Harassment and Confirmation Hearings

It is somewhat surprising that Broyles, a former editor-in-chief of Newsweek, is such a dismal editorializer. He called it illogical that a woman who had been sexually harassed would tend to believe Hill, and yet made it clear that his support of Thomas was based largely on the fact that he himself had been the victim of baseless accusations. He rhapsodized over the “crucial testimony” of the four women who worked with Thomas, and decided that their “unflattering” evaluation of Hill as aloof and tough was a basis for doubting her testimony. Broyles seems to believe that only a rabid feminist would discount these witnesses in light of the more relevant testimony offered by the four witnesses who corroborated Hill’s description of events.

Broyles does not understand that many women, regardless of whether they have been victims of sexual harassment or consider themselves feminists, found that Hill’s story rang true. Thomas cannot be evaluated upon his professional experience or opinions, as he appears to be sadly lacking in both. Since his character, which is all we are left with, seems to possess a serious flaw, which makes his sympathy and respect for women highly questionable, the fury surrounding his confirmation is neither surprising nor unfair.

KATHLEEN GILBERT, Leucadia