Christine Blasey Ford, a Palo Alto resident whose allegation of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh has sparked an FBI investigation that has thrown his nomination into doubt, will receive a special proclamation from the City Council, Mayor Liz Kniss said Monday night.
Ford, a Palo Alto resident who last week testified along with Kavanaugh in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee, reportedly left the city because of threats shortly after media reports came out identifying her as the author of a letter that contained allegations against Kavanaugh. Ford testified last week that she had given the letter to her congresswoman, U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, who in turn handed it over to U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a member of the Judiciary Committee.
Kniss, who was inspired by Ford last month to share with The Mercury News her own stories of being a victim of sexual assault, called the recent hearings "mesmerizing" and lauded Ford for sharing her experiences. Ford, a Palo Alto University psychology professor, told the committee last Thursday that she was "100 percent" certain that her assailant was Kavanaugh and recalled the "uproarious laughter" from Kavanaugh and his friend, Mark Judge, during the incident.
Kavanaugh, in his testimony, vehemently denied all allegations.
"Through this act of bravery, she told the world about what happened to her and set an example for all women and men who have experienced similar trauma," Kniss said at the Monday meeting of the City Council. "She showed them the courage and strength to speak about something so personal and, in having done so, have inspired others to defend themselves and speak openly about their own experiences."
Kniss acknowledged that Ford is unlikely to come to City Hall for the proclamation.
"As much as we might like to give it to her in person, I somewhat doubt that would happen," she said.
Related content:
• Hundreds attend vigil for Christine Blasey Ford
• Community to Kavanaugh accuser: 'We are here, and we have your back'
• Palo Alto University professor accuses Kavanaugh of sexual assault
Comments
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 2, 2018 at 10:38 am
on Oct 2, 2018 at 10:38 am
[Post removed.]
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 2, 2018 at 11:12 am
on Oct 2, 2018 at 11:12 am
Maybe since Palo Alto is "a laughing stock to that nation", people will finally stop trying so hard to move here, and, rents will become affordable once again.
Midtown
on Oct 2, 2018 at 11:19 am
on Oct 2, 2018 at 11:19 am
Couldn't we wait to find out if she is telling the truth before giving a special proclamation... have some evidence corroborating her story? This is just nuts...
Downtown North
on Oct 2, 2018 at 12:46 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 12:46 pm
[Post removed.]
Community Center
on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:02 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:02 pm
Thank you Christine Blasey Ford for your exemplary courage. You have put honor and country ahead of all things. A new generation has gotten to see a true profile in courage. Too many of us have quietly suffered and you have spoken for us. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:14 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:14 pm
Heroes and courage are defined by our armed forces, our emergency personnel, first responders, and similar.
A woman who may or may not have accurate memories of something she did 35 years ago when something may or may not have happened to her, is far from being a hero in my book, particularly when it is used politically.
I think true heroes should be saddened by this.
Downtown North
on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:21 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:21 pm
The proclamation seems a bit premature.
Midtown
on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:40 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:40 pm
Apparently all local problems have been solved so its time for the City Council to wade into Federal matters.....
Green Acres
on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:42 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:42 pm
[Post removed.]
College Terrace
on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:43 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 1:43 pm
[Post removed.]
Adobe-Meadow
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:00 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:00 pm
Agree with many of the other posts. This is way too premature given there is no proof or corroborating evidence. I'm not saying that what she said isn't true but we will likely never know. If the presumption of innocence is not with the accused and the burden of proof is not with the accuser we are in a scary place.
Crescent Park
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:00 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:00 pm
[Post removed.]
Barron Park
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:04 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:04 pm
How does the old liberal cliché go? "better 10 guilty persons escape than one innocent suffer"
I will never vote for Feinstien again.
Mountain View
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:05 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:05 pm
[Post removed.]
Adobe-Meadow
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:09 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:09 pm
[Post removed due to deletion of referenced comment.]
another community
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:22 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:22 pm
[Post removed.]
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:31 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:31 pm
[Post removed.]
