Following our comments is a searing indictment of a military culture that promotes sex crime witch hunts for political reasons. The news report at issue is among the most frightening articles we've ever posted here, and that's saying a lot.
The number of sex-crime allegations sent to courts-martial has increased from 113 in 2004 to 532 in 2010, according to Defense Department data. Last year, military commanders sent about 70 percent more cases to courts-martial that started as rape or aggravated sexual-assault allegations than they did in 2009.
The reason is politics. It's up to military commanders to decide whether to prosecute these cases. Unlike civilian prosecutors, who generally don't prosecute cases if there is significant uncertainty about whether they can get a conviction, it's exactly the opposite in the military: a politically conscious admiral or general isn't going to risk their careers by not prosecuting even ridiculous sex claims.
A retired army prosecutor named Timothy MacDonnell asked rhetorically: "What would you have us do? Tell the victim she can't get justice just because it's a hard case?"
It is well that you are able to tell that she's a "victim," Mr. McDonnell, before a scrap of evidence is presented or the defendant is given an opportunity to fairly defend himself. But in response to your asinine query, here's what we would have you do: stop playing Russian roulette, stop rolling the dice, with the lives of presumptively innocent men in the hope that you might "get lucky." Start doing what decent civilian prosecutors do: only prosecute cases where there is a moral certainty of guilt.
Read some of the quotes from the article. They underscore a culture willing to treat innocent men as collateral damage in the "more important," politicized war on rape:
"'. . . the reality is they're charging more and more people with bogus cases just to show that they do take it seriously.'"
"And sometimes, servicemen are falsely accused, as was the case in February 2010 when a Marine Corps Air Station Beaufort Marine was arrested and jailed for more than a month for allegedly sexually assaulting a Laurel Bay woman whose husband was deployed."
"'Because there is this spin-up of "We have to take cases seriously even though they're crap," it creates a kind of a climate of blasè attitudes,' said one Navy prosecutor . . . . There is a pressure to prosecute, prosecute, prosecute. When you get one that's actually real, there's a lot of skepticism. You hear it routinely -- "Is this a rape case or is this a Navy rape case?"'"
"Too often . . . defendants are being prosecuted despite qualms about the evidence, attorneys said."
". . . the military is prosecuting a growing number of rape and sexual assault allegations, including highly contested cases that would be unlikely to go to trial in many civilian courts."
". . . a wide range of people who are involved in the military justice system questioned whether the military was weighing the proper legal considerations when deciding whether to take criminal action."
". . . now many of [these allegations] are given more deference than they're due."
"Given the push to prosecute, many commanders may see a trial as the best way to determine whether allegations are true. 'Most of the rape cases that I've defended in the military system never would have gone to trial in a civilian system because the prosecutor would say, "There's no way I'm taking that to trial because I'm not going to get a conviction,"' said Charles Feldmann, a former military and civilian prosecutor who's now a defense attorney. But in the military, the decision-maker is an admiral or a general who is not going to put his career at risk on an iffy rape case by not prosecuting it."
Here is the entire article:
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Skelmersdale sex assault claims false
DETECTIVES investigating a report of a sexual assault in Skelmersdale have found the allegation did not take place as initially reported and no criminal offence has been committed.
The alleged incident was reported to have taken place in the Birch Green area of the town on Tuesday 15th November.
The inquiry has now concluded and officers would reassure the local community that all such allegations are taken seriously and treated sensitively.
Link:
http://www.lancashire.police.uk/news/skelmersdale-sex-assault-claims-false
The alleged incident was reported to have taken place in the Birch Green area of the town on Tuesday 15th November.
The inquiry has now concluded and officers would reassure the local community that all such allegations are taken seriously and treated sensitively.
Link:
http://www.lancashire.police.uk/news/skelmersdale-sex-assault-claims-false
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Pitcher Josh Lueke paid his debt to society for a sex offense, but the press won't let him move on
John Romano, writing for the St. Petersburg Times, did the literary equivalent this morning of arching his eyebrow, then, in the de rigueur fashion of newspapermen who can't trip over one another fast enough to out-zero-tolerance-talk the next when it comes to violence against women, spent an entire column wringing his hands and mouthing concern over the Tampa Bay Rays' acquisition of Josh Lueke, 26, a right-handed reliever traded by the Seattle Mariners last weekend.
You see, Mr. Lueke has a 98 mph fastball, a killer split-fingered fastball, and a conviction for a sex crime. It's the latter that caused Mr. Romano to arch his eyebrow and harrumph his indignation in the court of last resort, the sports pages of the St. Petersburg Times.
In May, 2008, Mr. Lueke had a sexual encounter with a then-22-year-old woman in Bakersfield, Ca. She told authorities she'd bar-hopped with a group of minor league players. She passed out in an apartment Mr. Lueke shared with a teammate. When she awakened, she said she realized she'd been sexually attacked and filed a rape complaint. One year later, Mr. Lueke was linked to the woman through DNA and was arrested and charged with rape and sodomy. In 2009, he pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of false imprisonment with violence. He was sentenced to three years of probation, and 62 days in jail. Having already spent 42 days in jail, the remainder of his sentence was waived for good behavior.
Now, two days after Mr. Lueke was traded to the Rays, unlike the trial judge who sentenced Mr. Lueke, sportswriter John Romano isn't so quick to waive further punishment for good behavior. He writes: ". . . an accusation of rape? A no contest plea of false imprisonment with violence? By setting the bar lower in this case, has something been lost in Tampa Bay?" And: "You can say Lueke has already paid his debt, and everyone is entitled to a second chance. Or you can say the circumstances surrounding Lueke's case are too disturbing to ignore."
No sane and rational person in any sense condones either violence against women in general or the violence Mr. Lueke perpetrated against a particular woman. It is well to note that Mr. Lueke wasn't convicted of rape; the rape accusation was just that -- an accusation. Mr. Lueke pled guilty to a lesser offense and served a little more than a month behind bars. Why does a district attorney allow plea bargains? Often it's because he's not sure he'll get a conviction for the more serious offense.
The reality is that if people like Josh Lueke knew their guilty pleas to lesser offenses would bar them from their chosen professions, they would be far more likely to roll the dice with a trial on the more serious offense. With rape charges, there is a good chance the defendant will prevail. Is that what John Romano wants? Seriously?
You see, Mr. Lueke has a 98 mph fastball, a killer split-fingered fastball, and a conviction for a sex crime. It's the latter that caused Mr. Romano to arch his eyebrow and harrumph his indignation in the court of last resort, the sports pages of the St. Petersburg Times.
In May, 2008, Mr. Lueke had a sexual encounter with a then-22-year-old woman in Bakersfield, Ca. She told authorities she'd bar-hopped with a group of minor league players. She passed out in an apartment Mr. Lueke shared with a teammate. When she awakened, she said she realized she'd been sexually attacked and filed a rape complaint. One year later, Mr. Lueke was linked to the woman through DNA and was arrested and charged with rape and sodomy. In 2009, he pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of false imprisonment with violence. He was sentenced to three years of probation, and 62 days in jail. Having already spent 42 days in jail, the remainder of his sentence was waived for good behavior.
Now, two days after Mr. Lueke was traded to the Rays, unlike the trial judge who sentenced Mr. Lueke, sportswriter John Romano isn't so quick to waive further punishment for good behavior. He writes: ". . . an accusation of rape? A no contest plea of false imprisonment with violence? By setting the bar lower in this case, has something been lost in Tampa Bay?" And: "You can say Lueke has already paid his debt, and everyone is entitled to a second chance. Or you can say the circumstances surrounding Lueke's case are too disturbing to ignore."
No sane and rational person in any sense condones either violence against women in general or the violence Mr. Lueke perpetrated against a particular woman. It is well to note that Mr. Lueke wasn't convicted of rape; the rape accusation was just that -- an accusation. Mr. Lueke pled guilty to a lesser offense and served a little more than a month behind bars. Why does a district attorney allow plea bargains? Often it's because he's not sure he'll get a conviction for the more serious offense.
