For Those Who Said To Wait To Condemn CNN Until After The Town Hall....

[usedtobedemgurl]

The damage is now done. It is over. There is so much damage, but the one I want to address is to rape survivors, like me. For those of you who may recall, on my old account "demgurl" I wrote about my rape story and addressed it to George Will, who thought rape survivors come forward to get attention and become popular. What a load of excuse my French, bullshit!

Last night, a lot more damage was done than is being talked about. I see Stephanie Miller talking about how Trump joked and mocked rape. Everyone in the audience was howling with laughter.

If Joe Tapioca Pudding wants to know why Carroll did not come forward, it is because of displays such as the one put forth last night.

I did not go to the cops, because I had been drinking, and I did not want to be put on trial in the cop station, in the courtroom and by any friends or family who may "innocently" have the same questions about my past and what I was wearing. I am a survivor advocate. I put it out there that the person does not need to go to the cops, but if they do, I will be with them all the way.

The sad messages I've received would make anyone cringe. The wreckage left after rape is not for the faint of heart.

Last night, it set back survivors by at least 20-30 years. You think the jokes and laughter about one of the more heinous things that can happen to a woman will move people forward? Not a chance.

These thoughts are from someone who was mulling over whether it is a little more ok to bring rape charges after Carroll's verdict. (yes, I know it was civil and not criminal) I wondered if we advanced more than I'd given society credit for. Deplorable just is not a strong enough word for someone who jokes at or laughs about rape. They do not have even a drop of empathy.

While our Democracy was hurt last night, along with many other things, let's not lose sight of what damage was possibly done for accountability last night. If we had protested more, called out CNN more, or just made our thoughts known, maybe CNN would have caved.

For those who said we are Democrats and we should wait and see, have you been watching our recent history? This was bound to happen. I only hoped he would slander Carroll, so another suit could be filed today. We cannot normalize this "man" any more than already has been done.

For me, I am disgusted. Joking about rape is up there with jokes about the Holocaust.

My Great Aunt used to say," Show me your friends and I will tell you what you are." The people laughing at rape jokes are Trump's "friends." Hillary told us what they are. CNN had a duty to stop the damn fool last night. The whole program should have been cut off as soon as he started his shenanigans. Or, they should have pretaped it and decided if the optics would allow them to air it.

Trump, CNN and the town hall folks are a disgrace to this country. I cannot begin to express how traumatized I am at the jokes about rape. It will take a while for me to recover. I imagine it is that way for many other survivors. Before anyone goes on about free speech, that does not apply to yelling "fire" in a crowded theater. Trump is yelling "fire" in a crowded country and a lot of us are being trampled.

[hlthe2b]

1. I sent a scathing message to CNN. You should send one about this as well.

Here:
Send Feedback to CNN:
https://help.cnn.com/us/Feedback


BTW, did you know your old demgurl account is still active?

[FoxNewsSucks]

4. I let them know what I think

Somehow managed to do it without any curse words.

[AllaN01Bear]

43. that would be hard for me.

[usedtobedemgurl]

7. It may be active but my ex husband would not help me

Get my password after we split. My email was through him. I will reach out to them. Thanks!

[edisdead]

100. or just make another email and account?

[usedtobedemgurl]

102. Well that is what I did.

Thus the “usedtobedemgurl” user name now. I believe I reached out to admin here, when it happened, and they could offer no help. I just made a new account. Thank you, for the advice. This was about 10 or so years ago, I believe. I needed to be able to post here, so this was my only option.

[edisdead]

103. there ya go!

[Disaffected]

18. I tried but

the link won't load. I hope it is because their site is overloaded by many other folks trying to express their outrage over giving that lying lunatic such a forum.

[catbyte]

53. Give it another try. It just worked for me.

[Disaffected]

57. OK, thanks, But now it goes to

https://www.cnn.com/geo-availability

and sez "...there's no page here".

Looks to me like maybe it won't accept anything from outside the US(?).

Oh well, critical comments likely wind up in the bit-bucket in any case.

[The Grand Illuminist]

29. We are very near the point

where words might no longer be effective.

[lastlib]

31. Thanks for the link to CNN! I was looking for it!

n/t

[Bluepinky]

41. I sent them a message last week, prior to the "town hall" event.

How can they call it a town hall with a hand-picked, pre screened audience? It wasn’t a town hall, it was a Trump rally, televised on a major news network to legitimize it. I didn’t watch it, but from what I’ve heard, Trump and his audience were disgraceful.

Addendum
I just sent them more feedback using your link. It’s truly sad that much of our media is owned by huge corporations whose primary goal is making money (by any means).

[wnylib]

129. The media not only prioritize making money above

preserving democracy, but they actively oppose people who are trying to preserve it. They will promote Trump or any other sleaze in order to prevent economic reforms that they consider "socialist."

[StarryNite]

51. Thank you for the link.

[stage left]

72. Thank you for the link

I couldn't find it yesterday so I registered my disgust on their facebook page. I have enough disgust to send them more feedback, though. Despicable. And the audience was nothing but Deplorables.

[SunnyATT]

106. I just sent my message.

Hello there! As you can see I rarely post but not a day goes by when I don't read what all you avid DU'ers have to say. Posting today to say thanks for the link.

[Pacifist Patriot]

134. Thanks, done!!

[PatrickforB]

152. Thanks for this link.

Not that I'll ever be watching CNN now that they have drifted into right-wing cray-cray land. I sent them my feedback.

[llmart]

162. Thank you for the link.

They will definitely hear from me. I haven't watched CNN in years - gave up cable almost 15 years ago - but I had no intentions of watching IT even if I did have cable. He's one of the most disgusting pieces of scum and so are every last one of his cultists. I get physically nauseous even if I see his ugly face. For over four years I had to switch channels immediately to avoid hearing and seeing him. I never thought we'd find ourselves in this predicament again after he lost. The people in the Republican party who still prop him up are just as guilty in foisting him on us. I'm back to having to switch channels or just not watch any news programs.

I hope someone can put together a list of advertisers on CNN so I can boycott them too.

[FoxNewsSucks]

2. Well said.

And CNN/ MF45's defenders are already out on this site. It's disgusting, as was everything about that Klan rally last night.

[Ninga]

3. Your OP is the most important read of today. Your straight forward no bullshit accounting and

narrative is powerful.

I did not see the value in giving CNN clicks for giving trump such a forum.
But that is exactly what happened. The ratings gurus are happy.

The damage done to women last night was extensive and perhaps lasting for longer than can be foreseen.

[spanone]

5. ...K&R...

[Joinfortmill]

6. I'm with you all the way. God bless

[usedtobedemgurl]

111. Thank you! NT

[Paladin]

8. Sounds like CNN gave trump everything except on-stage blowjobs.

Glad I chose to watch something else last night.