Los Altos
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:44 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:44 pm
It is too bad to see this type of action coming from my neighboring Palo Alto. (If there is corroborating evidence that comes out great... then I'll be quiet) Kavanaugh has been made the scapegoat of any woman in America who's been assaulted. And now because of actions like Palo Alto is taking and many others, people equate a confirming vote for him to supporting sexual assault. Sad!
College Terrace
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:49 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:49 pm
As a woman in Palo Alto, I find this to be a very sad affair. I don't automatically believe Ms. Ford, and her story has holes in it. However, she has had her story told. I think it is way too early to start offering up proclamations from our city council...it shows an extreme liberal bias that may boomerang on women, generally, and our city specifically.
Downtown North
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:52 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:52 pm
"Agree with many of the other posts. This is way too premature given there is no proof or corroborating evidence."
Fasten your earplugs. It's coming in.
Kavanaugh's buddies are corroborating that he was a heavy drinker, frequently inebriated. This is contrary to his testimony under oath to Congress and the nation. Even Trump has proclaimed that lying to Congress is unacceptable. So, bye bye Brett.
[Portion removed.]
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:52 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 4:52 pm
" her story has holes in it. "
Because you believe Brett?
They just added another Kavanugh lie today - he swore under oath he didn't watch her testimony, yet there was a group of 6 people in the room with Brett watching her.
Why on earth does he lie about so many easily provable things?!? He's such a smart accomplished lawyer!
Adobe-Meadow
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:08 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:08 pm
@curmudgeon
I said i wanted to see proof that he sexually assaulted Dr. Ford and you responded because some of his friends said he was a heavy drinker??? huh? How is that proof he sexually assaulted Dr. Ford. It's statements like yours that make me worried where we are moving in society when proof,evidence and corroboration are replaced by character assasination.
Midtown
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:11 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:11 pm
To Resident:
That "old liberal cliche" came from Thomas Jefferson. Ever hear of him? If not, you don't deserve to vote. And if you have, you must have failed history.
And Dan: there's tons of evidence that's already come to light. You're just ignoring it.
Old Palo Alto
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:12 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:12 pm
[Post removed.]
Old Palo Alto
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:21 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:21 pm
[Post removed.]
Crescent Park
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:22 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:22 pm
*just thinking*
This topic would have been far more controversial had the Mayor given Dr. Ford a
'Key to the City' and a parade.
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:24 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:24 pm
[Post removed due to deletion of referenced comment.]
Adobe-Meadow
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:25 pm
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:25 pm
@edward jacobs
holes in evidence:
the people that she said were there said they weren't
can't remember the location of the house
can't remember the date
can't remember how she got there
can't remember how she got home
other than that she has a airtight case
Registered user
Downtown North
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:57 pm
Registered user
on Oct 2, 2018 at 5:57 pm
"I said i wanted to see proof that he sexually assaulted Dr. Ford and you responded because some of his friends said he was a heavy drinker??? huh? How is that proof he sexually assaulted Dr. Ford."
I never said it was. Please read carefully before overreacting.
I'm impeaching the veracity of her alleged attacker, who it seems probably lied under oath and hysteria to Congress and the American people. Legal principle: impeached on one point, impeached on all. It's statements like yours that make me worried where we are moving in society where proof, evidence, and corroboration are replaced by histrionics and lies.
On the other hand, despite all the character assassination directed her way, nobody has objectively impeached Ms. Ford's testimony or her honesty.
Registered user
Crescent Park
on Oct 2, 2018 at 6:04 pm
Registered user
on Oct 2, 2018 at 6:04 pm
@curmudgeon
"who it seems probably lied under oath"
it seems? probably? very powerful statement you made just calling our your bias
Registered user
Downtown North
on Oct 2, 2018 at 6:48 pm
Registered user
on Oct 2, 2018 at 6:48 pm
" very powerful statement you made just calling our your bias"
MY bias??? Please explain something to me. Why are Republicans in such a rush to get a criminal sympathizer on the highest court in the USA? You know darn well that Kavanaugh will be a pushover for every bleeding heart liberal lawyer who claims their client was wrongly accused, and therefore we'll have armies of rapists and miscellaneous other hardened criminals freely roaming our streets with total impunity in no time. [Portion removed.]
