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madaboutharry

(41,854 posts)
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 05:41 PM Jan 2025

I don't know how to say this, but I'm going to try.

I don’t like the word “triggered.” I think it has been so overused that it has lost its impact and meaning.

However, after watching today’s hearing with Pete Hegseth and having a few hours to think about what happened there, I am deeply triggered right now. And I’m certain I am not alone.

I have known men like Pete Hegseth my entire adult life, entitled pretty boys who never learned where the boundaries were or how to respect other people.

I know I am not alone in having quit a job because of sexual harassment and a toxic (another overused word, sorry) environment caused by men with misogynistic and sexist attitudes toward women.

This entire scenario unfolding before us, with Trump and his depraved view of the world at the top, is sickening and frightening.

You want to know what is even more sickening than the unserious members of the “good old boys” club? Women like Joni Ernst. What a spectacular fraud. She has never stood up for victims of sexual assault. She didn’t even show up for Dr. Blasey-Ford’s hearing. She refused to meet with the woman who accused Hegseth of rape. She failed to ask meaningful questions today.

I can not bear to think about what the next four years are going to bring, for women in the military and for women who are federal employees, especially those working in Washington D.C.

90 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
I don't know how to say this, but I'm going to try. (Original Post) madaboutharry Jan 2025 OP
Any woman of a certain age remembers biophile Jan 2025 #1
Please Bio, DENVERPOPS Jan 2025 #41
Ditto....at your sides and out in front clearing the way calikid Jan 2025 #44
With gratitude- will accept all the help you give! biophile Jan 2025 #50
Thank you for your support! biophile Jan 2025 #48
"was 'just the way things are'... so it just didn't register" Beartracks Jan 2025 #54
I got enlightened DENVERPOPS Jan 2025 #66
I believe that enough dtates have actually passed it to put it into the Constitution, soldierant Jan 2025 #71
I'm that "certain age" WinstonSmith4740 Jan 2025 #88
I definitely get a visceral feeling watching this guy so many others in Trump's orbit as well Walleye Jan 2025 #2
And yet many of them will insist that they just "love" women. 🙄 ShazzieB Jan 2025 #30
Yeah - like a wolf loves little children biophile Jan 2025 #51
I had to stop watching Hegseth and his smirk when being questioned by female senators Walleye Jan 2025 #81
He reminds me of Matt Gaetz. And that's about the biggest insult I could throw at him. patphil Jan 2025 #3
Brylcream spokesmen by day... rubbersole Jan 2025 #6
Exactly! And he has the same smirk. Mike Johnson has it , too. KitFox Jan 2025 #55
Slimy, creepy, dangerous men. Irish_Dem Jan 2025 #4
I visited a girlfriend earlier this afternoon, slightlv Jan 2025 #42
I think women in various parts of the world are having similar discussions. Irish_Dem Jan 2025 #46
"I feel like I don't see it changing... ever." CrispyQ Jan 2025 #64
Ernst could be described the same way.. BattleRow Jan 2025 #45
That is really the core of their movement. Bleacher Creature Jan 2025 #52
Exactly, this is the cohort group they are interested in. Irish_Dem Jan 2025 #57
Agreed on all points. yardwork Jan 2025 #5
Never forget BigMin28 Jan 2025 #38
Wow, I did not know that. arthritisR_US Jan 2025 #69
Ernst is an abuser mercuryblues Jan 2025 #7
Did she specify if her rapist was male or female? BattleRow Jan 2025 #62
A college boyfriend. mercuryblues Jan 2025 #65
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace is another like Ernst. Mister Ed Jan 2025 #75
Totally with you. ancianita Jan 2025 #8
..and coping with that emotional reality is going to have a high cost and many or most of us may not have the skills... WizumbODaSage Jan 2025 #10
Welcome to DU, just roll with the punches and get back up KS Toronado Jan 2025 #90