The reality is that if people like Josh Lueke knew their guilty pleas to lesser offenses would bar them from their chosen professions, they would be far more likely to roll the dice with a trial on the more serious offense. With rape charges, there is a good chance the defendant will prevail. Is that what John Romano wants? Seriously?
Cain's candidacy sunk by unproven sex allegations
Another woman--this one, a 46-year-old unemployed, at least twice divorced, single mother named Ginger White--has crawled out of the woodwork to go on television and claim she had a 13-year-consensual-affair with Cain. Cain denies it.
Jogger Lied About Sexual Assault
A woman who earlier this month told police she had been sexually assaulted while jogging on Morningside Drive has admitted to making the story up, police said Wednesday.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Gender police decry 'Twilight: Breaking Dawn's' rough sex scene
It's as predictable as it is maddening. Nothing brings out the Progressive Thought Police more than a popular entertainment whose demographics skew overwhelmingly young and female. When that entertainment happens to feature a teen heroine madly in love with -- dare I say it? -- a guy, the gender overlords, whose raison d’être is to apply a litmus test of female empowerment (code for "a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle") to anything that passes for entertainment, come out in full force, more prominent than sobriety checkpoints on New Years Eve.
Montco woman accused of lying about assault, stalking by cop
Authorities Friday accused a Lower Merion woman of lying under oath about being sexually assaulted and stalked by one township police officer and illegally detained by another.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Friday, November 25, 2011
The Penn State scandal was a 'systemic' failure of masculinity, writer claims
After the jump is my response to an op-ed by Dani Meier that insists what happened at Penn State is part of "a systemic problem . . ., rooted in a cultural ethic of masculinity where men are taught not to confront other men about their “private behavior” even if it’s offensive, violent or illegal." I had posted my comment under the article, but it quickly disappeared. I now present my argument in the court of last resort--False Rape Society.
Police say woman falsely reported rape
A 21-year-old Goshen woman told police she was abducted outside of the nursing home, Courtyard Health Center on College Avenue on November 17.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Wendy Murphy's 'logic' on Penn State sex scandal will make your head spin
TV legal commentator and adjunct law professor Wendy Murphy has chimed in on the Penn State sex scandal with an other-worldly logic that will make your head spin.
Murphy starts out with a proposal to force states to adopt laws that require all adults with reason to believe a child has been abused to file reports with child welfare agencies. Failure to report would be a felony. That's a point that can be fairly debated.
But wait, she isn't finished -- Murphy's about to enter the Twilight Zone, so make sure you're sitting down before you read the next paragraph:
"Some argue that ramping up punishment for non-reporting is dangerous because of the potential for false reports, but this myth-based concern has no basis in reality. In fact, people will likely be more cautious about filing only credible reports when the consequences are more serious."
Read it again, because you are a witness to history: Murphy has actually invented a logic heretofore not utilized by rational, carbon-based beings. Let's analyze.
First, Murphy says that concern about the potential for false reports is a "myth-based concern [that] has no basis in reality." But of course! What did we expect from a woman who once famously said this: "I never, ever met a false rape claim, by the way. My own statistics speak to the truth." That comment was in reference to the Duke lacrosse case. Remember how that one turned out?
But then, in the very next sentence, she posits the following assertion that gives new meaning to "astounding": "In fact, people will likely be more cautious about filing only credible reports when the consequences are more serious."
Whoa! Wendy Murphy just gave me whiplash! In one breath she mouths the radical feminist mantra that false rape claims are a myth; in the very next, she asserts that people are currently less cautious about filing "credible reports" than they would be if the consequences were more serious. Meaning that people currently make false claims (she's right about that), but that her proposed law would change that.
So in Murphy's world, people never, ever make false rape claims, except when they do.
Get it? Neither do I. Let's hope they don't let Murphy teach anything that involves rationality or logic in that law school where she's an adjunct professor.
Put it this way: either the paragraph referenced above is colossal misprint, or Wendy Murphy is a congenital idiot. Let's have a show of hands.
Even putting aside the lapse-in-logic-of-Biblical proportions noted above, Murphy's suggestion that making failure to report the sexual assault of children a felony will actually reduce false rape claims is absurd beyond words.
But -- now let's get serious -- that doesn't mean the idea should be dismissed out of hand. Murphy's proposal, stripped of her lunacy about false rape claims, merits a serious dialogue about best how to strike a balance between keeping children safe, on the one hand, and protecting innocent adults from false charges, on the other. Murphy suggests the following: "For lawmakers who want more protection against false allegations, they could add a provision that allows for the prosecution of individuals who make false reports in bad faith." We get the idea: if the report was intentionally false, it should be punished. We might add, such offenses need to be punished both seriously and consistently, something not currently done with false rape accusers.
But Murphy, being Murphy, can't help but to add the following: "Better to protect thousands more children from real abuse than to worry about the occasional adult being burdened by a false accusation." And Blackstone just flipped over in his grave. Repeatedly.
What's interesting is that even nitwits like Murphy -- who claim false rape claims are a myth -- seem to grudgingly admit that there's a balance that needs to be struck between keeping children safe and protecting innocent men accused of rape. Murphy, however, would tilt the balance too far and unreasonably risk harming innocent men.
If we ever are to have a serious dialogue about striking a proper balance, zealots like Murphy can't be part of it. Only rational adults without a TV show or a political axe to grind need apply.
Murphy starts out with a proposal to force states to adopt laws that require all adults with reason to believe a child has been abused to file reports with child welfare agencies. Failure to report would be a felony. That's a point that can be fairly debated.
But wait, she isn't finished -- Murphy's about to enter the Twilight Zone, so make sure you're sitting down before you read the next paragraph:
"Some argue that ramping up punishment for non-reporting is dangerous because of the potential for false reports, but this myth-based concern has no basis in reality. In fact, people will likely be more cautious about filing only credible reports when the consequences are more serious."
Read it again, because you are a witness to history: Murphy has actually invented a logic heretofore not utilized by rational, carbon-based beings. Let's analyze.
First, Murphy says that concern about the potential for false reports is a "myth-based concern [that] has no basis in reality." But of course! What did we expect from a woman who once famously said this: "I never, ever met a false rape claim, by the way. My own statistics speak to the truth." That comment was in reference to the Duke lacrosse case. Remember how that one turned out?
But then, in the very next sentence, she posits the following assertion that gives new meaning to "astounding": "In fact, people will likely be more cautious about filing only credible reports when the consequences are more serious."
Whoa! Wendy Murphy just gave me whiplash! In one breath she mouths the radical feminist mantra that false rape claims are a myth; in the very next, she asserts that people are currently less cautious about filing "credible reports" than they would be if the consequences were more serious. Meaning that people currently make false claims (she's right about that), but that her proposed law would change that.
So in Murphy's world, people never, ever make false rape claims, except when they do.
Get it? Neither do I. Let's hope they don't let Murphy teach anything that involves rationality or logic in that law school where she's an adjunct professor.
Put it this way: either the paragraph referenced above is colossal misprint, or Wendy Murphy is a congenital idiot. Let's have a show of hands.
Even putting aside the lapse-in-logic-of-Biblical proportions noted above, Murphy's suggestion that making failure to report the sexual assault of children a felony will actually reduce false rape claims is absurd beyond words.
But -- now let's get serious -- that doesn't mean the idea should be dismissed out of hand. Murphy's proposal, stripped of her lunacy about false rape claims, merits a serious dialogue about best how to strike a balance between keeping children safe, on the one hand, and protecting innocent adults from false charges, on the other. Murphy suggests the following: "For lawmakers who want more protection against false allegations, they could add a provision that allows for the prosecution of individuals who make false reports in bad faith." We get the idea: if the report was intentionally false, it should be punished. We might add, such offenses need to be punished both seriously and consistently, something not currently done with false rape accusers.
But Murphy, being Murphy, can't help but to add the following: "Better to protect thousands more children from real abuse than to worry about the occasional adult being burdened by a false accusation." And Blackstone just flipped over in his grave. Repeatedly.
What's interesting is that even nitwits like Murphy -- who claim false rape claims are a myth -- seem to grudgingly admit that there's a balance that needs to be struck between keeping children safe and protecting innocent men accused of rape. Murphy, however, would tilt the balance too far and unreasonably risk harming innocent men.