Registered user
Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Oct 2, 2018 at 8:33 pm
Registered user
on Oct 2, 2018 at 8:33 pm
Good for the CC. I hope the CC proclamation called out the shameful thuggery and threats that caused Dr. Ford to have to leave her home and her community.
We know at least 3 lies Brett told: 1) He was in fact a LEGACY studen; he didn't get their by his own hard work. 2) He lied about the legal drinking age in Maryland, 3) He lied about the disgusting quotes in his yearbook.
If he was so proud and insistent on questioning Bill Clinton in minute detail about his consensual sexual act, why does Brett think he and Trump are above that?
Why the rush to confirm someone of such dubious honesty, temperament etc. when it's so clear he has no interest in being a fair impartial judge looking at the legal issues? Remember the GOP sat on Obama's nominee for more than 400 days when he had no such character flaws.
Registered user
Midtown
on Oct 3, 2018 at 6:27 am
Registered user
on Oct 3, 2018 at 6:27 am
This sort of thing is exactly why I'm leaving this town-- and won't be sad to put it in the rearview mirror.
We don't know where we are going next, only that it's not going to be a place that pulls stunts like this.
And I'm a Palo Alto homeowner with a great family and a spouse-- both of us enjoy fulfilling careers here-- we're among the lucky ones who have supposedly "made it". And yet, nonetheless, we're going to leave it all behind.
The political intolerance and political blinders that run rampant in this community are exemplified by this exceptionally shortsighted resolution.
The sad thing is that the community leadership is so narrow-minded and biased-- and so poorly read of other views that while I could cite chapter and verse the problems they have with Kavanaugh's testimony few of them are probably even aware of the numerous contradictions found in Chrstine Blasey Ford's, which have been extensively documented by media on the right. Nor, I suspect, are most particularly bothered with tiny things like a presumption of innocence when the person in question is a Republican.
None of that means she is lying of course. I think it's highly unlikely we'll ever know for certain whether Ford is lying, Kavanaugh is lying, or whether they both might be telling a version of the truth reflecting the way memories alter over the course of decades, the involvement of alcohol with both parties in the alleged incident, and the very different way in which young men and young women experience anything involving sexual activity.
But rather than wait for anything resembling the truth to come out, Palo Alto was happy to rush to judgement to keep the partisan circus going. We so far know very little about Dr. Ford's background but even what is already known (including recent testimony from a longtime ex-boyfiend) might have given the city a bit of pause.
What an embarrassment and what a disservice both to the victims of sexual assault and those unfairly accused.
Goodbye, Palo Alto. And Good Riddance.
Registered user
Professorville
on Oct 3, 2018 at 9:24 am
Registered user
on Oct 3, 2018 at 9:24 am
Before I moved from The Netherlands to the US in 1971, I had a very vivid belief about the country: Everything was bigger (i.e., homes, cars, meal portions in a restaurant,) and everyone was in a rush (i.e., the clock runs in the US versus the clock "walks" in other languages. How many times have I not heard someone saying "I have to run.... bye!)
Hastiness is seldom good, and I do agree with many of the above messages that the proclamation is too soon, especially since the FBI is still doing research.
However, as I wrote before after watching the Ford/Kavanaugh hearings: "I cannot not (please note the double negative) believe Ms. Ford, and I cannot believe Judge Kavanaugh completely," and therefore we need to have some patience as the FBI is doing its work.
Little lies bring bigger lies, and in Judge Kavanaugh's testimony, we already saw a slew of little lies....
I have also been troubled by the often times heavy drinking of Judge Kavanaugh in prep school and in college. How can one study and get good marks when you put yourself into that position? How did he get his good (presumed) marks?
As for Ms. Ford, she will always be remembered as the "second Anita Hill" in the US for fighting sexual harassment, and for that I am grateful.
