Condemned without a conviction
Re: # MeToo court of public opinion needs some rules. Barbara Kay, Jan. 31 Our justice system has evolved over many decades and continues to be refined in order that justice is seen to be served and the punishment is commensurate with the crime. The same cannot be said about the non-criminal charges of sexual harassment and misconduct that are growing by the day.
The moment these incidents reach the media, the accused is automatically found guilty, and the penalty is as severe as it can be. The men involved lose their jobs, their careers, with the potential monetary loses in the hundreds of thousand if not into the millions.
There is no other side to the story, no apology that will be accepted, and no forgiveness or talk of rehabilitation. If criminals were treated this way every human rights agency would be all over the air waves condemning what was happening. A society that allows the media and anonymous accusers to ruin careers and lives, is not a society that is evolving in a healthy way. Jeff Spooner, Kinburn, Ont.
I congratulate Barbara for writing this important article and proclaiming the rules and applicability of condemning particularly men for any aspects in dealing with women.
Certainly, when a man pushes a woman to a corner or his office and exposes himself or demands sexual favours it’s unacceptable.
At the same time, what happens with a bit of chivalry and friendship or appreciation between co-workers and partners in business or political associates? Is stating that one of the parties is looking good or having a meal and discussions on common subjects is considered an offence? Women still dress to impress and men are not blind. Interaction between men and women without sexual innuendo should not be condemned.
The current trend is becoming aggressive and unreasonable, so even progressive women are expressing discontent and disbelief.
Some of the statements and resulting accusations seem to be highly exaggerated and unreasonable, but once it has been thrown to the public the accused is condemned without due process or appropriate investigation. Isaac Glick, Thornhill, Ont.