[Celerity]

68. The very fact that they stacked the entire audience with fawning, cheering MAGAt scum put paid

to the specious claim that CNN was performing some vital and patriotic service for the nation.

[SledDriver]

9. Safe to say that CNN should no longer be cited as a credible source here on DU?

Not sure if this is already a thing but thinking they should now be excluded as credible along with Faux News et al?

I certainly wouldn't trust their "reporting" anymore.

[DENVERPOPS]

87. Screw CNN, maybe they can hire all the cast offs of Fox

CNN was supposed to be premiering their "NEW CNN" programming tonight……… FACTUAL NEWS for a change.

Well, all it did was prove, beyond ANY doubt, ALL CNN wanted to “capture” for CNN, was the Fox Audience of Trumphumpers and Voters, now that FOX has stumbled hard………They look at those 70+Million as a cash cow gold mine, just there for the taking……..

First, they only allowed in 400 supreme MAGGATS, no Dems, no Biden Lovers, in the room as the audience…..…………WOW

That pretty well encapsulates what happened at their Premier “Town and Country” program, hosted by Donald Trump………

They gave Trump, a humongous MAGA campaign kick off, and a free 60 minute political ad ……………………..

[Blue Owl]

10. K&R

Fuck CNN

[Just A Box Of Rain]

11. The damage is all to Trump.

He showed (yet again) what and who he is.

He must never (ever) gain power again. The Town Hall helped in that regard. He's a sick human being who came across badly.

I believe CNN did cut the program short and he was confronted on his lies both in real-time during the event, in brutal post event analysis, and there is enough fodder to do on damaging Trump for quite some time.

Our democracy was strengthened last night. People need to be informed. They were.

Trump is a disaster. That was on full display.

[TheRealNorth]

12. CNN should next televise a Russian Town Hall.....

To give Putin the opportunity to tell us how his special military operating is "liberating" Ukraine.

[usedtobedemgurl]

14. I disagree...

You have no idea what I am going through today and, no doubt, other countless survivors. Damage all to Trump? I want to say something so strong right now, but I will just say no! Do not discount my feelings, as well as others. How dare you question that I have been damaged by this!!!!!! I must get offline now. This reply is doing even more damage. Don’t you dare question how this has hurt and damaged me and others!

[Just A Box Of Rain]

15. I'm sorry for your pain.

It is vital that Trump never gains power again and last night was helpful to ensuring he can't win in 2024.

That's important.

[usedtobedemgurl]

22. Can you show me where it did damage to Trump?

We already have our side, who would never vote for Trump. Please direct me to all the never-anyone-but-Trump people who changed their mind?

Trying to figure out how this damaged him. Some may have a few qualms but I want to know how many folks walked out of the town hall last night. Please give me numbers. If it is more than 30 out of 400 walking out, I will believe a modicum of damage was done. Links, please. No opinions, just facts.

[blue neen]

23. "That's important".

Seriously, that's how you reply to a poster who stated how traumatized she is by the Trump goons' behavior?

You have got to be kidding me. You should delete your tone-deaf and cruel reply. Last night was only "helpful" to CNN and Trump who both apparently got what they both wanted.

[MrsCoffee]

28. +1000

[BadgerMom]

35. +1000

[Spazito]

34. +1000

[progressoid]

44. +1 gazillion.

[usedtobedemgurl]

45. Thank you. This is why rape survivors do not come forward.

I appreciate you.

[blue neen]

64. I'm sorry for what you have been through.

I hope you can find solace in the number of people who support and understand your struggles.

Please ignore the ones whose only purpose is to antagonize.

"By their words we shall know them."

[usedtobedemgurl]

66. And know them well!

They will not even stop when people ask them to. I notice they have become clever. It is hard to report them when they technically do not break the rules. The only thing to do is leave them here so people can see who they are. Sooner or later, they will meet karma. Thank you.

[SunImp]

104. There is a lot of those types of people here unfortunately.

[usedtobedemgurl]

105. More and more as time goes on.

Instead of stepping around them, we should shout out to everyone else to note the name, even if everyone already understands. It is no fun trolling if the reply you get is not being mad, just pointing out what sad people they are. These are the type of folks who kick homeless folks on the steeets. I mean, if you do not respect a rape survivor, why would you respect anyone else?

[FoxNewsSucks]

69. [phone]

[Just A Box Of Rain]

85. It is neither "tone-deaf" nor "cruel" to say that it is important that a sexual predator

never returns to power.

Stopping Trump is important.

[usedtobedemgurl]

89. Everyone, remember this user name.

This person has been asked to stop. They have not. There is no respect there at all, no matter how they twist the truth. Keep this user name in mind!

[Just A Box Of Rain]

91. What you are saying simply isn't true.

It is vital to all--but especially victims of sexual assaults--that Donald J Trump never returns to power.

That's the truth. Trump, once again, showed who he is on CNN yesterday.

He needs to be stopped.

[llmart]

160. +1000

[FoxNewsSucks]

76. Shameful.

Apparently defending a right-wing media is more important than the feelings and experiences of others.

[Just A Box Of Rain]

81. CNN isn't right-wing media.

Saying one is sorry for another's pain is not disrespecting their experience.

[usedtobedemgurl]

90. What you have done is disrespectful.

Leave me and others in my pain alone. If you say all of this is respectful, be respectful and do not post on any thread I post, please. I do not need your pain, and you are causing me pain. THIS IS A DEMOCRATIC BOARD, be respectful.

[Just A Box Of Rain]

92. I've said nothing that is remotely disrespectful to you.

Instead I've said I'm sorry for your pain.

Democrats are all in agreement that defeating Trump is important.

[usedtobedemgurl]

94. THIS IS HOW RAIN DEFINES RESPECTFUL.

Everyone take note of this person. I told them I am in additional pain because of them and asked them, nicely, to stay off my threads. You see they want to cause additional pain by speaking up yet again, even when others call it disrespectful. They obviously like hurting people because they did not back off hurting me. I wonder what other people like hurting folks. This person cannot even be respectful of a rape survivor. Wow! I have no words. Most people with half a conscience would peacefully go away. This person chooses to try to inflict more harm when asked to go away. Some people show, easily. Who they really are: they can speak up a hundred more times about how respectful they are; but we all see they would not honor my request. Words fail me! It is not just me, look how others have reacted. Holy shit!

[Just A Box Of Rain]

96. I've said nothing that's remotely disrespectful to you.

Rather, I've said that it is important to make sure a sexual predator like Trump never regains power.

[TwilightZone]

172. DU has an ignore feature.

You can block individual posters. Just click on the icon with the red X to the right of their username on one of their posts, and you won't see them anymore. That would be a quick and easy way to deal with the poster you're referring to.