Registered user
Mountain View
on Oct 3, 2018 at 11:14 am
Registered user
on Oct 3, 2018 at 11:14 am
Oh for gods sake, now we're questioning his grades? [Portion removed.] I partied my butt off in school and got close to straight A's. This sudden goody-two-shoes, holier than thou of the left is absolutely outstanding.
Regarding the veracity of the statements at the hearing. How can you continue to give her the benefit of the doubt? [Portion removed.]
Oh, but Kavanaugh is the one lying. Because there's so many FACTS to back that up. Not. Not ONE. I CANNOT BELIEVE how y'all continue to smear him and support her! Honestly! [Portion removed.]
I truly fear for our country. Truly.
Registered user
Downtown North
on Oct 3, 2018 at 12:27 pm
Registered user
on Oct 3, 2018 at 12:27 pm
"Goodbye, Palo Alto. And Good Riddance."
Well, bye. You will, of course, set an example for the rest of us by generously selling your house at below market price to help a less fortunate family than yours, right?
But before you depart, help us out. You say "...few of them are probably even aware of the numerous contradictions found in Chrstine Blasey Ford's [testimony], which have been extensively documented by media on the right."
Would you be so kind as to list them for our elucidation? Maybe the first couple dozen or so? Or, to save yourself a bunch of writing, just list any factual (objective facts, not alternative facts) ones.
Registered user
Mountain View
on Oct 3, 2018 at 12:29 pm
Registered user
on Oct 3, 2018 at 12:29 pm
@curmudfeon. Objective facts. Does that include uncorroborated “facts”? Hmmm like all of Blasey Fords statements?
Registered user
Downtown North
on Oct 3, 2018 at 3:30 pm
Registered user
on Oct 3, 2018 at 3:30 pm
"@curmudfeon. Objective facts. Does that include uncorroborated “facts”? Hmmm like all of Blasey Fords statements?"
As usual, the Republicans make vague allegations but cannot provide a definite list. Look. Go back to Alex Jones, etc., pick your way through the hoary Sandy Hook hoax accusations, bypass the internationally famous Clinton child porn ring at the Comet Ping Pong Pizza cellar, and get the latest scoops. List the facts. Both of them, if that many exist.
And do me a personal favor. Spell my name right.
Registered user
Mountain View
on Oct 3, 2018 at 8:12 pm
Registered user
on Oct 3, 2018 at 8:12 pm
My aologies, that was an unintended typo. I tried to post facts however the moderator deleted them. Guess the left doesn’t want to know the truth.
Registered user
Downtown North
on Oct 3, 2018 at 10:06 pm
Registered user
on Oct 3, 2018 at 10:06 pm
"I tried to post facts however the moderator deleted them. Guess the left doesn’t want to know the truth."
I totally sympathize with you, good buddy. Just yesterday they deleted my recap of Kavanaugh's testimony about his detailed calendar showing everything he did, which did not show a time slot blocked out for attacking Ms Ford, therefore he didn't do it. But it also did not indicate going to church as he claimed he did every Sunday because his religion was very, very important to him.
As you can imagine, the leftists challenged the whole veracity of his calendar because of that tiny omission, claiming he either didn't go to church after all, or his calendar was incomplete and therefore not a credible defense. It's just shameful what they do to a fellow these days, ain't it?
Registered user
Mountain View
on Oct 3, 2018 at 10:25 pm
Registered user
on Oct 3, 2018 at 10:25 pm
hmmmm. I keep a fairly detailed calendar myself. Mine doesn't include every time I go to the toilet, perhaps I better start adding that to ensure it's proof that I do. It doesn't include every meal either however I do most certainly eat on a daily basis and probably don't need to provide proof of that were we ever to meet.
My calendar includes those events that are one-offs, unusual, things I wouldn't consider part of my typical day. Do you track every single event in your life on yours?
Registered user
Midtown
on Oct 4, 2018 at 12:30 am
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 12:30 am
I don't believe her.
I don't disbelieve her.
She made an accusation that is unsubstantiated.
I fear that most people who believe her do so because of political reasons.
I fear that most people who don't believe her do so because of political reasons.