While I agree that we are no longer in a functioning democracy Brenda Jan 2025 #32
I'm a male who has worked around a lot of these types and it revolts me. erronis Jan 2025 #9
Those types have always enigmania Jan 2025 #22
I hear you Lulu KC Jan 2025 #11
I agree, Lulu.. TY for saying that. Cha Jan 2025 #16
Mahalo for talking about your Cha Jan 2025 #12
Well said, Cha. nt spooky3 Jan 2025 #23
Mahalo & Aloha, Spooky.. Cha Jan 2025 #24
Aloha to you! spooky3 Jan 2025 #26
Yes lots of Putin Puppets in Cha Jan 2025 #34
"Putin puppets in charge" TommyT139 Jan 2025 #36
I am hoping that a large group of his supporters will soon see that he will do spooky3 Jan 2025 #37
Yes the inflation thing & Cha Jan 2025 #40
Joni Ernst is a coward AverageOldGuy Jan 2025 #13
While I agree with you MLWR Jan 2025 #17
It doesn't matter to MAGA if he has functioning brain or not. travelingthrulife Jan 2025 #84
I'm an old soldier AverageOldGuy Jan 2025 #14
Welcome Home Brother n/t rasputin1952 Jan 2025 #27
I was really hoping Duckworth would ask if he thought she wasn't lethal Arazi Jan 2025 #31
The behavior is neither manly nor leadership. legallyblondeNYC Jan 2025 #15
I didn't watch today, but a 'takeaway,' elleng Jan 2025 #18
Hegseth is pure fucking evil. Initech Jan 2025 #19
Well said. Ernst is a good old boy and they are all marching to Maga and the Chosen Orange manchild. Fascism is here Evolve Dammit Jan 2025 #20
Trump's iron fisted control of our future with no one to stop him terrifies me. Peregrine Took Jan 2025 #21
Some of you know me, some of you don't... rasputin1952 Jan 2025 #25
Thanks rasputin1952 Brenda Jan 2025 #29
Thank you, rasputin1952, for laying down the law with your platoon. That was REAL leadership Attilatheblond Jan 2025 #33
He's probably been well-coached. calimary Jan 2025 #39
Fealty to him is a major tennet of drumphf's pov. electric_blue68 Jan 2025 #68
Happy Birthday Rasputin Capricorn Beringia Jan 2025 #43
You are correct. yellow dahlia Jan 2025 #53
Thank you for your service, Rasputin1952 LNM Jan 2025 #59
Thank you for the Respect you gave to your fellow Women Soldiers... electric_blue68 Jan 2025 #67
I did my first tour as Infantry... rasputin1952 Jan 2025 #85
"He reminds me of Matt Gaetz." J_William_Ryan Jan 2025 #28
People use the word, kozar Jan 2025 #35
I used to work with guys like him when I was younger working on a stock trading desk kimbutgar Jan 2025 #47
I see creepy - yellow dahlia Jan 2025 #49
I am sure Pete Hegseth thinks he is pretty. madaboutharry Jan 2025 #56
Meggyn Kelly two rows behind him. Defends him on her radio show. IA8IT Jan 2025 #77
The worst... Mike Nelson Jan 2025 #58
I can't rec your OP enough MontanaMama Jan 2025 #60
When I'm triggered, I don't blame anybody. I reflect on my own issues and refrain from reading or listening Martin68 Jan 2025 #61
I really worry about the younger generations. They grew up with an expectation of equanimity in the future. 58Sunliner Jan 2025 #63
Recommended. H2O Man Jan 2025 #70
Ernst isn't alone. iemanja Jan 2025 #72
This is no surprise. Most of the cons The Third Doctor Jan 2025 #73
Reminds me of Susan Fucking Collins BigDemVoter Jan 2025 #74
I'm triggered too Laurelin Jan 2025 #76
k and r BoRaGard Jan 2025 #78
Joni Earnest True Blue American Jan 2025 #79
I get you. Been there, experience that, suffered the trauma. mucholderthandirt Jan 2025 #80
There will be a certain pleasure in watching it all implode. Hegseth, who looks like he'll be confirmed, Vinca Jan 2025 #82
At their core, sexual abuse, racism, and wealth inequality are about injustice. Republicans are cool with injustice LaMouffette Jan 2025 #83
You hit the nail on the head. After seeing clips of Hepseth akbacchus_BC Jan 2025 #86
I gave it up after Grassleys True Blue American Jan 2025 #87
A large group of criminals being pushed through. SupportSanity Jan 2025 #89

biophile

(710 posts)
1. Any woman of a certain age remembers
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 05:45 PM
Jan 2025

We remember how it used to be. Even though it never completely went away, we are not looking forward to seeing it again.