If we ever are to have a serious dialogue about striking a proper balance, zealots like Murphy can't be part of it. Only rational adults without a TV show or a political axe to grind need apply.
Woman's rape lie led to the murder of her lover
A San Antonio woman who authorities accused of instigating a murder by lying to her boyfriend about being raped has accepted a plea agreement in which she now faces up to eight years in prison.
Melissa Ann Ramos, 23, had been charged with manslaughter for the June 2007 shooting death of Quiznos employee Nathan Ramirez, 20, even though she was not there when he was shot outside the North Side sandwich shop.
On Tuesday, prosecutors agreed to drop the manslaughter charge in exchange for her no-contest plea to robbery. Both are second-degree felonies generally punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Her boyfriend, James “Clay” Kelly, was convicted by a jury of murder and sentenced in August by state District Judge Ron Rangel to 40 years in prison for also instigating the shooting.
A friend, John McBurnett, the alleged triggerman, was ordered by the judge to serve 40 years, and co-defendant John “Bubba” Rodriguez agreed to a 15-year sentence for providing the gun.
Ramos lied about being raped in an attempt to cover up the fact she was two-timing Kelly while he was in jail, prosecutor Miguel Najera said Wednesday. In reality, Najera told previous juries, she had been in a consensual relationship with Ramirez.
Rangel is expected to determine her robbery sentence in January. The charge involves an incident the night before the shooting in which authorities said Ramos helped her boyfriend and Rodriguez lure Ramirez to a check cashing store, where they held him up at gunpoint inside their vehicle and punched him before ordering him to crawl out the window.
Prosecutors and Ramirez's family were satisfied with the robbery plea, Najera said.
“I think it would have been a difficult case to prove up,” he said of the manslaughter charge. “But her involvement in the robbery was clear.”
Prosecutors have said they intend to ask for the full eight-year term. Defense attorney Dennis Moreno has asked the judge to consider deferred adjudication probation.
Melissa Ann Ramos, 23, had been charged with manslaughter for the June 2007 shooting death of Quiznos employee Nathan Ramirez, 20, even though she was not there when he was shot outside the North Side sandwich shop.
On Tuesday, prosecutors agreed to drop the manslaughter charge in exchange for her no-contest plea to robbery. Both are second-degree felonies generally punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Her boyfriend, James “Clay” Kelly, was convicted by a jury of murder and sentenced in August by state District Judge Ron Rangel to 40 years in prison for also instigating the shooting.
A friend, John McBurnett, the alleged triggerman, was ordered by the judge to serve 40 years, and co-defendant John “Bubba” Rodriguez agreed to a 15-year sentence for providing the gun.
Ramos lied about being raped in an attempt to cover up the fact she was two-timing Kelly while he was in jail, prosecutor Miguel Najera said Wednesday. In reality, Najera told previous juries, she had been in a consensual relationship with Ramirez.
Rangel is expected to determine her robbery sentence in January. The charge involves an incident the night before the shooting in which authorities said Ramos helped her boyfriend and Rodriguez lure Ramirez to a check cashing store, where they held him up at gunpoint inside their vehicle and punched him before ordering him to crawl out the window.
Prosecutors and Ramirez's family were satisfied with the robbery plea, Najera said.
“I think it would have been a difficult case to prove up,” he said of the manslaughter charge. “But her involvement in the robbery was clear.”
Prosecutors have said they intend to ask for the full eight-year term. Defense attorney Dennis Moreno has asked the judge to consider deferred adjudication probation.
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Police say campus rape claim by serial false accuser 'a complete fabrication,' but college uses it as an occasion to beef up security against rape
On October 24, students at Spring Arbor University received a recorded message and email about an alleged sexual assault on campus. The supposed suspect was said to be someone who doesn't attend the university but is an acquaintance of the unnamed student victim.
The state police investigated, and, like so many other reports of campus sexual assault, determined that the claim was "a complete fabrication." Worse, "the student who made the report has made several other false reports and the [state police are] seeking charges against her."
So, what was the university's response to this crime? Perhaps signs in the dorm halls saying something like this: "Rape is a crime; so is making a false rape claim"?
The state police investigated, and, like so many other reports of campus sexual assault, determined that the claim was "a complete fabrication." Worse, "the student who made the report has made several other false reports and the [state police are] seeking charges against her."
So, what was the university's response to this crime? Perhaps signs in the dorm halls saying something like this: "Rape is a crime; so is making a false rape claim"?
Denison University, former student resolve case about assault allegations
A lawsuit between an expelled student and Denison University about allegations of sexual assault has been settled, but attorneys said the terms of the agreement are confidential.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Wendy Murphy: "Better to protect thousands more children from real abuse than to worry about the occasional adult being burdened by a false accusation"
The inanity speaks for itself: http://www.patriotledger.com/opinions/opinions_columnists/x137170682/WENDY-MURPHY-Steps-to-prevent-another-Penn-State
Former Marshall student cleared
This is an interesting case. One has to wonder why it was reported, but not followed through on?
A former Marshall University student has been cleared of charges he falsely reported that he and a friend were gang raped in a dorm room last year.
The case drew scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Education after The Charleston Gazette revealed Marshall recorded it in a file the school newspaper didn't know existed.
This week, a Cabell County jury acquitted Danny Mills of misdemeanor charges of filing a false report and obstructing a police investigation.
Marshall police charged Mills after he reported that he and a female friend were raped by his roommates.
The woman filed a report but didn't press charges. Nor did campus police charge her.
Marshall chief of staff Matt Turner says the prosecutor believed his evidence was strong enough to take Mills to trial.
Link: http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/Ex-Marshall_Student_Cleared_of_False_Rape_Report__134054638.html
A former Marshall University student has been cleared of charges he falsely reported that he and a friend were gang raped in a dorm room last year.
The case drew scrutiny from the U.S. Department of Education after The Charleston Gazette revealed Marshall recorded it in a file the school newspaper didn't know existed.
This week, a Cabell County jury acquitted Danny Mills of misdemeanor charges of filing a false report and obstructing a police investigation.
Marshall police charged Mills after he reported that he and a female friend were raped by his roommates.
The woman filed a report but didn't press charges. Nor did campus police charge her.
Marshall chief of staff Matt Turner says the prosecutor believed his evidence was strong enough to take Mills to trial.
Link: http://www.wsaz.com/home/headlines/Ex-Marshall_Student_Cleared_of_False_Rape_Report__134054638.html
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Friday, November 18, 2011
It's Salem, 1692 in Pennsylvania, as politicians line up to prove who's toughest on child abuse
Pittsburgh sports icon Franco Harris--he of "Immaculate Reception" fame--stepped aside temporarily as chairman of the Pittsburgh Promise, which provides college scholarships to graduates of Pittsburgh Public Schools, all because Franco defended his former coach and mentor, ex-Penn State University coach Joe Paterno, and Pittsburgh's Mayor Luke Ravenstahl used Franco's comments to claim he has no regard for child sex abuse victims.
Franco Harris played football under Mr. Paterno in college. He is understandably loyal to the man who tutored him and who, until a couple of weeks ago, was as close to sainthood as the sports world produces. Franco said university trustees were wrong to fire the famed coach last week because Mr. Paterno did what he was legally required to do in 2002 by informing a superior about allegations that assistant coach Jerry Sandusky had sexually assaulted a boy in a campus shower.
We wrote a scathing piece on this blog last week, defending the decision to fire Paterno: "Joe Paterno -- not the PSU Board of Trustees -- is the author of his own discontent." And: "Joe Paterno was the trustee of little boys' dreams. He dishonored that trust, and now he has to pay for it."
Franco is entitled to his opinion. And as much as we disagree with that opinion, it furnishes not a scintilla of evidence that Franco condones child abuse.
But why inject rationality into the discussion when there's a good witch hunt to join? In the wake of the Penn State scandal, every Pennsylvania politician is lining up to out-tough talk the next on child abuse. It is pandering at its most vile.
