Empathy and the truth

Judge Kavanaugh has to be accountable for his past behavior.

That being said, jokes at his expense are as unacceptable as the laughter of him and his friends at the distress of the women whom they abused.

The United States has to change its messages about masculinity, so that hurting women stops being treated as a rite of passage.

It is wrong to treat him as a scapegoat for our societal failure.  I am sure that he is guilty, that he has lied and that he ought not to be confirmed; I am equally sure that he loves his family and that they are devastated and terrified.

Too many people have already been damaged by centuries of physical and emotional abuse, casually inflicted on women and men who are categorically or suddenly deemed undeserving of humane considerations.  It is unacceptable to direct the anger and derision of millions of people against Judge Kavanaugh, at the expense of his ability to care for his family and to be a role model of taking responsibility for his actions.

Hopefully, the men and the women who have known the side of Judge Kavanaugh that is kind and thoughtful will contact him and offer their support.