DENVERPOPS

(11,848 posts)
41. Please Bio,
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 08:00 PM
Jan 2025

know that there are A LOT of us men, standing right at your sides, in lock step with you................

biophile

(710 posts)
48. Thank you for your support!
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 08:25 PM
Jan 2025

I once worked with a fine man (wealthy, white, Ivy League) who was very enlightened and intelligent. But he was very surprised, when he watched the show Mad Men, how badly the women were treated in the early 60’s business world. He was old enough to have lived through it, but didn’t see it at the time. I guess it was “just the way things are” and obviously it didn’t affect him, so it just didn’t register. I do believe that men today - at least the ones worth knowing- are much more aware of inequities.

Beartracks

(13,859 posts)
54. "was 'just the way things are'... so it just didn't register"
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 08:39 PM
Jan 2025

That's an insidious aspect of male privilege: you can't automatically see it when you're born into it.

===============

DENVERPOPS

(11,848 posts)
66. I got enlightened
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 12:10 AM
Jan 2025

in the 70's when Colorado passed the Equal Pay for Equal Work. (I was in my 20's).... A close female friend of mine was a Full Professor at CU Med. School.
She was amazed when her first check under the new law was exactly DOUBLE what it had been...................And that was the amount all the Male Full Professors had been collecting for a Decade or more.........

It is appalling to me that there are still enough opposing States that we STILL can't pass the ERA........Must be alot of insecure white males out there that can't stand the threat of a level playing field......

soldierant

(8,410 posts)
71. I believe that enough dtates have actually passed it to put it into the Constitution,
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 01:10 AM
Jan 2025

but also enough have reneged that it would be dicey. And this Supreme Court would overturn it. And we might have to start all over.

WinstonSmith4740

(3,285 posts)
88. I'm that "certain age"
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 02:07 PM
Jan 2025

Back in the 80's, I was in a march for our reproductive rights...Operation "Oppress You" was in full swing. There was a woman there, dressed entirely in white, obviously in her 70's. We all flocked to her, trying to access her wisdom. She said something that I'm sure we all remembered..."I can't believe I still have to fight for this shit." Well, today, I am that woman. I'm 76, and still can't believe we have to fight this battle again.

So far, I'm pretty happy about what I'm seeing out of Democrats in The House. We need way more Jasmine Crockett's, AOC's, Eric Swalwell's, etc. I think the Senate made a big mistake with Schumer by not bringing in the next generation, but we'll see. There's a lot to be said for experience at times like this, but I've said it before, and I'll keep saying it. The Democrats need to stop bringing a damn rule book to a gun fight. Republicans only care about rules when it benefits them, and Schumer tends to keep the rule book close by.

People keep referring to a "tough 4 years". They seem to think that Trump and his minions are going to abide by Constitutional norms. Please. Get real. They said in Project 2025, they are looking to create a "post Constitutional America". I'm not sure what we have to do to get the press off their damn knees, but I know if I'm ever fortunate to have a mike stuck in front of me for a "person on the street" perspective, the first thing I'm going to say is this whole mess is mainly the MSM's fault. All they had to do was tell the truth, but that was obviously too much to ask.

Walleye

(39,792 posts)
2. I definitely get a visceral feeling watching this guy so many others in Trump's orbit as well
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 05:48 PM
Jan 2025

Men don’t realize that most women have been sexually harassed, especially if they went into the workplace as young women. There’s always men who have to try it on. It’s not something unusual, it’s disgusting. These jerks weren’t brought up right. And I would say they actually hate women.

ShazzieB

(20,347 posts)
30. And yet many of them will insist that they just "love" women. 🙄
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:23 PM
Jan 2025

Last edited Wed Jan 15, 2025, 12:57 AM - Edit history (1)

Trump is one of those. I saw a clip of him before the election, from some rally or other, where he said "I LOOOVE women!" and he managed to make it sound so lascivious that it made my skin crawl. That's because men like him don't love women as people, but as a source of things that give them pleasure, particularly sexual pleasure.