My apologies if this was suggested already. I didn't read through all of the replies.

[usedtobedemgurl]

182. It was not suggested.

But when I hit ignore, I found I lost a lot of other comments. Besides, it is only right to call someone out if they are crapping all over a thread…especially about rape. I hope the more someone is called out, the sooner they may learn a lesson about respect.

[TwilightZone]

185. That particular poster also thinks that CNN's Trump town hall was the best idea ever.

While calling them out may provide some respite, I suspect that if you blocked them, you wouldn't be missing much.

[usedtobedemgurl]

186. Perhaps, but after calling him out, I hit ignore.

Posts I wanted to reply to, like the one with the beautiful song lyrics disappeared. I only blocked Rain. Anything under that person’s posts disappeared. Please tell me how to get around that, because this is a very important subject to me. I am a raid survivor advocate. When someone reaches out to me and shares, I find that rather important. It is important at any time, but particularly in the topic of rape. Go ahead and block him. See how a lot of the comments disappear: by blocking Rain, I was left without a lot of comments. Do you know a way to keep the other comments and only block him? Block him and come back to this thread. See all the posts which are missing.

While I would not miss rain’s post here or anywhere else. I did end up missing the lyrics and I desperately wanted to hear the music to the song. There were also other comments I was going to reply to that disappeared.

[usedtobedemgurl]

95. If anyone gets on a jury for me reporting this person...

Please find them guilty. Thanks!

[Higherarky]

170. If I may, I'd like to share the lyrics to a song I wrote that I think apply to this situation:

I'm a rape survivor, too. I dedicated this song to my rapist and his apologists when I performed it in public many, many times.


"I can't wait for you to tell me what to do
When it's all too obvious that you don't have a clue
Before you say another word
Think this through
WHO ASKED YOU

You keep telling me that I don't understand
You keep saying you just want to lend a hand
But underneath it all it's more of your demands
WHO ASKED YOU

I got my degree at the college of hard knocks
And my education cost me dear
Paid my share of dues in blood and tears
And I don't need you to tell me what to do

I don't need you to think for me
I'll draw my own conclusions from what I see
And facts are facts and 2 and 2 ain't 3
WHO ASKED YOU

I got my degree at the college of hard knocks
And my education cost me dear
One thing I've learned well is that the worst vice is advice
And I don't need you to tell me what to do

It should be plain to you I won't be bought
I've learned a thing or 3 from what I've been taught
So get your foot out of your mouth and give it a thought
WHO ASKED YOU
WHO ASKED YOU

WHO
ASKED
YOU?!?!?!!!"


Peace times infinity to you, Gurl.

[usedtobedemgurl]

171. I love this.

Thank you so much for sharing it with me. Wondering, did you write music to it?

[Higherarky]

173. You're welcome Gurl.

Last edited Sun May 14, 2023, 01:07 PM - Edit history (1)

Yes. Would you like to hear it?

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19KQPrALbFJkKn5hCgmZSnu9x5fSazgbC/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19KQPrALbFJkKn5hCgmZSnu9x5fSazgbC/view?usp=drivesdk

Me. Solo. Live.

I hope you enjoy it.

☮️💖🎶♾️

[usedtobedemgurl]

174. Thank you. It is late at night and my

Phone is not cooperating. I will try on my laptop tomorrow. 💗💗

[Higherarky]

177. Hey Sis

I might have erred when posting the link ...

I've tried fixing it. Maybe it'll work now.

Anyway, wishing you a pleasant & peaceful day.

Hugzzz!

[usedtobedemgurl]

181. Hi sis!

Tried on my phone again. So frustrated. I think I will have to try on my computer. I seriously want to hear that song. I am dying to know what it sounds like. I am determined!!! 💗

[Higherarky]

184. Here's a few more tries ...

I'm kind of a dinosaur with all this new-fangled "sharing" stuff ... But I hope you can hear it. I wrote it for You ... For me ... For all of us sassy survivors! 💞

All the best to you today and forevermore!

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19KQPrALbFJkKn5hCgmZSnu9x5fSazgbC/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19KQPrALbFJkKn5hCgmZSnu9x5fSazgbC/view?usp=drivesdk

https://drive.google.com/file/d/19KQPrALbFJkKn5hCgmZSnu9x5fSazgbC/view?usp=drivesdk

[usedtobedemgurl]

187. No worries, I thought maybe with my brain injury I was not doing something right.

You rock! I love it. I had to send your link to my own text, and after that I opened it. That finally did the trick. Did you play all the instruments?

Is there a place I can purchase it? I love supporting talented people. You are definitely talented. You sharing this made my whole weekend. Also, now I have a new ear worm!!!! 💗💗🥰

[budkin]

179. So happy this troll was banned!

They were insufferable!

[usedtobedemgurl]

180. I totally agree with that. Good riddance! Nt

[crim son]

169. There appears to be a misunderstanding.

I doubt you meant to imply that the cheering crowd was not likely to hurt those of us who have been raped. I've been raped and did not get that sense. Some clearly did, however, and an apology might be a good idea.

[Ms. Toad]

117. Your first phrase is the only thing that makes sense: it is vital that Trump never gains power again

Giving him a prime time slot for a campaign rally, on an until now respected news media, gives his candidacy a legitimacy it otherwise would not have.

He had 4 years in which he demonstrated exactly who and what he is. He continues to do so to anyone who will listen. To ensure he not gain power again. Expanding his audience beyond those who follow his traveling circus act - as CNN did last night legitimizes his fringe views and pumps up those who would love to follow hi straveling circus, but can't afford to.

No responsible meda entity should give him a platform from which he is free so spread his lies and hate.

[Just A Box Of Rain]

124. We disagree.

I think the Town Hall damaged Trump, which is what I and many expected.

He can't help himself. That's good for Democrats and the country.

Trump did not "have a platform." He was fact-checked constantly during and after the show and the clips that are being rerun are damning.

The Biden team is reported to be "positively giddy" over Trump's disastrous showing.

[Ms. Toad]

127. Just like Clinton's team was positively giddy over the

Hollywood Access tapes. And people were so giddy about the possibility about Trump being the nominee in 2016 that they crossed party lines to vote in the Republican primary.

You are seriously underestimating the intelligence and good will of people in this country who have already proven they have none. Trump needs to be monitored, but otherwise hidden away as far from free PR as we can keep him. And that's all last night was - free PR for a traveling snake-oil salesman. All CNN did was give him access to more gullible people.

[Just A Box Of Rain]

128. People crossed party lines

but it wasn't to the GOP.

The Greens fucked us again along with those who boycotted our party.