The big thing that is being rejected is that the burden of proof is with the accuser and not the accused. The basic fundamental part of the American judicial system is the presumption of innocence.
I read some posts today that were laced with talking points that "this is not a court case" so the presumption of innocence doesn't apply. This is almost shocking in how incredibly wrong it is.
If this is the standard by which we will determine all individuals up for positions in government, I fear that unsubstantiated accusations (and media-fueled hysteria accompanying them) will now become the basis upon which trials in the Court of Public Opinion are adjudicated.
[Portion removed.]
Again, I don't know if Christine Blasey Ford is telling the truth, a half-truth, a confused version of the truth or a lie. Likewise, I can say the same about Brett Kavanaugh. However, I do know that the presumption of innocence means that I cannot judge him on the basis of one person's accusation of him as a teenager 36 years ago.
Registered user
Old Palo Alto
on Oct 4, 2018 at 11:29 am
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 11:29 am
Very politically active, very liberal democrat Ford makes a charge. Nothing - nothing - about her charge could be verified by anyone. The democrats demanded FBI follow up and they’ve now reported - nothing found to prove her claim. Even if you suppport Ford, there is no way to verify anything she has claimed. Yet people, with nothing to prove anything, are marching around with ‘I Believe Her’ signs. Since nothing can be verified, the claim is worthless.
Many make the point that we as a nation require innocent until proven guilty, a founding principle of our country. They are, of course, correct. No one would want someone make a claim or charge against their child or their spouse without proof. No one would want their boss to fire them simply because they believe some charge without proof.
Palo Alto honoring Ford with a proclamation is ridiculous. It’s even possible that further investigation - there’s a lot more to come - proves that this is all a lie.
Registered user
Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Oct 4, 2018 at 11:57 am
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 11:57 am
Funny that so many people and groups including the American Bar Association, the National Council of Churches, 1,000 law professors, his roommates etc. etc. said he was not suited for the highest court of the land. how he'd blatantly lied under oath and how he was too hyper-partisan to ever rule on a case on its merits.
Funny how the FBI wasn't even allowed to interview the many people who came forward including Dr. Ford and even the nominee himself.
What a total sham, esp. after what they did -- or didn't do -- with Merrick Garland.
Registered user
Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Oct 4, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 12:03 pm
Ooops. Also opposing him is Yale Law School (his alma mater), Jesuit Magazine, his former law clearks and his old roommates.
Remind me again what the rush is to confirm him besides after they stalled Merrick Garland for 400+ days without even giving him a hearing. Might it have to do with getting him in place quickly to grant Trump immunity from all the charges against him including but not limited to Mueller's investigation?
Democracy was nice while it lasted.
Registered user
Palo Alto High School
on Oct 4, 2018 at 12:52 pm
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 12:52 pm
Here is an excellent song/video for those that are wanting an end to sexual assault. Take a listen/look at this 3:30 minute video/song. Truly an inspiration. I appreciate no negative comments unless you yourself have been a victim. I was a victim as a child by a priest. AND I never told people. If you have been a victim you know why and if you haven't been a victim, listen to others who have and pray to God that you don't become a victim. I hope you can appreciate this...
Web Link
Registered user
Old Palo Alto
on Oct 4, 2018 at 2:01 pm
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 2:01 pm
I am sad to read the comments of @goodbye and good riddance. The nation, in general, is doing poorly at parenting and getting worse. The internet is causing a serious crisis among the young that few, especially where it’s such a big business, are inclined to fix. Schools and curricula have become broadly polluted with righteous social activism. American politics is becoming jammed with people of few accomplishments, little real world experience, and thin resumes.
Mostly, we are becoming a nation that sorely needs better people. The quality of our people are the problem . We need better adults in situations like the simple, and formerly dignified process of appointing a new member to the Supreme Court - once, and still, so far, a model of justice for the rest of the world.
We need grown-ups. We need more people of great skill and character to manage the difficult issues facing us - not more people to form mobs, tear down statues, disrupt civil dialogue on campus, and further divide.