Men like Trump "love" certain things about some women (those they find attractive), but they don't see any woman as their equal or as someone with feelings and needs that are worthy of respect. They see the ones theyre attracted to as something akin to a sex doll, and the others as simply beneath their notice. If a woman they find attractive has actual skills and abilities, they may be impressed the way they'd be impressed by a trained animal being put through its paces.... as long as she's not so smart and talented to make them feel threatened!

I'm describing the most extreme type of straight male sexism, of which Trump is a prime example, but it's a continuum, on which he just happens to be at the farthest end. I believe that men who sexually harass women and treat them as "less than" in every respect other than the sexual are somewhere on that continuum.

Fortunately, there are also high quality men out there who relate to women as fully equal fellow human beings rather than pretty toys. I know this for a fact, because I've known quite a few of them. I'm married to one, and there are lots of such quality men right here at DU. To any such man who may be reading this, please know that I see you, I appreciate you, and I was not talking about you in the earlier part of this post. 😀

Walleye

(39,792 posts)
81. I had to stop watching Hegseth and his smirk when being questioned by female senators
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 09:22 AM
Jan 2025

He was making me feel very violent. And I don’t like that.

slightlv

(5,407 posts)
42. I visited a girlfriend earlier this afternoon,
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 08:03 PM
Jan 2025

and while we both are staying away from the mean politics as much as possible, and trying to figure out a way through the dystopia that awaits the country, we somehow found ourselves talking about various ex's, boyfriends, etc., who had not only mistreated us, but abused us. You get any two women in a room, and they will find instant recognition with this. We've always been abused, and now as I face 70 square in the face, I feel like I don't see it changing... ever.

I've said in the past the only way to live with maga is not to live with them... give them their own country and let them make of it what they will, as they will. I almost wonder sometimes if the entire human race hasn't become so corrupted by millennia of patriarchy that it would be better off to just live in our own little conclaves. Take "tribal" to it's ultimate breadth. But then, I'm really not feeling good today....

Irish_Dem

(68,663 posts)
46. I think women in various parts of the world are having similar discussions.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 08:15 PM
Jan 2025

Many women in Japan and South Korea are no longer dating, sleeping with or marrying males.
They are done with the patriarchy and how they are treated.

Across the globe the birth rates are way down. Women are not feeling like having babies.

I am sure women under house arrest under the Taliban are thinking along the same lines if they could
get away with it. They would be killed for saying no to a male.
But they wish they could escape the tyranny.

I have talked to a number of women here in the US who are thinking of leaving the US.
Looking at Canada, Europe, New Zealand.

Those of us who are older remember clearly what life was like for our mothers and grandmothers.
And ourselves when we were young.

We thought the progress women made was permanent.
But it is all being taken away and we are back to the old days again.

Yes many women are not feeling good today.

CrispyQ

(39,517 posts)
64. "I feel like I don't see it changing... ever."
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 11:19 PM
Jan 2025

At times it seems like we're a species at war with itself.

Bleacher Creature

(11,504 posts)
52. That is really the core of their movement.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 08:33 PM
Jan 2025

That describes a huge number of them (Trump included) and appealing to that cohort was one of the key goals of the campaign, especially with the focus on young men and prominent podcasters.

yardwork

(66,327 posts)
5. Agreed on all points.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:09 PM
Jan 2025

I felt the same about Brett Kavanaugh. A lot of us know Brett. We don't like Brett. Brett is a bully, a sneak, an unserious person, and a suck-up to the powers that be. He doesn't have an original thought in his brain but can be counted on to do whatever underhanded job is required of him. In a regular occupation, he'd wreck the lives of people in his immediate orbit. Elevated by Trump, he's helping to wreck democracy.

Just like Pete Hegseth.

BigMin28

(1,655 posts)
38. Never forget
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:54 PM
Jan 2025

Kavanaugh worked for Kenneth Starr during the Clinton investigation and impeachment. He helped make the Starr report as salacious as possible.

mercuryblues

(15,565 posts)
7. Ernst is an abuser
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:15 PM
Jan 2025

She claims she was raped in college. For the record, I believe her. My problem with her is that she uses that trauma to tell people she was raped and how dare you question me about my not believing (always a liberal supporter) someone else was raped.