[Ms. Toad]

130. I know a number of people who crossed party lines in the primary

to vote for Trump because they believed he would easier than any of the other candidates to defeat in the general election; the same premise you seem to be working from.

[Just A Box Of Rain]

133. And I know many who sat out the General or voted Green and that did us in.

We were sabotaged.

[Ms. Toad]

136. Completely unrelated to the point.

Democrats were so giddy about a Donald Trump candidacy that they actively participated in nominating him. We sabotaged ourselves by believing, like you apparently do, that Donald Trump is an easy person to beat . . . if only people knew what he was really like.

After 2016, no one should be so gullible as to think that Donald Trump would be an easy defeat. After 2016, no on should be so gullbiel as to think that exposure to who and what Trump is will help defeat him.

Right wing lunacy is at an all-time high, in part because people like Donald Trump have made it acceptable. The more we give him a platform - the more we normalize him, the worse things get. The only thing shining a spotlight on people like Donald trump does is feed those who previously felt they needed to hide their vile nature, and encourage them to put it on display - just like their hero.

[Just A Box Of Rain]

137. Not a bit "unrelated."

Right wing lunacy is at an all-time high. We are dealing with rising populism worldwide.

We need to defeat this dangerous impulse. Attacking the press for doing their job is counterproductive in the extreme.

[Ms. Toad]

141. The press is not doing their job by giving a dangerous right wing jerk

an hour-long free forum on mainstream media.

Creating an echo chamber (or carrying candidate-created echo chambers) for such a person is not doing their job. Period.

[Just A Box Of Rain]

142. We have different opinions on the matter.

I believe that CNN has an interest in covering the leading Republican in the race and that the coverage harmed Trump's prospects.

As I'd predicted in advance.

There was no "echo chamber" on CNN. Trump's lies were countered during the program and afterward. That's good journalism in my estimation.

Trump damaged himself. The Biden team is "positively giddy," and with good cause.

[housecat]

138. I believe tfg was damaged. CNN let him show viewers who he is. Not their goal but

we probably got some lemonade from their lemons. Foks viewers have no clue what is going on if it isn't on Foks. People watching CNN saw tfg as the soulless monster he is. So at least some of the viewers learned something. Maybe. I didn't watch CNN before and not starting now.

[Just A Box Of Rain]

139. I think it was CNN's goal.

Clearly and absolutely.

The panels after the event roasted Trump, and his responses were predictable.

CNN acted the way responsible news outlets should operate in my estimation.

[housecat]

165. That's what I thought. But they took a chance, and got backlash because it surprised people.

Maybe if they gave a heads-up it would've gone smoother for CNN. Anyway the plan worked.

[MrsCheaplaugh]

168. Yes, indeed

that is exactly it. Trump has been exposing his true nature for years now. He didn't need the platform CNN handed him with its free-of-cost airtime, fawning cultists planted in the audience, and general Triumph of the Will spirit.

I would rather gouge my eyes out with a table fork than watch that network again.

[progressoid]

48. ...

[blue neen]

30. The damage was NOT all to Trump.

The damage was, and is ongoing, to victims of sexual assault. You are discounting and ignoring the OP's trauma and pain.

Unbelievable.

[BadgerMom]

36. Agreed.

[Just A Box Of Rain]

37. Not true in any fashion.

Victims of sexual assault has the most interest in making sure Donald J Trump never regains power. That's important and that's my goal.

The CNN Town Hall hurt Trump. That's a huge positive.

[blue neen]

39. Just stop.

There is no justification for your replies in this thread, all which show a lack of knowledge and awareness.

[usedtobedemgurl]

46. I back every reply to you...

And ask, again, for proof. How many people left the town hall last night? How many walked out because of his cruel jokes? Proof? Link?

[Just A Box Of Rain]

49. I'm sorry, but I don't think the metric by which Trump's on-air disaster should be measured

is how many people left the hall.

The proper metrics are his standings in the polls, and--ultimately the only metric that really matters--is his defeat in 2024.

I think this Town Hall was helpful in undercutting Trump's odds. He is a danger. Americans got to see that for themselves.

[usedtobedemgurl]

61. Ok, show me the data where it says, officially,

Trump was hurt. Not YOYR opinion. Data. Facts are important, like the fact what he did last night hurts women.

[JudyM]

148. If he was spouting overt racism, would that have been good for democracy as well?

[PA Democrat]

50. Agree 100%

Good message to send to the young boys of America. Ridicule victims of sexual assault and people in the audience will applaud and laugh!

That display has no place on a nationally televised program. CNN should be ashamed.

[Cuthbert Allgood]

70. I agree that Trump gained no supporters last night.

I understand that there is impact to rape/sexual assault survivors and that shouldn't be ignored. But as to politics, nothing about last night helped Trump. Sure, his supporters probably aren't leaving him. But he gained NO supporters. And those that he needs to bring over that didn't like what he has been doing were reminded that he is no different.

Plus, he gave evidence to all 3 of his trials (including that Carroll can probably sue him again for what he said last night).

[Just A Box Of Rain]

73. Yep.

[Silent3]

101. Yes, that MAGA-stacked cheering audience really helped the objectivity...

...and public service CNN was clearly going for.

[msfiddlestix]

161. Shown to who? people who lived on a desert island during his reign of terror in office?

how was his maggot rally courtesy of CNN a moment of the great reveal?

his adoring fans love all of that. those of us who are not his fans have lived through this nightmare for several years.

there isn't anyone breathing and thinking who would experience a moment of wide eyed understanding of what a fucking psycho path he is. I honestly am dumbfounded by any such rationalization .

[housecat]

167. Sadly there was collateral damage. A brave woman beat him in the court of public opinion and the

court of law. It was predictable that he would attack the plaintiff and all women, especially those who had similar painful experiences. So other survivors of rape and sexual abuse were hurt again, because of tfg. Let's hurt him now. If there is strength in unity, women (and men) can and must take him down.

[budkin]

178. This guy is a troll that only responds to CNN threads

To tell people they are wrong about CNN moving right. And now he’s banned! Bye-bye!

[UpInArms]

13. my letter (just emailed) to CNN

Dear CNN

I am thoroughly disgusted by your absolute disregard for all of humanity and for the democratic republic that is called the United States of America.

You made a despicable decision to allow a twice impeached known liar who cares only about himself a platform with a very large megaphone to broadcast more lies and venom upon my beloved country and fellow citizens.

If you had one scintilla of self-awareness, you would be so ashamed that you would be airing an apology nonstop for the rest of your existence on this planet. Knowing that you have none, I will spend the remainder of my existence making certain that everyone I am in contact with (and that is very large number of people) will also be known by the company (that is you) they keep.

