictate the day she’ll appear. I’ve been involved in lots of trials and hearings. A witness doesn’t determine the when and where. Simple as that. In this instance, there’s a time element for both parties to either stop or confirm Kavanaugh, so for Democrats it makes sense to delay as long as possible.

2. She doesn’t want to answer any questions from lawyers. I guess I wouldn’t either if I was afraid of how I’d answer. I learned long ago that if you’re telling the truth, there’s nothing to remember and no reason to fear the questions.

3. She doesn’t want Kavanaugh present when she testifies. I’m sure she doesn’t. If the incident occurred as she described, she wouldn’t want to see her tormentor. On the other hand, if she’s lying she won’t be comfortable doing so with Kavanaugh in the room. However, typically the accused gets the opportunity to face the accuser.

4. She wants Kavanaugh to testify first. That never happens and certainly shouldn’t in this instance. She made the allegations and Kavanaugh can’t reasonably be expected to answer questions about an incident he claims to know nothing about. The only logical explanation for this demand is that it would allow her to hear what he has to say before she testifies.

Now consider Kavanaugh’s response to all of this. Since hearing of the allegations, he’s wanted nothing more than the opportunity to respond and defend his integrity. Time, place and the people asking the questions are not issues for him.

Finally, are we to totally discount the 65 women who signed a letter of support for Judge Kavanaugh?

Now my prediction. Ford (if she testifies at all, I personally doubt she ever will) will be discredited. We’ll hear her say “I don’t recall” or “I’m not comfortable answering that question” often if there is testimony. Kavanaugh will ultimately be confirmed. Ford will go on her merry way with no repercussion, as will Feinstein, and we’ll move on to the next act in the circus. In my mind it’s criminal that she (Ford) can say anything she wants and get away with it. However, I suspect that’s exactly how this will play out.

Blaine Blackstone is a retired Los Angeles Police Sergeant who enjoys the simpler life in Thompson Falls. He can be reached by email at [email protected].