We have an extreme lack of great leaders in our busineses, our schools, and our government. [Portion removed.]
Palo Alto is not a good place to live any more. I’m sorry. I’m sure that we will lose good citizens when you leave
Registered user
Downtown North
on Oct 4, 2018 at 3:39 pm
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 3:39 pm
"hmmmm. I keep a fairly detailed calendar myself. Mine doesn't include every time I go to the toilet..."
I was talking about going to church. Most people don't consider those two activities equivalent.
[Portion removed.]
Registered user
Downtown North
on Oct 4, 2018 at 3:44 pm
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 3:44 pm
"The democrats demanded FBI follow up and they’ve now reported - nothing found to prove her claim. Even if you suppport Ford, there is no way to verify anything she has claimed."
Yes there is: let the FBI investigate without restrictions. Don't forbid them to interview anyone who might actually have information, as was done in this sham investigation.
Elites under "investigation" get special privilege the rest of us don't.
Registered user
Mountain View
on Oct 4, 2018 at 3:57 pm
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 3:57 pm
The point, Curmudgeon, is that we find brushing teeth, going to the bathroom, going to church, to be automatic, we don’t NEED to schedule them in a calendar.
[Portion removed.]
Registered user
Crescent Park
on Oct 4, 2018 at 5:36 pm
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 5:36 pm
QUOTE: Mostly, we are becoming a nation that sorely needs better people. The quality of our people are the problem .
Why is that? And what are the parameters for a 'quality' person? No one's perfect.
QUOTE: We need more people of great skill and character to manage the difficult issues facing us
Where are we going to find them? Most of the individuals who meet this criteria are now deceased & in the history books.
QUOTE: We have an extreme lack of great leaders in our busineses, our schools, and our government.
Again, why is that? Does it have something to do with misguided priorities + an overwhelming sense of arrogance & greed?
QUOTE: Palo Alto is not a good place to live any more.
It's changed...for better or worse is for others to decide or weigh-in on. Then again, I can think of far worse places to live and I'm not going to mention any cities or countries.
Registered user
another community
on Oct 4, 2018 at 6:22 pm
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 6:22 pm
Her heroism has nothing to do with her truthfulness or lack thereof. She has opened herself to vulgar abuse and unfair scrutiny to resist the extremist Trump regime. There are two reasons for this war on Kavanaugh: the Second Amendment protecting the right to bear arms, and the Imaginary Amendment protecting the right to abortion on demand. As far as Democrats are concerned, he's on the wrong side of both. If liberals can fault anybody, fault Schumer and Feinstein for not doing enough to wreck the nomination of the hyper-conservative Judge Kavanaugh. Blasey-Ford is a true hero to Palo Alto values. The rest of the country doesn't agree--but they're all deplorables.
Registered user
Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Oct 4, 2018 at 6:40 pm
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 6:40 pm
Remember that the GOP considers regular old birth control to be "abortion on demand" thanks to their intentional rejection of science and adoption of alternate "facts." The AMA's called on them to reject this fairy tale and naturally they've refused.
You know have former Supreme Court Justice Stevens calling for him to withdraw as well as many newspapers breaking decades-old traditions and calling for his defeat.
Registered user
Downtown North
on Oct 4, 2018 at 8:27 pm
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 8:27 pm
"The point, Curmudgeon, is that we find brushing teeth, going to the bathroom, going to church, to be automatic, we don’t NEED to schedule them in a calendar."
Sorry good buddy, we disagree fundamentally. I regard going to church a profound experience, many degrees above brushing teeth and going to the bathroom.
"Remember that the GOP considers regular old birth control to be "abortion on demand" thanks to their intentional rejection of science and adoption of alternate "facts."
It's nothing that philosophically noble. The Grody Old Party is merely catering to its Base as a cynical ploy to get their votes. Everybody involved in that sham uses birth control when they think nobody's looking.
Registered user
Midtown
on Oct 4, 2018 at 9:24 pm
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 9:24 pm
@ Online Name: You're joking, right? I don't know ANY Republicans who think that regular old birth control is "abortion." If anyone is making up "alternative facts," you might want to look at this straw man that you've constructed. It bears no resemblance to the Republican Party as a whole.