Mayor Ravenstahl's reaction to Franco's statement tops all the rest. It was so over-the-top, so divorced from reality, that an objective third party must seriously wonder if he doesn't have a screw loose. Read it for yourself:
"I had to re-read it several times to fully comprehend the callous disregard and indifference for the victims of sexual abuse at Penn State. To so adamantly and vocally defend one man while maintaining silence for those powerless to defend themselves, shows me that you are the wrong man to represent the Pittsburgh Promise and the ideals it embodies. When I personally asked you to join the Board of the Pittsburgh Promise, I had every confidence that you would exercise sound judgment in your public life. Sadly, these statements show no regard whatsoever for the well-being of the young victims of sexual abuse and have led me to question your position of trust with the Pittsburgh Promise as Board Chairman. It is my ethical and moral responsibility to recognize that you are no longer a suitable representative for any organization, let alone ours."
Franco said he has attempted to "place the victims and their families at the forefront of my concerns while questioning the seeming rush to judgment in the treatment of Joe, who I know is deeply pained and distraught by events now under investigation at Penn State."
Pittsburgh sports writer Bob Smizik called on the mayor to apologize to Franco: "Labeling Harris as uncaring of the victims in the Penn State sexual-abuse scandal was a leap of logic only a fool would undertake. Harris is an honorable man who has done much good work in this region. He didn’t deserve that." See here. Mr. Smizik is right.
What Franco did was ill-advised. But what Mayor Ravenstahl did was downright loony.
That's what happens in a witch hunt.
Franco Harris played football under Mr. Paterno in college. He is understandably loyal to the man who tutored him and who, until a couple of weeks ago, was as close to sainthood as the sports world produces. Franco said university trustees were wrong to fire the famed coach last week because Mr. Paterno did what he was legally required to do in 2002 by informing a superior about allegations that assistant coach Jerry Sandusky had sexually assaulted a boy in a campus shower.
We wrote a scathing piece on this blog last week, defending the decision to fire Paterno: "Joe Paterno -- not the PSU Board of Trustees -- is the author of his own discontent." And: "Joe Paterno was the trustee of little boys' dreams. He dishonored that trust, and now he has to pay for it."
Franco is entitled to his opinion. And as much as we disagree with that opinion, it furnishes not a scintilla of evidence that Franco condones child abuse.
But why inject rationality into the discussion when there's a good witch hunt to join? In the wake of the Penn State scandal, every Pennsylvania politician is lining up to out-tough talk the next on child abuse. It is pandering at its most vile.
Mayor Ravenstahl's reaction to Franco's statement tops all the rest. It was so over-the-top, so divorced from reality, that an objective third party must seriously wonder if he doesn't have a screw loose. Read it for yourself:
"I had to re-read it several times to fully comprehend the callous disregard and indifference for the victims of sexual abuse at Penn State. To so adamantly and vocally defend one man while maintaining silence for those powerless to defend themselves, shows me that you are the wrong man to represent the Pittsburgh Promise and the ideals it embodies. When I personally asked you to join the Board of the Pittsburgh Promise, I had every confidence that you would exercise sound judgment in your public life. Sadly, these statements show no regard whatsoever for the well-being of the young victims of sexual abuse and have led me to question your position of trust with the Pittsburgh Promise as Board Chairman. It is my ethical and moral responsibility to recognize that you are no longer a suitable representative for any organization, let alone ours."
Franco said he has attempted to "place the victims and their families at the forefront of my concerns while questioning the seeming rush to judgment in the treatment of Joe, who I know is deeply pained and distraught by events now under investigation at Penn State."
Pittsburgh sports writer Bob Smizik called on the mayor to apologize to Franco: "Labeling Harris as uncaring of the victims in the Penn State sexual-abuse scandal was a leap of logic only a fool would undertake. Harris is an honorable man who has done much good work in this region. He didn’t deserve that." See here. Mr. Smizik is right.
What Franco did was ill-advised. But what Mayor Ravenstahl did was downright loony.
That's what happens in a witch hunt.
Woman who alleged sexual assault fined for wasting police time
A 21-year-old woman who claimed she was sexually assaulted in Burnham on Sunday has been fined for wasting police time.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Some at Cornell Voice Concern That the 'Dear Colleague' Mandates Were Rushed Into the Campus Code of Conduct Without Following the Usual Procedure
This morning, the Cornell Daily Sun chronicles a debate over the school's handling of sexual assault cases. It notes that last May, Cornell's University Assembly rushed a "temporary amendment" to its Campus Code of Conduct in response to the Department of Education's April 4 "Dear Colleague" letter without adhering to the typical procedure of awaiting a recommendation from the University Assembly’s Codes and Judicial Committee.
The "Dear Colleague" letter has been criticized by numerous commentators. Many of those criticisms are collected here. Among other problems, the "Dear Colleague" letter insists that schools using standards of proof higher than a "preponderance of the evidence" are not in compliance with the law. Cornell previously applied a "clear and convincing" standard. In addition, the "Dear Colleague" letter mandates that schools allow appeals of unfavorable rulings by not only the accused but the accuser as well.
The Daily Sun notes that Cornell Judicial Administrator Mary Beth Grant, J.D. ’88, who investigates accusations against students and decides whether to pursue cases, admitted that she was pushing for the amendment to be passed quickly. According to quotations attributed to Ms. Grant in the story, Ms.Grant seems to agree with the "Dear Colleague" letter's premise that Cornell's handling of sexual assault cases was "unfair." Specifically, she said the letter “pointed out to us that our system is unfair.” And: “I don’t want to be in a position where I know something is unfair and I’m being forced to do it.”
Some in the Cornell community are not happy with the process used to approve the temporary amendment. “There was, in fact, no rush whatsoever,” said Prof. Kevin Clermont, law, a member of the committee. “It’s unprecedented, as far as I know, this kind of stepping in and circumventing [the CJC].”
What, exactly, was so terribly "unfair" and in need of immediate correction, about the school's procedure? Let us briefly examine some of the arguments posited.
The "Dear Colleague" letter has been criticized by numerous commentators. Many of those criticisms are collected here. Among other problems, the "Dear Colleague" letter insists that schools using standards of proof higher than a "preponderance of the evidence" are not in compliance with the law. Cornell previously applied a "clear and convincing" standard. In addition, the "Dear Colleague" letter mandates that schools allow appeals of unfavorable rulings by not only the accused but the accuser as well.
The Daily Sun notes that Cornell Judicial Administrator Mary Beth Grant, J.D. ’88, who investigates accusations against students and decides whether to pursue cases, admitted that she was pushing for the amendment to be passed quickly. According to quotations attributed to Ms. Grant in the story, Ms.Grant seems to agree with the "Dear Colleague" letter's premise that Cornell's handling of sexual assault cases was "unfair." Specifically, she said the letter “pointed out to us that our system is unfair.” And: “I don’t want to be in a position where I know something is unfair and I’m being forced to do it.”
Some in the Cornell community are not happy with the process used to approve the temporary amendment. “There was, in fact, no rush whatsoever,” said Prof. Kevin Clermont, law, a member of the committee. “It’s unprecedented, as far as I know, this kind of stepping in and circumventing [the CJC].”
What, exactly, was so terribly "unfair" and in need of immediate correction, about the school's procedure? Let us briefly examine some of the arguments posited.
Girl charged with making false report after reporting rape
A 17-year-old Blanchester girl who reported she had been raped has been charged with being a delinquent child after she allegedly made a false complaint, according to Blanchester Police Chief Scott Reinbolt.On Dec. 10, 2010, the unidentified girl reported she had been raped by a 38-year-old male house guest who was living with her and her parents.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Rape: the only crime proven to be rampant by showing that it isn't
Here is an article typical of pieces that regularly appear in college newspapers. It was written by Jason Nguyen and Sophie Arts, and its underlying premise is that all rape reports are made by actual rape victims. The only reason very few of these rape claims result in adjudications of guilt is that pesky problem of lack of evidence. There is not even a passing consideration given to the possibility that the lack of evidence could sometimes indicate that no rape occurred--that the person reporting it was mistaken or lying.