Every advertiser and their products on any of your airwaves will forever be banned from my home. I will shun and disparage all of your contacts, your employees and everything with which you are associated.

Be advised that whatever you do, you have stained yourself beyond redemption.

Sincerely,

[usedtobedemgurl]

47. Thank you for writing to them.

I have done so as well. This is the time we must speak up.

[Kaleva]

16. Catastrophic climate change will soon make this seem rinky dink

Tes, maybe hundreds , of millions are going to die and most everyone else will face extreme hardships as they struggle to adapt.

[housecat]

20. All life will struggle to adapt, and more species will become extinct.

[usedtobedemgurl]

24. Not sure how climate change makes my point irrelevant.

Many women were hurt last night. I was hurt by what happened last night. So, to tell me someone making fun of rape will soon be funky funk, comes across as callous.

I will concede, unlike you, that climate change is a huge problem. It is too bad you could not have replied on a Democratic board, supporting your fellow Democrats. See, I supported you by saying it is a problem. You trivialized rape by pointing to looking over there at this other thing.

[Hekate]

32. +1

[Kaleva]

59. I've been preaching for years now here that we need to prepare

for the calamity that is coming. I don't downgrade it as a "problem". It's going to be the biggest catastrophy that life on Earth will face since humans first walked.

[Kaleva]

60. I apologize as coming across as callous

I don't mean to downgrade what you and others suffered. Your feeling and the feelings of others are important. I'll just leave this thread as I have nothing to contribute to what you are saying.

[Spazito]

38. Wow!

Your post completely missed the point and introduces something that has NOTHING to do with the OP.

[Kaleva]

55. The point is that everything will get much worse no matter....

what happens today..

It's a matter of perspective. Don't get too excited about the news as shit is going to get real soon enough. Enjoy the days we have.

[Spazito]

58. The OP is about survivors of rape/sexual assault being...

retraumatized by trump yet again thanks to CNN. Being able to care about multiple issues is surprisingly easy especially when they are equally important to one's ability to "enjoy the days we have", imo.

[usedtobedemgurl]

62. Please start your own thread about that.

Do not undermine my thread and the real emotions. If you are truly a Democrat, you will be floored by and feel guilty your words are adding to the damage by minimizing what I have been through and doubly for what was said by that buffoon last night. You are adding to what I have said, and to rape survivors by adding what you are to this thread.

[SouthernDem4ever]

17. Thanks for the feedback link to CNN. I just used it

[housecat]

19. Excellent. You also summed up one of our biggest mistakes--"let's wait and see"

We've already waited too long, we seem to think we haven't seen enough, delay is a tactic tfg uses.

[usedtobedemgurl]

26. We are playing by one set of rules

While they play by another. We have to play by ear rules, because that is the only way this is going to work.

[housecat]

107. Ear rules work

[usedtobedemgurl]

109. Maybe I knew this at one point...

But with my TBI (traumatic brain injury) I do not know it now. Can you explain what that is, literally like I am 5 years old, please?

[housecat]

140. Well if you mean "playing it by ear" it's from music. A musician who doesn't rely on printed music

plays it by memory -- playing the instrument without seeing music, based on hearing it another time. Or one musician listens to another and is able to play his/her part based on what he/she is hearing from another player.

So playing it by ear is improvising or doing something without instructions. Like cooking without a recipe can be called playing it by ear. You have an idea what your goal is, and you jump in and do things that you think will help you reach your goal. If it doesn't work, try again.

Make sense?
.

[usedtobedemgurl]

143. Ok, thank you.

I knew playing it by ear but never heard of it (that I can recall) as ear rules. I appreciate your time.

[Demsrule86]

21. I too was sexually assaulted. I was knocked unconscious and ended up in the hospital

so I remember little of what happened. I was pretty badly knocked around. Of course, no prosecution as I had been in a bar and stepped outside for a smoke. My parents told family and friends that I had been in a car accident... to spare me the 'shame'. And we never spoke about it. I didn't leave the House for around a year.

I was too frightened to go out. Eventually, I found a wonderful therapist who gave me my life back. I felt it was my fault on some level for years. I well understand why E Jean Carroll did not report the assault. Survivors were not treated well back in the day and still in many cases aren't. This can truly destroy your life. I thank God I sought therapy.

[usedtobedemgurl]

25. Therapy can be very important.

I am glad you got what you needed. I hope your life stays healed. Be safe.

[Demsrule86]

71. You too. And thanks for this post.

[calimary]

147. Really glad you got help, Demsrule86.

It’s to your credit that you recognized that you needed to, in the first place.

[JudyM]

149. This hurts my heart. The inhumanity, the depraved indifference.

Some men apparently believe it’s their birthright. TFG has only added to the normalization of this, IMO.

So sorry. Glad you found such a good therapist and wishing you continued strength.

[MayReasonRule]

27. Trump Further Incriminated Himself Civilly And In All Three Ongoing Criminal Cases Against Him

Legal experts believe that former President Donald Trump's CNN town hall at St. Anselm College in New Hampshire gave fresh evidence to every one of the three ongoing criminal cases against him, reported Salon on Thursday.

On top of all of this, Trump opened himself up last night to be sued again by E. Jean Carroll, for repeating the same claims that the jury found defamatory.

Biden just released an ad using the town hall footage.

These are all good things.

[usedtobedemgurl]

33. I would like to say then it was worth it

To set back women so far, but my sad heart just cannot say that.

[MayReasonRule]

40. CNN Is Owned By A Nazi Republican - Until We Outlaw The USA's Fascist Party They'll Spout Their Lies

Germany rightly outlawed fascism 80 years ago.

We're behind the times in that regard.

[ProfessorGAC]

82. While I Share Your Concerns Over...

...the undue influence John Malone has over CNN, he does not own the company.
He only holds around 1% of outstanding shares in Warner/Discovery.
He wields far too much clout for someone with such a tiny sliver. There are 15 funds or individuals that own more, some by 7 or 8x.
https://www.wallstreetzen.com/stocks/us/nasdaq/wbd/ownership

[MayReasonRule]

122. Ah, Thank You For That Insight, It Provides Perspective

[JudyM]

151. This raises the potential benefit of expressing outrage to Vanguard as a large institutional owner.

Too bad this couldn’t also be used as grounds for a shareholder derivative suit…

[ProfessorGAC]

154. Could Be

I don't know what % of their holdings is in Warner/Discovery.

[JudyM]

155. The article you posted lists them as the top institutional investor, over 200,000,000 shares.

Vanguard Group Inc 8.75% 213,074,622 $2.86B

[ProfessorGAC]

156. Yeah, I Saw That

What I didn't know is what fraction of Vanguard is W/D. It may be small enough that any complaints will be ignored.
They have a whopping $7.2 trillion in assets under control. The have

[JudyM]

157. It's hard to bring pressure to bear on them, no doubt...

[ProfessorGAC]

158. Unfortunately

I knew Vanguard was big, but that is an enormous pile of assets. Wow!