Registered user
Mountain View
on Oct 4, 2018 at 10:21 pm
Registered user
on Oct 4, 2018 at 10:21 pm
Curmudgeon. FFS, of course if you're religious going to church is a "profound experience". Again, why are you obfuscating the reality that's being presented here?
For those who attend church on a weekly basis there is no need to put it on a calendar.
Registered user
Palo Alto High School
on Oct 5, 2018 at 12:29 am
Registered user
on Oct 5, 2018 at 12:29 am
I love Palo Altans in general except the extreme leftist here. However, having grown up here, I have witnessed poor judgement in our City Council and otherwise. Palo Alto residents have 80% graduate degrees so they are book smart, not street smart. People want to jump on the bandwagon of Ford because of their own past experiences and they are following like lemmings. But the truth is, the liberals threw Ford under the bus for their gain. This just makes it worse for victims, knowing that nothing is confidential.
Registered user
Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on Oct 5, 2018 at 1:21 am
Registered user
on Oct 5, 2018 at 1:21 am
Nayelli, I wish I were joking about the movement to confuse abortion and regular old birth control. Here's a few recent articles on this from USA Today, Business Insider and The New York Times but there's lots more going back for years.
Business Insider, 9/6
Web Link
Reproductive rights groups slam Kavanaugh after he referred to some forms of birth control as 'abortion-inducing drugs'
Kavanaugh calls birth control 'abortion-inducing drugs' during confirmation hearings, sparks outrage (USA Today, 9/6)
Web Link
politics/2018/09/06/brett-kavanaugh-supreme-court-confirmation-abortion-inducing-drugs/1217561002/
Web Link (New York Times, 9/7)
Science Does Not Support Claims That Contraceptives Are ‘Abortion-Inducing’
"During his Supreme Court confirmation hearing on Thursday, Judge Brett Kavanaugh referred to some forms of birth control as “abortion-inducing drugs.” The phrase is a characterization that some anti-abortion religious groups use, but it is not supported by scientific evidence.
Judge Kavanaugh used the phrase while answering questions by Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas, about a 2015 dissent he wrote in a case brought by a Catholic organization over a requirement in the federal health care law that employers include contraception coverage in employee health plans. The group, Priests for Life, argued that the provision violated the Religious Freedom Restoration Act, despite an exception allowing employers with religious objections to arrange for a separate insurance company to provide contraceptive coverage."
Registered user
Midtown
on Oct 5, 2018 at 1:27 am
Registered user
on Oct 5, 2018 at 1:27 am
@ Online Name - So, you never addressed the claim that you've made. "Abortion-inducing drugs" are different from birth control. I don't know any Republicans who think differently. It is simply a very bad generalization (or straw man).
Registered user
Downtown North
on Oct 5, 2018 at 12:43 pm
Registered user
on Oct 5, 2018 at 12:43 pm
"For those who attend church on a weekly basis there is no need to put it on a calendar."
And likewise for those who regularly attend social gatherings where they get inebriated and assault women, right? Kavanaugh's calendar is therefore worthless.
Registered user
Downtown North
on Oct 5, 2018 at 12:51 pm
Registered user
on Oct 5, 2018 at 12:51 pm
"holes in evidence:
the people that she said were there said they weren't
can't remember the location of the house
can't remember the date
can't remember how she got there
can't remember how she got home"
I logically infer that, if she had simply made up these details, you'd find her testimony totally credible.
In other words, you're more ready to believe a lie than an honest but incomplete recollection.
My friend, you are a confirmed Republican, a stalwart of the party.
Registered user
Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Oct 11, 2018 at 12:40 pm
Registered user
on Oct 11, 2018 at 12:40 pm
We are celebrating Chrissie in our house!! My son is thrilled to know a person so "legit," and so am I. Here's hoping that all women feel fortified now to come forward--especially our daughters. Thanks to Christine Blasey Ford. <3