Rape is the only crime on the books that is proven to be rampant by showing that few people report it, and that fewer still can prove it. If that makes no sense to you, then you are understanding the problem.
Rape is the only crime on the books that is proven to be rampant by showing that few people report it, and that fewer still can prove it. If that makes no sense to you, then you are understanding the problem.
SIU closes file on Durham cops accused of sexual assault
When I first saw the name Durham, my first reaction was "oh no, not again". To a point, I'm glad this isn't taking place in North Carolina.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
A streaker is a criminal, but a college newspaper that puts his full frontal photo on the front page is just exercising its First Amendment rights
We live in strange times, zero tolerance times, where the slightest male sexual infraction is punished by some law named after a dead kid, often with an almost sadistic overkill. In society's zeal to protect women and children from legitimately evil men, it happily sweeps young men guilty of nothing more than childish lewdness away with truly dangerous predators. Thirty-two states now register streakers as sex offenders. Others register college guys caught publicly urinating in an alley because they drank a little too much. Others famously register teen males who had consensual sex with their slightly younger girlfriends. If all the sex offenders were corralled into a new state, it would be more populous than three existing states. The male sexual infraction industry is exploding, and no “science” is too bizarre or inhumane to try out on men and boys accused or convicted of such offenses under the guise of learning which of them should languish in custody. This includes penile plethysmograph testing, a sort a junk science polygraph of penises, and “masturbatory satiation” sessions -- methods that a witch doctor might feel uncomfortable employing.But you know all that. Now consider this: at East Carolina University's November 5 football game against USM, John Sieglinger, 21, stripped to his birthday suit and ran onto the field. He was tackled and arrested for misdemeanor indecent exposure and first-degree. He could have been charged with a felony, but he wasn't, which means he won't be required to register as a sex offender. The streak was met with the usual mixed reactions: a lot of students were thoroughly amused by it, but other people believed the incident would scar the innocent children for life, because surely they've never seen a flaccid naked man from a distance on TV or the Internet.
The interesting part of the story is what happened the following Tuesday. ECU's student newspaper did something without much precedent in this country: it put an unedited photo of Mr. Sieglinger streaking -- full frontal nudity -- on the front page above the fold.
'Women are too often the true victims of sex crimes. At the same time, women possess tremendous power if and when they decide to accuse a man of sexual impropriety.'
Marshall Frank: Women's accusations slam dunk that presidential candidate Cain a creep? No way; look at all the facts, remember a case in Liberty City
Marshall Frank is an author and retired Miami police detective who lives in Melbourne. Online: MarshallFrank.com.
In 1971, I arrested a man for rape in Liberty City. His accuser was a woman he knew. She had drinks with him at a bar and he allegedly drank too much and forced himself on her in a car. She tested positive for sexual intercourse, her lipstick was on his clothing, and witnesses said he had been drunk.
MSP asks questions in false rape claim case
A Follow up to our story HERE. This is uplifting to see.
AN MSP is asking the Lord Advocate and Scottish Justice Secretary to investigate why allegations of rape took so long to be heard in Inverness.
AN MSP is asking the Lord Advocate and Scottish Justice Secretary to investigate why allegations of rape took so long to be heard in Inverness.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Even among the self-anointed OWS oppressed, some 'victims' are more victimized than others
Zuccotti Park allegedly has become so overrun by sexual predators attacking women in the night that organizers felt compelled to set up a female-only sleeping tent to keep what the New York Post calls "the sickos" away. The large, metal-framed “safety tent” -- which, incidentally, will be guarded by an all-female patrol -- can accommodate as many as 18 people and will be used during the day for women-only meetings, said Occupy Wall Street organizers.
But some OWS men say the rape concerns are exaggerated. “Sexual harassment gets called rape, and it’s not,” one scoffed when told of the women’s tent. “There’s no way that it’s happening as much as people are saying it has. It’s just word spreading and getting misunderstood.” (Say it ain't so! Undeservedly privileged, misogynistic mens righters among the noble, enlightened OWS crowd!)
But that's not the only way OWS is like the real world: one woman said the protesters took her tent down without notice to make room for the women's only tent. “I’m pissed! I pretty much just got evicted,” fumed Angelina Isfreed, 32, after returning to find her tent taken down. “I won’t be staying there.”
More people may have to move. The protest organizers plan to put up other large tents, including one for gay and transgender people.
You see, it was bound to happen among the self-anointed oppressed at OWS: group identity politics gone mad.
Then again, nothing tops Occupy Baltimore's sexual assault policy, which includes the following: "It is the victim's prerogative to classify any action as sexual harassment, and to decide whether or not the harasser be ejected from Occupy Baltimore."
Source: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/zuccotti_park_big_top_ilBy4VfYIwDGt2I1rM33vL
But some OWS men say the rape concerns are exaggerated. “Sexual harassment gets called rape, and it’s not,” one scoffed when told of the women’s tent. “There’s no way that it’s happening as much as people are saying it has. It’s just word spreading and getting misunderstood.” (Say it ain't so! Undeservedly privileged, misogynistic mens righters among the noble, enlightened OWS crowd!)
But that's not the only way OWS is like the real world: one woman said the protesters took her tent down without notice to make room for the women's only tent. “I’m pissed! I pretty much just got evicted,” fumed Angelina Isfreed, 32, after returning to find her tent taken down. “I won’t be staying there.”
More people may have to move. The protest organizers plan to put up other large tents, including one for gay and transgender people.
You see, it was bound to happen among the self-anointed oppressed at OWS: group identity politics gone mad.
Then again, nothing tops Occupy Baltimore's sexual assault policy, which includes the following: "It is the victim's prerogative to classify any action as sexual harassment, and to decide whether or not the harasser be ejected from Occupy Baltimore."
Source: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/manhattan/zuccotti_park_big_top_ilBy4VfYIwDGt2I1rM33vL
Sen. Leahy drops plan to amend VAWA to include "preponderance" standard in college sex cases
The "preponderance" standard is still mandated by the Department of Education for college sex cases, but an administrative regulation is generally easier to change than is a statute. If, for example, President Obama loses the election next November, there is a reasonably good chance that the "preponderance" standard will be scrapped.
Most outrageous comment of the year: The absence of due process for college men accused of rape serves 'as a check on sexually aggressive behavior'
Below is the most inane, contemptible, jaw-dropping -- indeed, downright other-worldly -- letter defending injustice we've seen in a long time. We offer no further comment on it because there aren't enough synonyms for "despicable" in the English language.
First, the context: last week, Brown University's student newspaper, the Daily Herald, published a thoughtful piece by Hunter Fast, who had some perceptive comments about the William McCormick case; specifically, about "the damage that [a school's] profit motives can inflict on the cause of criminal justice." Hunter wrote: "When allegations of rape were brought to the University administration against McCormick in 2006, administrators summarily expelled him from campus without anything resembling due process. According to McCormick . . . . the University deferred to its profit motive because the alleged victim's father is an influential University donor." Hunter added: "Unfortunately, because the case was taken up by the University — an arbiter with an obvious conflict of interest — justice may never be possible in this case in any real sense."
But then yesterday, a Brown alumnus posited the following defense of the school's handling of the McCormick case:
"To the Editor:
"Hunter Fast '12, in his opinion column related to the alleged William McCormick sexual assault incident at Brown ("It can't happen here," Nov. 11), forgets an important issue that supports the University's management of the unfortunate incident: Women have always been at an extreme disadvantage when faced with sexual aggression. What is rape all about? It is the physical coercion of a man seeking sexual domination over a woman. It is one of the historical tragedies in the history of mankind that has never been resolved. As such there is no level playing field in sexual relationships. Women who have been raped have to deal with a male-dominated and biased justice system, a male-dominated and biased police force, and yes, even a male-dominated and biased student body that at one time included McCormick.
"The University is to be applauded for its attempt to level this playing field. It has chosen not to expose the female student to the inequality of the justice system. The message to all males is: 'You need to check your behavior carefully before you enter into a relationship with a woman. There will be no due process if you are accused of rape. The woman's version of what happened will always be accepted over the man's account.'