[AllaN01Bear]

42. always everything about himself the so and so. glad i didn't watch it.

[LeeG65]

52. Many are missing the point

It seems many on the left are missing the main issue. tRump and the Republicans are NOT trying to win an election. They are trying to take over the government. They know they cannot win an election. This could well be much worse than Jan 6 when all is said and done.

[usedtobedemgurl]

54. That was not the point of my OP...

My point is I had not seen anyone address the effect this has on women and women who are survivors in particular. I had heard a lot but not about that. My post did not say it was the only issue. Getting on here and not supporting a rape survivor surely is not what you meant to do, is it? Cause this is not about a single survivor, it about most of them and the ones who will be raped. I would hate for any Democrat to be thought of as not caring. Would you like to revise your answer to a post about rape? It feels like some are trying yo marginalize me even more. As a true Democrat, I am sure upon reading this, you realize that is what you did.

[usedtobedemgurl]

77. Please go down to your local police station

Last edited Thu May 11, 2023, 04:16 PM - Edit history (1)

And if there are any rape victims there, please tell them your post and how the trauma they are going through is making them miss the point.

Even better, find someone who had just been raped. Here is part of my open letter I wrote, about my rape, to George Will: The moments afterwards were the icing on the cake. He got dressed and went out to party again. I stumbled into the hallway where I saw the girl who accompanied me to the party. She looked in my eyes and asked what was wrong. I cried and said the guy had forced himself on me. She followed me to the bathroom where she held my hair while the toilet held an equal mixture of tears and vomit. When I was finally done I looked up at her and said I wanted to go home. (her boyfriend had driven us there) She looked at me and said that her boyfriend wanted to stay there a while longer and maybe we could leave in an hour or two! I called a taxi and found my way home on my own.


So, pretend you are there moments after my hair was held back and I threw up from the trauma of rape. Now, go ahead and tell me, personally, how I am missing your point. Here is your big chance to show me how the fact I could not even use the word “rape” for quite a while after, means I am missing the point. Go ahead, show me how far off base the trauma I feel to this day, and for years after, means I just do not understand. I will wait for this.

[LeeG65]

163. I apologize

I apologize if my post upset you. I was obviously not clear in my statement. I was not reacting to your post or in response to the despicable actions of tRump. My comment was more globally oriented in that I see many trying to fight the wrong battle. In my opinion, Republicans are not trying to win an election but are trying to overthrow the Government again. I see many on the left (where my sentiments are as well) arguing and plotting how to win the election. I believe this is not the fight that is coming.
Again, I apologize for the misunderstanding.

[Hekate]

56. First: hugs & solidarity. Second: before the night was thru, Biden's folks used a clip for an ad...

I completely get what you are saying and why.

Not being Rick Wilson or Steve Schmidt with a national audience for my outrage, when I wrote to CNN I simply said it was a rally in guise of a town hall. “I have attended town halls. I have put on town halls. And that, sir, was no town hall. When are you planning to give Joe Biden a free hour of time?”

I think there is a way for the Biden campaign & Lincoln Project & others to mine that tape — including the moronic laughter — for many, many negative ads. I have my fingers crossed. Trump was there, rolling in his own shit, and a contingent of his most moronic followers was there yukking it up, and I guess when you’re CNN they let you do it. Democrats: use this — for gods’ sake use this. Lemons, meet lemonade.

Again:

[usedtobedemgurl]

63. No matter what we do on our side...

That will not erase the damage done to women and the Me Too movement. I am glad there are ads, and maybe I have not seen all of them, but do they say the damage done to rape survivors in general? Do they tell the damage that is doing to the survivors by him and his followers? As much as fluffernutter is giving his followers permission to hate certain groups of people, he is also giving them permission to rape and shake it off as nothing.

[usedtobedemgurl]

65. Ooops, my brain injury strikes again...

I forgot (memory issues from the brain trauma) to say thank you for your wishes.

[Orrex]

67. I believe you.

[usedtobedemgurl]

145. Thank you! nt

[Farmer-Rick]

74. What Trump did was so horrible.

If you think the OP is exaggerating read below.

I just want to give everyone a trigger warning because the description below of what Trump said is horrible, especially to those who have been raped or abused.

He is defaming her yet again. This is so awful. The audience was laughing at a rape victim. I can't believe this was put out as news by a corporate media tool. Wow just so awful.

"While addressing the Carroll verdict, the former president boasted that his "poll numbers went up" despite the allegations and claimed that he had "never met" the former columnist.

Trump complained that the judge did not allow his legal team to tell the jury that Carroll's "cat was named Vagina" and offered commentary that referred to the alleged rape as "hanky panky." The audience reacted with laughter.
"

"What kind of a woman meets somebody, and brings them up, and within minutes you're playing hanky panky in a dressing room," Trump said while recalling Carroll's version of events, prompting loud laughs from the crowd.

Trump went on to say that he "felt sorry" for Carroll's ex-husband John Johnson, resulting in even bigger laughs and a round of applause for the former president.

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.newsweek.com/trump-attacks-e-jean-carroll-cnn-town-hall-audience-laughter-1799576%3famp=1

I don't recommend the link (Newsweek) because they downplay it and use language that minimize what Trump did. But they didn't pull their punches describing the horrors.

[usedtobedemgurl]

79. Thank you for this.

Sincerely.

[SunSeeker]

75. K & R

[NowISeetheLight]

78. CNN Screwed Up

I’ve read a few articles today where CNN has called out the Trump lies. But it’s too late. They gave him a platform. Like Tucker Carlson he will cherry pick things. It’s like 60 minutes interviewing MTG. You just don’t do it.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/politics/donald-trump-cnn-town-hall-video-moments/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/10/politics/ukraine-russia-putin-trump-town-hall/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/11/media/cnn-town-hall-donald-trump-reliable-sources/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/10/politics/takeaways-trump-town-hall-cnn/index.html

https://www.cnn.com/2023/05/10/politics/fact-check-donald-trump-town-hall/index.html

[usedtobedemgurl]

80. They screwed up badly.

I hope you write to CNN just as I and others have done. Not that they care, but maybe if they hear from enough of us, they may keep it more on the down low next time.

[NowISeetheLight]

84. Mailing Address

Does anyone have their mailing address? I used to watch them a lot and I still do for regular news. But politics are out with them.

[usedtobedemgurl]

97. The link is further up the replies. nt

[panfluteman]

83. One Thing That the E. Jean Carroll Verdict Really Made Crystal Clear to Me

Was how paltry and insufficient the damages were that were awarded to E. Jean Carroll, and how incredibly far women still have to go to get anything like a really fair trial or hearing in a world so dominated by male chauvinism and sexist bias.

