Today's MOZEN: Lines Are Drawn

F LoBuono

Do you want to attempt to understand human nature and how it has brought us to our current state of dis-union? Just go on any social media thread in reference to what I'll call The Blasey-Ford/Kavanaugh Affair and read the comments.

To use today's abbreviation vernacular - OMG!!!!

The vitriolic condemnation of one or the other party, depending on one's point of view, is nothing short of astounding to me. According to the clear lines drawn, one OR the other is either a hapless victim or, an evil liar and shameless cad.

The lack of so-called physical evidence to support Dr. Ford's claim of sexual assault on the part of Justice Kavanaugh followed by a circus-like Congressional hearing and sub par FBI investigation did little to resolve the issue. In fact, it created even more doubt and tension.

Certainly, Dr. Ford's testimony was compelling to say the least. Justice Kavanaugh's rebuttal, while at times contentious, was, in its own right, equally powerful. This only escalated emotions on one side or the other to a fever pitch.

There are those whom support Dr. Ford completely and without reservation. In doing so, some have gone so far as to label him a serial rapist. Now, by his own admission, Justice Kavanaugh experienced some wild times typical of most college students at the time. And, the question of the assault will never completely go away. However, to label him as a serial rapist is simply absurd. In truth, he has his staunch defenders who will vouch for his work ethic, morality, veracity, and qualifications.

Yet, at the same time, since he had the most to lose, in a sense, his motivation to be less than truthful MUST be considered. Still, he and his family have also suffered from the consequences of what occurred.  Now, this has nothing to do with his fitness to sit on the bench of the US Supreme Court - that is a discussion for another day. I am simply trying to put things in perspective.

Of course, some of those who support Justice Kavanaugh do so by attacking the credibility of Dr. Ford, calling her an inveterate liar and charlatan whose testimony was politically motivated and, possibly, even purchased in some bizarre George Soros conspiracy! This is as completely ABSURD as labeling Justice Kavanuagh a serial rapist!! What could possibly have motivated this intelligent, educated, peaceful women to fabricate a story that would thrust her into the National spotlight and force her to publicly relive a most painful chapter in her life? She did THIS for political or financial gain? What did she actually have TO gain? So, this is simply ludicrous! Furthermore, I am completely shocked by the amount of women who have taken this tact, vehemently condemning her.

And, she, too, has paid dearly for her courage, receiving daily death threats.

For many, TOO many, the situation is not only Black and White, it has become a struggle between Good and Evil. And, one or the other is either one or the other. There seems to be no reasonable middle ground with which to built some type of consensus. And, it's tearing us apart.

People, we must find a way to express our opinions with passion and commitment but without the virulence that has plagued far too many discussions. Without a platform based on SOME type of mutual respect, there can be NO progress. Remember:

Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools because they have to say something.    Plato