"If a male student knew that was the policy hopefully this would serve as a check on sexually aggressive behavior. McCormick might have backed away from this relationship, knowing the consequences he might face. He might well have remained a part of the student body, and everyone would be wiser.
Tom Bale '63"
First, the context: last week, Brown University's student newspaper, the Daily Herald, published a thoughtful piece by Hunter Fast, who had some perceptive comments about the William McCormick case; specifically, about "the damage that [a school's] profit motives can inflict on the cause of criminal justice." Hunter wrote: "When allegations of rape were brought to the University administration against McCormick in 2006, administrators summarily expelled him from campus without anything resembling due process. According to McCormick . . . . the University deferred to its profit motive because the alleged victim's father is an influential University donor." Hunter added: "Unfortunately, because the case was taken up by the University — an arbiter with an obvious conflict of interest — justice may never be possible in this case in any real sense."
But then yesterday, a Brown alumnus posited the following defense of the school's handling of the McCormick case:
"To the Editor:
"Hunter Fast '12, in his opinion column related to the alleged William McCormick sexual assault incident at Brown ("It can't happen here," Nov. 11), forgets an important issue that supports the University's management of the unfortunate incident: Women have always been at an extreme disadvantage when faced with sexual aggression. What is rape all about? It is the physical coercion of a man seeking sexual domination over a woman. It is one of the historical tragedies in the history of mankind that has never been resolved. As such there is no level playing field in sexual relationships. Women who have been raped have to deal with a male-dominated and biased justice system, a male-dominated and biased police force, and yes, even a male-dominated and biased student body that at one time included McCormick.
"The University is to be applauded for its attempt to level this playing field. It has chosen not to expose the female student to the inequality of the justice system. The message to all males is: 'You need to check your behavior carefully before you enter into a relationship with a woman. There will be no due process if you are accused of rape. The woman's version of what happened will always be accepted over the man's account.'
"If a male student knew that was the policy hopefully this would serve as a check on sexually aggressive behavior. McCormick might have backed away from this relationship, knowing the consequences he might face. He might well have remained a part of the student body, and everyone would be wiser.
Tom Bale '63"
Riverside woman recants rape claim
A Riverside woman who reported being raped in an alley behind an apartment building on Nov. 1 has recanted her story and now faces a felony charge herself.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Erin Gloria Ryan's latest inanity
Read Toy Soldiers' wonderful take on Erin Gloria Ryan's latest inanity.
Ryan is the same woman we discussed here.
Ryan is the same woman we discussed here.
Elon University's war on men
Man accused of orchestrating false Bartlett rape report held for grand jury action
A man accused of orchestrating a false attempted rape claim against a Bartlett businessman was ordered held for the action of a Shelby County grand jury after a preliminary hearing Monday afternoon.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Woman admits to lying over rape claim
At least one of the late-night attacks attributed to the Kerikeri rapist has been revealed as a false complaint.
Penn State students protest in support of JoePa's right not to protect ten-year-old boys from being raped
And I agree. It is a shame.
It's even more a shame that the most respected, the most revered, and the most powerful man at Penn State -- a legend who had built up more good will than any living figure in all of Pennsylvania -- did the bare minimum when someone who had no motive to lie reported that a ten-year-old boy had been sodomized by an ex-coach permitted to use the PSU football facility.
Paterno admitted yesterday he could have done more: "This is a tragedy. It is one of the great sorrows of my life. With the benefit of hindsight, I wish I had done more."
It wasn't necessary for multiple PSU officials to call the police, but somebody needed to do it, and Joe Paterno, of all people, needed to make sure it got done. Joe Paterno could have added even more accolades to his massive reputation if he had "done more."
But it didn't get done. No one called the police. And this morning, Joe Paterno -- not the PSU Board of Trustees -- is the author of his own discontent. What JoePa did wasn't illegal, but he was given a chance to help a little boy, and perhaps many other little boys, and he did the bare minimum.
So what did some PSU students do last night after Joe was fired? They did what too many college students have done since time immemorial: they failed to think rationally, and they reacted out of misplaced anger by rioting. See the photo above -- that's from last night. They were very upset that Joe had been fired. Did JoePa attempt to quell the rioting? Or was Joe flattered by it?
Let's make one thing clear: this is False Rape Society. We do not engage in rushes to judgments. Jerry Sandusky, the ex-coach accused of sexual improprieties with boys, deserves the presumption of innocence and the full panoply of due process rights granted by the U.S. and Pennsylvania Constitutions.
But we also preach that allegations of sexual misconduct need to be taken seriously. That means reporting allegations to police and letting them investigate.
We can't plausibly insist that the purported rape epidemic is exaggerated, and then in the next breath, condone situations where a serious allegation is not reported. We can't insist that "rape culture" is a fantastic construct of the sexual grievance industry, and then condone a very high profile incident where a serious allegation of rape is tolerated and swept under the rug for years. We can't plausibly insist that women who are raped have a duty to promptly report -- as difficult as that often is -- if we excuse powerful university officials from that obligation.
Joe Paterno was the trustee of little boys' dreams. He dishonored that trust, and now he has to pay for it.
ADDENDUM: I am adding a screen capture from the Grand Jury report to show that the police WERE NOT involved in this matter.
Riverside woman made up story about being attacked
A Riverside woman is accused of falsely claiming she was sexually assaulted in an alley behind her apartment after walking home from the Metra train station last week.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Sharon Bialek: Cain 'disrespected me and millions of other women'
So, it wasn't three or four women that Herman Cain violated after all. Today we find out that Cain "disrespected . . . millions of women."
Specifically, Sharon Bialek said she was "very disappointed but not surprised" by Cain's denial of wrongdoing against her, which she said "disrespected me and millions of other women across the country who are violated in the same way in the workplace." http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57321426-503544/sharon-bialek-herman-cain-knows-who-i-am/
We are so accustomed to such overblown generalizations when it comes to all things gender, we probably don't stop to think about how wierd they are.
Would an assault victim say that the crime against him "disrespected me and millions of other assault victims across the country"? No, because that would be stupid.
Would a false rape victim say that a false rape accuser "disrespected me and thousands of other men across the country who are violated in the same way"? No, because that would be stupid.
And it's stupid to say that Herman Cain "disrespected me and millions of other women across the country." Because he didn't.
Specifically, Sharon Bialek said she was "very disappointed but not surprised" by Cain's denial of wrongdoing against her, which she said "disrespected me and millions of other women across the country who are violated in the same way in the workplace." http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-57321426-503544/sharon-bialek-herman-cain-knows-who-i-am/
We are so accustomed to such overblown generalizations when it comes to all things gender, we probably don't stop to think about how wierd they are.
Would an assault victim say that the crime against him "disrespected me and millions of other assault victims across the country"? No, because that would be stupid.
Would a false rape victim say that a false rape accuser "disrespected me and thousands of other men across the country who are violated in the same way"? No, because that would be stupid.
And it's stupid to say that Herman Cain "disrespected me and millions of other women across the country." Because he didn't.
Since there is no way Herman Cain can 'prove' his innocence, it is unfair to insist that he do so
Whether Herman Cain has the experience, the knowledge, or the discipline to be president -- crucial questions about a man who has never held elected office and has a penchant for positing simplistic and dubious solutions for complex policy problems -- have been pushed to the back burner and are deemed irrelevancies because Americans, and America's ratings-hungry news media, prefer to revel in their favorite of all spectator sports: watching men, good men included, be destroyed by sex allegations.
We are the grinning vigilante mob in Duluth--or a thousand other places--posing for a photo op with the lifeless body of a young black man who's been hung from a tree for no reason other than that a woman cried "rape."
With one high profile false rape case after the next, when will good people stand up and scream "enough!"?
We are the grinning vigilante mob in Duluth--or a thousand other places--posing for a photo op with the lifeless body of a young black man who's been hung from a tree for no reason other than that a woman cried "rape."
With one high profile false rape case after the next, when will good people stand up and scream "enough!"?