[usedtobedemgurl]

88. Indeed. Women, generally, are not

Valued in this society.

[BadgerMom]

86. K & R

[BlackSkimmer]

93. I surely hope you didn't see some of the posts yesterday.

One in particular claimed it was not "genuine" rape, which incensed many of us.

Sad to say, this disgusting opinion of what men are allowed to do to women is apparently applauded by some here.

Which begs the question, is there a "fake" rape?

[usedtobedemgurl]

98. I missed that one. I am glad I did.

Yes, there is no such thing as fake rape.

[BlackSkimmer]

108. I'm glad you did too, and I can assure you that most posters objected to that strenuously.

It was upsetting to see, especially from a woman.

[usedtobedemgurl]

120. Well, some women vote Republican.

I do not know the poster, but I can only hope she never has to find out what “real” rape is. I would not wish that on anyone, including the orange fluffernutter.

[BlackSkimmer]

123. They sure do.

Let's hope no one on DU votes republican.

I'm still confused how she got such a horribly mistaken opinion of rape.

[H2O Man]

99. I didn't think CNN

should give the defendent the air time. But I think it came out the best possible way. The very things that offended you -- and rightly so -- will offend the majority of Americans. The republican party will most likely nominate the defendent as their candidate in 2024, and there is little the ones that recognize he will devastate the chances of other republicans next year can do. For the defendent is a repulsive creature, and self-pity and joking about rape does not win elections.

[usedtobedemgurl]

113. They heard he grabbed pussies...

During the first election. He won!

[H2O Man]

115. Yes.

I know that. And he has said and done many stupid, offensive things since then. Hence, when he ran the second time, he lost. And he will lose by more this time. Much more.

Our goal is to let the republican party be the bitter ones. It is such an unattractive trait.

[usedtobedemgurl]

118. I am sorry I am so bitter about the normalization of rape.

Thank you for explaining we do not want to be the bitter ones, even when we have been sexually assaulted multiple times.

I stand by my stance that it did more harm than good snd that it did not turn away anyone already supported him.

Thank you for explaining to me about bitterness. I will take that up with my PTSD therapist during our next session. I hope I will not come off quite as bitter as you feel I am. Thank you fir kindly explaining this to me. I will try to be a better woman in the future.

Oh! You forgot to tell me to smile and not over react. Maybe that will be in your next reply?

[H2O Man]

131. No.

You are twisting what I said. Expressing bitterness on a forum such as this is distinct from while campaigning. Likewise, attempting to deal with it with a therapist is a healthy way. What I did say was that in the context of elections -- where people campaign -- the bitterness of the defendent is repulsive, and will cause him to lose in his bid to regain the presidency. More, it will cause many other republicans running in 2024 to lose. I didn't say anything about you.

In 2016, the defendent said his infamous "grab them by the ...." was mere "lockerroom talk." Everyone knew he was lying, including republicans who at first reacted harshly. But when they saw the defendent could not be replaced, they put their tails between their legs, and started to kiss his huge pale ass.

In 2023, things have obviously changed. As repulsive as the defendent's self-pity was before the civil trial, his bitterness is now on steroids. His self-righteousness and attempts to justify his behavoir offends people -- including both you and I. The attempts to make jokes after being found by a jury to be a sexual predator don't play well. Yes, a hand=picked audience laughed and clapped their hands. But there are far, far fewer people that think, "You tell them, defendent!" than want to be associated with that sick, pathetic crowd. And they will vote against him in the general election.

[Permanut]

110. Thank you for posting this..

so eloquently.

This old guy has not, cannot and will never walk a mile in your shoes, so thank you for sharing your journey. You speak for all survivors, including some I know

[usedtobedemgurl]

114. Thank you, permanut.

I hope those you know find a lot of healing.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

112. Trump does his defense attorneys no favors with town hall event

CNN's feeble ratings for this event were boosted by all of the prosecutors and attorneys watching this event for admissions or confessions by TFG. Statements made by TFG at this event can and will be used against TFG in the various prosecutions and other proceedings.

Link to tweet

https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-defense-attorneys-no-favors-town-hall-event-rcna83898?cid=sm_npd_ms_tw_ma&taid=645d03189038670001557251&utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

It’s an important and underappreciated dimension to what transpired in New Hampshire last night. When you’re the subject of multiple ongoing criminal investigations, defense attorneys tend to agree that it’s best not to talk a whole lot about your alleged misdeeds. If you’re going to do it anyway, it’s also best to exercise great caution and message discipline, so as to avoid making things easier for those preparing to indict you.

And yet, there was the former president, throwing caution to the wind. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s Greg Bluestein explained in an overnight report:

Former President Donald Trump said Wednesday he had no regrets about his demand that Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger “find” enough votes to reverse his election defeat, a recorded conversation that is at the center of an ongoing Fulton County criminal probe. Pressed about the call at a CNN town hall by moderator Kaitlan Collins, Trump said Raffensperger “owed me votes because the election was rigged” and repeated false conspiracy theories about his defeat in 2020 by Joe Biden.

Just so we’re all clear, Trump is currently facing a possible criminal indictment in Georgia over alleged election interference. Common sense suggests the Republican should’ve steered clear of anything resembling a confession......

At the same town hall event, asked about the classified materials he took to his glorified country club, Trump conceded he “took what I took,” adding he “had every right to do it.”

The Republican didn’t rule out the possibility that he might’ve showed sensitive materials to others — a point of apparent interest to investigators in special counsel Jack Smith’s office — adding, “I would have the right to. ... I have the right to do whatever I want with them.”

TFG's attorneys are no doubt not happy about last night's event

[usedtobedemgurl]

116. It was done at the expense of women who have been

Raped it will be raped or sexually assaulted. It is good they have that info. Will anything be done about it? If he did not have CNN to normalize him, would he have just said those things through his social site?

Honestly, the trauma I have experienced through last night and folks on here trying to brush it away and marginalize those who have been raped is horrible. I would have thought they had enough stuff already, but if this is going to have him charged tomorrow, instead of a year from now, I would say it is still not worth it.

I have said for years people vote R because they allow them to hate. Now, Trump is encouraging sexual assault on women, by mocking and joking about it. He trivializes it. Those people think it is a joke and it is ok.

I have helped people who have been sexually assaulted and raped. I know this type of person. Here is an excerpt of what I wrote about one survivor:

Let me go back in time a bit. It was maybe a month or so ago. A girl (Actually a woman, and what a woman she is!) came to me to say that someone in our immediate community has been groping her breasts over and over. She has told him no but he does it anyway. She has pointed to her breasts and told him that they are hers and he does not have consent to touch them. He has immediately reached out and grabbed them anyway, I have hung around with this person for a while. One night, at The Hangar, I went to him and told him her breasts were under my protection. He said he understood.

