In light of the current political climate and the recent series of events, our country is perpetually divided across various political lines. With the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, many students at MLHS felt compelled to share their perspective. Below are opposing viewpoints from two students who feel passionately about the current political scene, and how the events impact us here at MLHS.
Death of the #MeToo Movement
By Ruhaan Mutsuddi
One year ago, several women came forward to identify former American film producer Harvey Weinstein as the perpetrator of heinous sexual crimes. This singular case sparked the beginning of the #MeToo movement. Empowered, many women–and some men, too–sprang forward to identify celebrities, businessmen and even former bosses who had engaged in sexual misconduct. The #MeToo movement granted victims a voice, a platform, and an audience who would listen. It seemed as if the world was changing, evolving into a place where those in positions of power were no longer unchecked.
However, as the senate moves forward with the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, it seems as if the progress of the #MeToo movement was not enough. The decision of the Republican dominated senate sends a distinct message: there is a time and place for women to identify their abusers, and only if it fits an agenda. The confirmation of Kavanaugh is not just a slap in the face to the #MeToo movement; it signifies the end of its impact.
Prior to politics, the #MeToo movement remained in what seemed like a distant place: Hollywood. It was no surprise that this was the case; old men grooming young girls as they tried to be the next Drew Barrymore or Cameron Diaz was quite a believable story. However, once it touched the political sphere, the #MeToo movement lost its momentum.
With new concerns such as “Has the #MeToo movement gone too far?” it seems as if political figures are untouchable. Even President Trump acknowledged this, tweeting “it’s a very scary time in America for young men,” perpetuating the notion that being accused of sexual assault is more damaging than the action itself. The trend of political figures being untouchable is simply unbreakable, even for the mighty force that was once the #MeToo movement. From President Trump’s infamous Inside Hollywood tape to the confirmation of Brett Kavanaugh, it seems as if the political sphere does not bend to the rules of decency.
Kavanaugh’s Confirmation
By Spencer Waas
In the United States of America, the basis of our judicial system is the premise that a person is innocent until proven guilty and is afforded due process. People in our country possess the freedom to make accusations, but there must be proof to support it.
On September 16, 2018, Christine Blasey Ford accused Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh of sexual assault. To this day, there has been no corroboration of her allegation. Democrats and a few Republicans in the Senate were quick to believe her claim even though there has been no evidence that this has happened. I am not saying that Christine Blasey Ford is wrong, but I am saying that everyone in America should keep an open mind. The America where people can accuse anyone without confirmation is not the America that I know and love. We maintain a system in this nation and jumping to conclusions that one of the most qualified Supreme Court nominees has carried out this terrible act is completely wrong.
On Thursday, September 27, Christine Blasey Ford and Brett Kavanaugh testified in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. After hearing her story, I do believe that she is credible. However, another reasonable analysis of her testimony requires noting that she has many gaps in her recollection and her story. Brett Kavanaugh’s testimony showed that he was willing to fight for his life to clear his name and reputation to secure a seat on the Supreme Court. While some may call him aggressive, I say he was admirable. He accomplished exactly what he had to in this type of situation. It is absolutely rational for a man who has had his life ruined, his family ridiculed and threatened, and his name tarnished to go out swinging instead of taking it.
Both testimonies were extremely moving, but with the FBI Investigation completed on Thursday, October 4, it is clear that there is no evidence of Brett Kavanaugh ever sexually assaulting Christine Blasey Ford and he should promptly be confirmed as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Court. The events over the past several weeks only serve to highlight how important “innocent until proven guilty” really is to the foundation of our justice system.
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