Are you also not surprised that these are the types of men running our government?

Question

Rep. David Almond, Republican-North Carolina, resigned from the House this week after "expos[ing] himself in front of a female employee and chas[ing] her around the room, yelling 'Suck it, baby, suck it.' ... Almond was the vice chairman of the House committee on children, youth and families" (http://www.alternet.org/blogs/peek/56796/ ). Why does this not surprise me. Doesn't it just make you feel safer to know these are the types of men making laws and decisions about *children* and *families*?

Bappy, I do find it really funny that you're an obvious hacker.

man in search, LMAO. I know, right. The U.S. has had so many hypocritical conservative politicians lately pulling these ridiculous stunts. This is by no means a generalization of all men, but it's nonetheless disturbing because ... this type of thing has happened more than once with male politicians in our government.

Trophy Wife, I have no idea why you think I block you for my health rather than to prevent seeing your accusatory, meandering, off-topic commentary like on one my previous questions.

Fairness never seemed to deter you from posting a response to a question from which you're blocked. But, to answer your question, since I'm gamely like that, please see Giggly Giraffe's comment. Sexual harassment and general hypocrisy in the *government*, because the government is very powerful, is a problem.

Even the sexual harassment involved in Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky's ordeal was not as blatant as this. (Although the Lewinsky affair, too, likely involved quid pro quo harassment.) In any case, my point about sexual harassment in the government stands, regardless of party politics.

Ahh, yes, little Robinson. Do you know how much of the House is female? A bit less than a whole 17 percent. Meanwhile, women sit out here making up 51 percent of the population. So, no, women do not throw a wrench into the equation. If anything, their miniscule number strengthens the point. Three people gives an infinitely more representative view of a 435-person body than of a whole society. 435 is not many to have three perverts among them - the actual number, minus the women, is three in 359 men. And do we even _want_ or expect the House to proportionally have the same number of perverts as in society? It's the frickin' government of the United States. It's not some backwoods farm or traveling circus that has no problem with hiring perverts.

And, no, sexual harassment, having someone demand that you "suck" them, actually isn't funny.

Answer 1

What is surprising, is the majority of the voters who put people into office are women. What would make me feel safer is if more women took their responsibility seriously to guard democracy, to be informed and involved and more discerning, and to chose better leaders.

Answer 2

That's funny.

I was never under the impression that a sample size of about three people (including the representative you mentioned, the representative who molested (was going to molest?) those boys, and the representative who was on the DC Madam's list) was an accurate assessment of a 435 person legislative body.

Add to that the fact that some of them are women and that statement appears a little less likely.

I'll have to say that the attitudes and actions of three people (give or take, I suppose) do not equate to the attitudes and actions of an entire House of Representatives (or a Senate/Cabinet/Supreme Court for that matter).

Answer 3

You're forgetting about the Senator who elected himself to head an appropriation committee to stop child molestation on the Internet and then solicited one of his recruits; a 14 year old boy.

Then there's the LA Mayor who fell in love with a TV reporter. When asked if this will influence his political run he quoted, "I am a man who keeps my promises and that's what will get me the office" ... ah, isn't marriage vows a promise??? And ah, who would pump money into a man who can flip a ***** at a drop of a feather? Does this mean that he will represent the rich men and what about the other citizens?

Uggggh.

Answer 4

I'am stupefied with what you have revealed Allegra dear lady because even though i live in india which probably has thw worst politicians in the world.

A faimly and child minister doing this !!!

The only reasoning for his action is that he seems to be demented.

However dear lady i know you enough to know that one incident will not make you generalize this.

Edit:Allegra that is correct but i think the reason for that is the electoral process and to garner a vote bank you need money the kind that good ordinary men dont have or wouldnt like to spend on politics.

Answer 5

No, I'm not surprised at all. I believe that our politicians are only a reflection of our society. Ethical Leadership is almost nonexistent in many governmental agencies. It has been replaced by greed, deceit, and self promotion. Our elected officials have unfortunately forgotten the need to serve the people and serve as role models.

Answer 6

I believe you are wrong to judge all those men by a few. Would you like it if men judged all women from Monica Lewinsky, Andre Yates or Paris Hilton. Think about how many of those guys are faithful to there wives as compared to the ones who act like the Pervert you brought up. It's never wise to judge a group of people by the mistakes of a few. Peace and luv

Answer 7

North Carolina is just chockfull of wonderful state reps and state senators. If you've got the money, they can be bought.

This week, our former NC House Speaker (Democrat) Jim Black was sentenced to federal prison for 63 months after pleading guilty to state and federal charges of bribery and accepting illegal campaign contributions.

In Feb, 2006, when Black was under intense scrutiny for his campaign finance practices, he proposed a list of campaign finance reforms, including one that he was closely questioned about -- writing donation checks with the payee line left blank.
Guess he would be the one to know what campaign tricks were popular, eh?

Our former NC State Rep (originally a Republican) Michael Decker was recently sentenced to four years in prison after admitting he accepted a bribe to switch parties in 2003 (to Democrat), a move that kept Black in power as House Speaker. Decker switched *back* to the GOP in the fall of 2003, but was soundly defeated in the primary when he sought re-election in 2004.

In May 2007, our former North Carolina lottery commissioner Kevin Geddings was sentenced to four years in prison for trying to hide his ties to a lottery vendor.

In other states, you have to choose between which loser to vote for. Here in NC, we have to choose between which pervert or soon-to-be federal prisoner to vote for.

Answer 8

When I read this to my husband, the first thing he said was "My God, what kind of drugs was he taking?"
I agree with you, Allegra, this kind of activity in high public office doesn't surprise me one bit either. The mightier they are, the cruder they behave and believe they can get away with it.

Answer 9

Politicians tend to be corrupt hypocrites. Tell us something else we didn't know.

Answer 10

Like the chair of women's health who wants to ban contraception for single women?