International Roundup
A second round of international stories:
http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/MAH-MUM-whistleblower-faces-rape-charge-again-2506600.html
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/State_pays__64_000__for_false_rape_case-132214608.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2555932.ece
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-06/ranchi/30366318_1_girl-college-student-bucks
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/TV-actress-rape-case-Cops-suspect-allegations-are-false/articleshow/10638296.cms
http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/MAH-MUM-whistleblower-faces-rape-charge-again-2506600.html
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/news/State_pays__64_000__for_false_rape_case-132214608.html
http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2555932.ece
http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-11-06/ranchi/30366318_1_girl-college-student-bucks
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chandigarh/TV-actress-rape-case-Cops-suspect-allegations-are-false/articleshow/10638296.cms
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Kalli Angel's vapid and dangerous defense of the "Dear Colleague" letter
Kalli Angel supports the mandate of the OCR's "Dear Colleague" letter that compels colleges to use a "preponderance of the evidence" standard to adjudicate sex offenses. Her faulty reasoning actually underscores the problems with the mandate. We will not chronicle the numerous problems with Angel's analysis, but will focus on just two passages from her piece.
Angel writes: ". . . the preponderance of evidence standard of proof is an appropriate response to this unique type of case because sexual assault does not always result in forensic evidence. . . . . Just as much as alleged perpetrators of sexual assault deserve to be presumed innocent, victims of assault should not be presumed liars. Preponderance of evidence is a good compromise between both parties in cases such as these, where hard evidence is often difficult to find."
Angel writes: ". . . the preponderance of evidence standard of proof is an appropriate response to this unique type of case because sexual assault does not always result in forensic evidence. . . . . Just as much as alleged perpetrators of sexual assault deserve to be presumed innocent, victims of assault should not be presumed liars. Preponderance of evidence is a good compromise between both parties in cases such as these, where hard evidence is often difficult to find."
Northwestern's Center on Wrongful Convictions helps exonerate three men
Here's yet another exoneration story.
Monday, November 7, 2011
Off topic: Herman Cain needs to explain, Joe must go at Penn State
I'm with Jon Huntsman on Herman Cain. Gotta get lots more specific, Herman. Get the damn records, and let it all out. You're running for president and you can't be evasive. At FRS, we, of all people, appreciate the power of false allegations, but when you're evasive, it gives the claims credence.
And Joe Paterno, you're a legend, man. An icon in Happy Valley. The most successful big-time college football coach ever. Blah, blah, blah. And yes, Joe, you did report to your "superior" (that's the funny part -- that Joe acknowledges anyone at Penn State is his "superior") what you learned about Jerry Sandusky allegedly performing a sex act on a ten-year-old boy.
So tell us, Joe, when you learned that the only thing your "superior" did about it was to ban Sandusky from bringing little boys to the Penn State football building, you didn't do anything more? Seriously?! That was it?
And you say you did what you were supposed to do, Joe?
Let's get this straight. Someone who would have no motive to lie about this reported to you that he saw one of your former assistant coaches raping a little boy in your football facility. And you pat yourself on the back for reporting it to your "superior."
What a great guy you are, Joe. Kind of confirms what I've long thought about you.
And Joe Paterno, you're a legend, man. An icon in Happy Valley. The most successful big-time college football coach ever. Blah, blah, blah. And yes, Joe, you did report to your "superior" (that's the funny part -- that Joe acknowledges anyone at Penn State is his "superior") what you learned about Jerry Sandusky allegedly performing a sex act on a ten-year-old boy.
So tell us, Joe, when you learned that the only thing your "superior" did about it was to ban Sandusky from bringing little boys to the Penn State football building, you didn't do anything more? Seriously?! That was it?
And you say you did what you were supposed to do, Joe?
Let's get this straight. Someone who would have no motive to lie about this reported to you that he saw one of your former assistant coaches raping a little boy in your football facility. And you pat yourself on the back for reporting it to your "superior."
What a great guy you are, Joe. Kind of confirms what I've long thought about you.
Mariah Yeater stands to gain much from being a statutory rapist
The story is well known. She accused Mr. Bieber of fathering her child. The charge is ironic because when the alleged sex act occurred, she was an adult (19) and he was a child (16).
Why would a statutory rapist admit -- no, brag -- that she raped a boy?
Because she stands to gain more--lots and lots more--from statutorily raping a wealthy teen boy like Mr. Bieber than from having the paternity test show he's not the father. See here. Such is the topsy turvy world of gender crimes, where double standards are the norm.
Why would a statutory rapist admit -- no, brag -- that she raped a boy?
Because she stands to gain more--lots and lots more--from statutorily raping a wealthy teen boy like Mr. Bieber than from having the paternity test show he's not the father. See here. Such is the topsy turvy world of gender crimes, where double standards are the norm.
A potentially innocent man has been sent to prison on rape charges, possibly for life
In State of Washington v. Perez-Valdez, 2011 Wash. LEXIS 820 (2011), the Supreme Court of Washington (Justice Susan Owens writing for the majority) recently affirmed a decision that sent a man to prison for many years, possibly for life, for allegedly raping two girls he and his wife adopted.
This case is very troubling for the reasons described in the dissenting opinion, written by Justice Charles K. Wiggins: “The State's case was weak; it was based solely on the credibility of S.V. and A.V. S.V. and A.V. had been impeached throughout the trial and had been shown to have reputations for untruthfulness. There were no physical signs to corroborate their testimony about the alleged rapes.” According to Justice Wiggins, the trial judge effectively handcuffed the defense by refusing to allow Mr. Perez-Valdez to introduce into evidence certain crucial evidence that would have shown a motive for lying about rape that might well have led to a different verdict.
This case is very troubling for the reasons described in the dissenting opinion, written by Justice Charles K. Wiggins: “The State's case was weak; it was based solely on the credibility of S.V. and A.V. S.V. and A.V. had been impeached throughout the trial and had been shown to have reputations for untruthfulness. There were no physical signs to corroborate their testimony about the alleged rapes.” According to Justice Wiggins, the trial judge effectively handcuffed the defense by refusing to allow Mr. Perez-Valdez to introduce into evidence certain crucial evidence that would have shown a motive for lying about rape that might well have led to a different verdict.
Dallas man free, 14 years after false child sexual assault charges
A North Texas man celebrated his freedom on Friday Dale Duke served 14 years for a crime prosecutors no longer believe he committed.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Woman charged with making false statements in sexual assault investigation
While Debra Grant didn't falsely accuse someone, she has been charged with lying about issues dealing with a sexual assault allegation. As the investigation is continuing, I would guess that she lied about the whereabouts of the person that is being investigated. Contrary to the belief of some (how are things, Futrelle?), this kind of action is offensive to us.
When someone lies about the whereabouts of a suspect in a sexual assault, it not only damages the credibility of the person who lied, and the presumption of innocence that the accused is supposed to be afforded, it does no service to anyone who has actually been the victim of a sexual assault or a rape.
When someone lies about the whereabouts of a suspect in a sexual assault, it not only damages the credibility of the person who lied, and the presumption of innocence that the accused is supposed to be afforded, it does no service to anyone who has actually been the victim of a sexual assault or a rape.
Saskatchewan woman gets more jail time for assaulting police officer
A woman who falsely accused a police officer of sexual assault has now been sentenced for assaulting a police officer.
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Chantilly Woman Charged with Making False Rape Accusations
The 19-year-old allegedly lied about being raped at a hotel in Manassas.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Shame on you, Haley Coomes . . .
. . . you incarnate disgrace to the Fourth Estate.
I know nothing more about Coomes than what I see in this news report, reprinted below. But based on it, it is unfathomable that she's capable of anything approaching decent reporting.
Based on the hearsay of an unnamed witness (so now the press doesn't even identify third party witnesses in sexual assault cases?), Coomes has declared the alleged victim--who hasn't even claimed entitlement to the mantle of victimhood--the "victim."
This isn't "he said/she said," it's "he said/she didn't say."
This wasn't a rush to judgment by Coomes, it was a 60 meter sprint in record time.
