Censure is appropriate, expulsion no

Posted on: November 16, 2017 at 15:48:14 CT

The fact that the woman says she doesn't want him removed from senate is definitely relevant.

http://thehill.com/homenews/news/360709-woman-who-accused-franken-says-she-accepts-his-apology

Accepting the woman's account entirely it still doesn't justify expulsion from the senate. She wasn't underage. Franken's behavior was boorish, and accurately described as sexual harassment. But the account of the "kiss" and the photo are not sufficient grounds to overturn an election. He should be censured.

First, the kiss. He does have the defense of rehersing a scene that called for a kiss, but, it was boorish sexist behavior. The photo is clearly intended as a gag photo. He is posing for the camera, not attempting sexual gratification, based on the photo. Still, it is demeaning and inappropriate. He was a comedian at the time, and comedians do a lot of things that are in poor taste, but censure is appropriate. For one thing, censure establishes a sort of probation. Another offense in the future will be dealt with more harshly.

At this time, a pattern of behavior has not been established. If more women come forward this could change.

He has shown some level of remorse (as opposed to Moore and Trump). He has indicated his recollection of the kiss doesn't square entirely with the woman's, but that isn't unusual and he hasn't accused her of lying for political reasons.

Congress is not going to expel him. For one thing, think of the precident it would set for congressmen and for Trump himself.

I also don't see any basis for legally forcing Moore from the race at the current time. If he is forced out, it will be through the power of non-legal coercion by party officials. If people want to vote for him, that is their right. If people don't want to vote for him, that is also their right.

Edited by Knucklehead at 15:54:04 on 11/16/17