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| The Thomases, back in the day |
The conservative Republican commentator in D.C. argues that Virginia Thomas' Christian faith influenced her to reach out to Anita Hill, who accused her husband U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas of sexual harassment 19 years ago: "Imagine what might have happened if that olive branch had been accepted. What kind of example would it set for the rest of us if Anita Hill and Mrs. Clarence Thomas could reconcile in charity and mutual respect? Look at where we are today: The political tone on both sides of the aisle these days has gotten so vicious, that we’re no longer even talking to one another. We shout; we don’t listen; we don’t reach out. We do the opposite of what Ginni Thomas did. God gives us the teaching moments we need, when we need them. And we needed this one."
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| Anita Hill, back in the day |
The moderate pundit in Virginia, who is friends with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, opines: "I have no explanation for the bizarre voice mail Virginia Thomas left for Anita Hill last week. If you ask me, it was a cry for help. Mrs. Thomas clearly has some unresolved forgiveness issues not just with Ms. Hill but in her heart and perhaps in her marriage to Justice Thomas. I hope she works that out, and soon. As for Hill, I believe she told the truth then, and I believe it now. She would have to have been a true mad woman, to make up such stories on a man who she admired and worked for."
Ms. Nelson continues her commentary about the situation: "As for Mr. Justice Thomas, I consider him a friend, despite not agreeing with much of his world view. I feel sorry for him that this has all resurfaced because I know it was very ugly for him too. All of that aside, however, the question remains as one young woman asked me last night: 'Is there still sexual harassment in the workplace, what does it look like, and if it happens to you particularly as a black woman, how do you address the offense.' I gave her a very long pause and I sighed and I told her 'yes' sexual harassment still exists. 'Yes' it still affects women's career progression and retention. But when it came to telling her what to do about it -- I was not sure."
More commentary from Ms. Nelson, about sexual harassment: "Funny, me a lawyer, not sure about how to handle a violation of law. I was not sure because I am old enough to remember Anita Hill and all they did to her, and I have now lived long enough to have endured the same kind of harassment and made the choice to keep silent about it lest I ruin my career and reputation. In the final analysis, we have to be open and honest with our daughters, nieces, and protégés if we are to protect them from the realities of this life. Yes, sexual harassment is still an issue in the 21st century workplace, the question is will we empower women to speak up and out about it as did Anita Hill 19 years ago, or do we tell them to remain silent for fear that the certain retribution and destruction that follows may shatter all of their career dreams. I think that is a discussion America needs to have once again. Our daughters are worth it!"
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