Coomes ought to be fired. Here's the awful reporting:
Another sexual assault reported at Notre Dame, victim has not come forward
By Haley Coomes
Story Created: Nov 2, 2011 at 9:52 PM EDT
(Story Updated: Nov 2, 2011 at 9:52 PM EDT )
SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- Another case has unfolded of an unwanted sexual advance at Notre Dame.
We received an email from a source tonight that was sent out to students.The university said on Friday night a witness saw someone get " forcibly fondled" at a party in a dorm.
The witness did not report it until yesterday. As far as we know the victim has not come forward.
Link: http://www.abc57.com/news/local/Another-sexual-assualt-reported-at-Notre-Dame-victim-has-not-come-forward-133124288.html
I know nothing more about Coomes than what I see in this news report, reprinted below. But based on it, it is unfathomable that she's capable of anything approaching decent reporting.
Based on the hearsay of an unnamed witness (so now the press doesn't even identify third party witnesses in sexual assault cases?), Coomes has declared the alleged victim--who hasn't even claimed entitlement to the mantle of victimhood--the "victim."
This isn't "he said/she said," it's "he said/she didn't say."
This wasn't a rush to judgment by Coomes, it was a 60 meter sprint in record time.
Coomes ought to be fired. Here's the awful reporting:
Another sexual assault reported at Notre Dame, victim has not come forward
By Haley Coomes
Story Created: Nov 2, 2011 at 9:52 PM EDT
(Story Updated: Nov 2, 2011 at 9:52 PM EDT )
SOUTH BEND, Ind.-- Another case has unfolded of an unwanted sexual advance at Notre Dame.
We received an email from a source tonight that was sent out to students.The university said on Friday night a witness saw someone get " forcibly fondled" at a party in a dorm.
The witness did not report it until yesterday. As far as we know the victim has not come forward.
Link: http://www.abc57.com/news/local/Another-sexual-assualt-reported-at-Notre-Dame-victim-has-not-come-forward-133124288.html
The rape app: high tech fear-mongering from the Obama administration
Two mobile phone applications that supposedly employ innovative uses of text, email and social media, as well as offer users quick and easy access to emergency assistance and dating violence and abuse resources, have won the "Apps Against Abuse Technology Challenge" -- a national competition launched in July 2011 by Vice President Joe Biden and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. The "Circle of 6" and "On Watch" apps will be available for free public download beginning in early 2012.
"These winning applications will help young Americans become more empowered to prevent dating violence and sexual assault," said Secretary Sebelius. "Whether quickly checking in with your friends or sending critical information to your support networks, these innovative tools have the potential to protect and save lives."
Fires, muggings, car accidents, and robberies don't merit their own apps, but sexual assault does? Really?
It's not enough that smart phones give users the capability to contact police for any emergency with the press of a button or a verbal command. It's not enough that the Internet is a treasure trove of resources for young women in the event they are raped. Nope. A presidential administration desperate to hold onto, and to mobilize, its single female base is giving us apps that almost certainly will never be utilized by a single sexual assault victim. It is doing this to underscore both how awful the rape epidemic supposedly is and to showcase what it is doing about it.
It's The Music Man all over again, and only Professor Harold Hill can get River City out of the terrible trouble it is in -- terrible trouble that Professor Harold Hill manufactured out of whole cloth.
It is not difficult to predict what will happen with these apps. In a very short time, perhaps a year, they will be forgotten -- added to the massive pile of useless efforts, which we've written about many times, to end the so-called rape "epidemic." And we will still be hearing from the same folks who stand to gain from rape fear that rape is still rampant, and that underreporting is worse than ever.
How about this: let's remind our kids how to place an emergency call with their smart phones in case they are in trouble for any reason, and let's cut out the politicized, gender-divisive, Chicken Little, fear-mongering that makes a mockery of rape and that drives our false rape culture.
"These winning applications will help young Americans become more empowered to prevent dating violence and sexual assault," said Secretary Sebelius. "Whether quickly checking in with your friends or sending critical information to your support networks, these innovative tools have the potential to protect and save lives."
Fires, muggings, car accidents, and robberies don't merit their own apps, but sexual assault does? Really?
It's not enough that smart phones give users the capability to contact police for any emergency with the press of a button or a verbal command. It's not enough that the Internet is a treasure trove of resources for young women in the event they are raped. Nope. A presidential administration desperate to hold onto, and to mobilize, its single female base is giving us apps that almost certainly will never be utilized by a single sexual assault victim. It is doing this to underscore both how awful the rape epidemic supposedly is and to showcase what it is doing about it.
It's The Music Man all over again, and only Professor Harold Hill can get River City out of the terrible trouble it is in -- terrible trouble that Professor Harold Hill manufactured out of whole cloth.
It is not difficult to predict what will happen with these apps. In a very short time, perhaps a year, they will be forgotten -- added to the massive pile of useless efforts, which we've written about many times, to end the so-called rape "epidemic." And we will still be hearing from the same folks who stand to gain from rape fear that rape is still rampant, and that underreporting is worse than ever.
How about this: let's remind our kids how to place an emergency call with their smart phones in case they are in trouble for any reason, and let's cut out the politicized, gender-divisive, Chicken Little, fear-mongering that makes a mockery of rape and that drives our false rape culture.
Woman jailed for false rape claim against bus driver
Charlene Kielty kept up the lie for 16 months before she confessed to police she had made the story up.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Somewhere in America, a woman is raped every two minutes . . .
. . . and this is that woman.
Featured in this offensive PSA, which passes off a criminal deviant as a typical guy: http://youtu.be/cHIFPffIl4k
A lame joke mocking the absurd statistic-mongers who claim one-in-you-fill-in-the-blank women are raped, or that a rape occurs once-every-you-fill-in-the-blank. The PSA is offensive because it is typical of PSA's about rape. In this one, two males are depicted. One is a pig, the other is an unhelpful bystander. While any male above a certain age can be a rapist, the suggestion that this scenario is typical is absurd.
The persons who control the public discourse on rape would have us believe there is no typical rapist but that all of masculinity is infected by "rape culture," and that our college campuses -- relatively safe venues by any measure -- are hotbeds of male sexual predatory misconduct, even though they aren't.
The fact is, rape offenders are disproportionately found among the lower socioeconomic classes, persons mired in a cistern of hopelessness and dependency. They are typically under-educated, under-employed, and under-skilled.
This, of course, doesn't fit the preferred narrative of radicals like Jessica Valenti. who once posited: "Rape is part of our culture; it's normalized to the point where men who are otherwise decent guys will rape and not even think that it's wrong. And that's what terrifies me."
"Normalized." That's the word she used.
These people are pathological.
Featured in this offensive PSA, which passes off a criminal deviant as a typical guy: http://youtu.be/cHIFPffIl4k
A lame joke mocking the absurd statistic-mongers who claim one-in-you-fill-in-the-blank women are raped, or that a rape occurs once-every-you-fill-in-the-blank. The PSA is offensive because it is typical of PSA's about rape. In this one, two males are depicted. One is a pig, the other is an unhelpful bystander. While any male above a certain age can be a rapist, the suggestion that this scenario is typical is absurd.
The persons who control the public discourse on rape would have us believe there is no typical rapist but that all of masculinity is infected by "rape culture," and that our college campuses -- relatively safe venues by any measure -- are hotbeds of male sexual predatory misconduct, even though they aren't.
The fact is, rape offenders are disproportionately found among the lower socioeconomic classes, persons mired in a cistern of hopelessness and dependency. They are typically under-educated, under-employed, and under-skilled.
This, of course, doesn't fit the preferred narrative of radicals like Jessica Valenti. who once posited: "Rape is part of our culture; it's normalized to the point where men who are otherwise decent guys will rape and not even think that it's wrong. And that's what terrifies me."
"Normalized." That's the word she used.
These people are pathological.
News media often acts as advocate for rape accusers
That's a pretty grim picture, wouldn't you say? But is it surprising, given that the Tribune set out to write the piece after hearing from the frustration of rape accusers who claimed they couldn't get justice?
The Tribune proceeded to act as their advocate, and to treat them as actual victims.
RCMP quash sexual assault rumour
Police in Whitehorse caution that spreading false information can have negative impact on victims
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