Last weekend I happened to see this amazingly wonderful woman all over again. No, you really should know her. If you don't know her, I feel sorry for you because in this sometimes cold world, she is a bright warm light shining bright for those around her. She sat down and told me the predator had done it again. I asked if she had mentioned me. She told me she had said she was going to tell me and he said 'ok' and touched her anyway.

She was so tired of this. We sat there in silence. My heart broke. I was supposed to look after her and make sure he did not do this again. I had failed. My heart broke a little more as she confided that the saddest thing about it all is she had been violated by so many men that, at this point, she was used to it. Think about that for a second. Someone is sexually assaulted and/or raped so many times that she has almost become numb to it. It is a regular occurrence. It is the new norm when you are around men. I had no words and a few tears fell down my cheeks. She kept her face buried in a pillow. I had no words. I still don't.

I picked up the phone and called the guy. I had him on speaker as I confronted him. The conversation was as casual as if I had asked him what he had for supper. He admitted she had said she would tell me. Hell, he even admitted that he had grabbed her breasts. There was no shame and it was like he had done nothing wrong. I told him, as she kept her face buried in the pillow, that what he had done was sexual assault. He quickly corrected me saying it was not sexual assault but, instead, fun. I was stunned. I decided to correct him right back. I told him, in no uncertain terms, that this was sexual assault.

TLDR: the guy assaulting my friend corrected me when I told him it was assault. He said it was fun. I had to threaten to drag her to the cop station so he would quit.

Trump is giving these people permission to rape, by minimizing it. So, the CNN town hall being shown off as hurting him, is not considering how much damage it did and will do to women….oh! And women are not the only ones raped or affected by it. I fail to see how normalizing sexual assault/rape is worth getting a few more things on Trump, when there is already so much against him. It did more bad than good.

[GeoWilliam750]

150. Thank you for doing this

[usedtobedemgurl]

175. Thank you! Nt

[3825-87867]

119. Who were the sponsers?

Didn't watch. But if I learn who the sponsers were, they will recceive a nasty email.

[usedtobedemgurl]

121. I wish I knew.

I honestly do not have enough spoons left. On top of this trauma, I was diagnosed with whiplash, concussion/post concussion syndrome, TBI (traumatic brain injury) severe PTSD and depression. I can hardly function as it is, and I did not need this added trauma where people defend the CNN town hall and the normalization of rape/sexual assault. I am sure someone will come out with a list, but I just can’t.

[MustLoveBeagles]

125. Shame on CNN

For giving the rapist a platform. My heart goes out to you and all the survivors that were traumatized by this.

[usedtobedemgurl]

126. Thank you! nt

[Initech]

132. I feel like we're reliving 2016 all over again.

Only this time, should that bloviating asshole manage to slime his way back to the White House, things will be one million times worse. They will commit some massive, horrifying, and unspeakable crimes against humanity which will include things like mass murder and possibly genocide. They will enact their wildest revenge fantasies and there will be nothing to stop them. This town hall was a hit job and it was sending a message - "don't fuck with us".

[housecat]

166. in 2016 Putin put him in, and the media became his campaign ads. This time around I doubt

if Putin has it together enough to repeat 2016, and we need to go after the media for giving him free air time. We must make them see that this fat evil monster wants to rule the world. But since everything tfg touches dies. . . well your fears are realistic.

[Ziggysmom]

144. In my mind, if someone makes jokes or off color comments about rape, it implies they think

rape itself is OK. Making light of rape and sexual assault contributes to rape culture.

I had no doubt before the interview how trumpty dumpty felt about women and rape.

[usedtobedemgurl]

176. Yes, I totally agree. I cannot imagine

Joking about rape, even before my rape. Or basically playing it off and saying, “But he was hurt.” So what? What is in your head that you are justifying and normalizing rape?!?!

[niyad]

146. My heart is breaking for you, and all survivors after that horror show. Standing

with you, my warrior sister.

[GeoWilliam750]

153. Thank you so much for continuing to talk

Thank you

[usedtobedemgurl]

159. Thank you for your support. nt

[58Sunliner]

164. Well said. This rape survivor did go to the police and they blamed me.

I hope it's different now, but probably not. The socializing that we get, the hand-me-down messaging about rape and assault are a form of pre-conditioning that scars and traumatizes us. We doubt our own reality, the truth of the situation and it's intentional. It is violent, ugly and misogynistic. It's no accident. We survivors need to know that the internalized messaging will need to be overcome. The lie that we are somehow responsible for an act against us by a predator. We don't blame victims of other crimes do we?

[usedtobedemgurl]

183. Such truth in your words.

This is someone every person who was raped must fight with. I appreciate your words. I am sorry, like me, you felt you could not go to the cops. It would be like being raped a second time.

[calimary]

188. Ahh, the old "just be patient, wait and see..."

I'm a writer both professional and retired, and it's hard for me to find words for how OUTRAGED, and PISSED OFF this makes me feel.

What is this, really? A deliberate strategy to diminish women? To make women not so much "the fairer sex" but the Lesser Sex? Are we facing a Republican/hard-right push toward formally rendering us to second-class status? They're already going after voting rights, which women had to fight decades and decades to win. And what I recently wrapped my brain around and got even more pissed off was the whole idea that black women were left on the sidelines when blacks won the right to vote. Um - that was black MEN. Black MEN won the right to vote. Black WOMEN had to wait until women-in-general won the right to vote - the last category of adult humans to be brought in out of the cold.

I looked it up to make sure I didn't allow myself to sound like an idiot.

The 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Voting Rights. (1870). Passed by Congress February 26, 1869, and ratified February 3, 1870. That was 20 years before the end of the frontier era, in 1890, as announced by the federal census. Always a key date for me as a student. I memorized 1890 as the end of the American frontier and used it as a base for other dates so I could remember those also, by noting how early or late they were to 1890. Like the 15th Amendment date, for example.

Only til the 19th Amendment came around. Passed by Congress on June 4th, 1919, and ratified on August 18, 1920. Only then did black women get the right their husbands, brothers, uncles, and dads (and even their sons!). Black women had to wait for another 30 years to vote, for themselves, when their white and brown sisters were finally able to vote.

That just continues to piss me off. Hey, MEN: If it weren't for a woman, YOU damn well wouldn't even exist!

And even at this late date, Republicans are hellbent on nibbling away our voting rights, now that they've succeeded in taking our bodily autonomy rights away. Mainly targeting demographic groups they assume likely won't vote Republican when the time comes.