Much like I used to say that Palin installed a handle on her youngest kid's back, with downs syndrome. Whenever someone (always a liberal supporter) used a derogatory term, she would grab that handle, hold him up and say, hey I am offended.

Mister Ed

(6,576 posts)
75. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace is another like Ernst.
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 06:11 AM
Jan 2025

I was watching This Week With George Stephanopoulos last March when Stephanopoulos asked her how she, as a woman, could justify support for an adjudicated rapist like Donald Trump. She dodged the question by indignantly asking how dare he ask that of a rape survivor like herself.

Stephanopoulos continued to press for an answer, and she continued to dodge and deflect by repeating over and over again, how dare he ask that of a rape survivor, how dare he ask that of a rape survivor.

And now ABC News has backed down in its civil case and agreed to pay Trump fifteen million dollars for citing on-air the court case in which the judge stated clearly that Trump had been found liable for rape. And such unscrupulous women as Ernst and Mace will continue to leverage their status as rape survivors to empower and elevate sexual abusers like Hegseth and Trump.



ancianita

(40,347 posts)
8. Totally with you.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:16 PM
Jan 2025

Still. We must find the inner fortitude to channel triggered feelings over the next four years to focus on the political fights that will slow down the oligarchy's destruction of democracy.

Because the facts show that we're no longer in a functioning democracy.

WizumbODaSage

(7 posts)
10. ..and coping with that emotional reality is going to have a high cost and many or most of us may not have the skills...
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:27 PM
Jan 2025

... to manage ourselves during four or MORE years...

Brenda

(1,544 posts)
32. While I agree that we are no longer in a functioning democracy
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:30 PM
Jan 2025

I don't believe there's one god damned thing we can do politically to "slow down the oligarchy's destruction of democracy" - which has pretty much already happened right? And it started happening a few decades ago with the help of a few D's.

erronis

(19,192 posts)
9. I'm a male who has worked around a lot of these types and it revolts me.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:27 PM
Jan 2025

They may not be directly influencing me by their misogynist (or racist, etc.) comments and actions, but their attitudes of innate superiority have always made me want to distance myself.

I've worked with a lot of top-level military brass and almost never felt that same aversion. You don't rise up (usually) in the hierarchy by being a total asshole and bigot. Hegseth epitomizes these negative traits and would reinforce them in the rest of the DOD.

Lulu KC

(7,868 posts)
11. I hear you
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:33 PM
Jan 2025

I couldn't watch. I'm still not over watching the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings.

I cannot bear to think about a lot of things, too. We do what we can. We have to take care of our own mental health.

Cha

(309,911 posts)
16. I agree, Lulu.. TY for saying that.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:45 PM
Jan 2025

I do admire those who can stomach it, tho... they're amazing.

Not sure I ever used to be that way.. back when there was bush and I had a TV I would jump for the remote when he came on.

Stopped watching debates after bush VS Gore. I just read about it on DU.

Cha

(309,911 posts)
12. Mahalo for talking about your
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:38 PM
Jan 2025

reaction to watching the Hegseth hearing, mad.

I fervently Hope things don't go the way Mump & his Blatantly Misogynist Band of Ghouls want them to. I hope it Backfires Spectacularly.



Cha

(309,911 posts)
34. Yes lots of Putin Puppets in
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:45 PM
Jan 2025

Charge

I’m Hoping We Get Some Pleasant Surprises, tho

💙🇺🇸🕯️🕊️

TommyT139

(1,279 posts)
36. "Putin puppets in charge"
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:50 PM
Jan 2025

Alas, if only there had been a functional "D" in power, "charge" would have been charged.

spooky3

(37,377 posts)
37. I am hoping that a large group of his supporters will soon see that he will do
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:50 PM
Jan 2025

nothing to bring down inflation and get pissed off. It won't matter for TSF, but it will for Republicans in Congress.

Cha

(309,911 posts)
40. Yes the inflation thing &
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 08:00 PM
Jan 2025

Any other of Mump’s Shit that Backfires like SS & Medicare

AverageOldGuy

(2,543 posts)
13. Joni Ernst is a coward
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:39 PM
Jan 2025

In 2026, 33 Senators are up for election -- 20 Republicans, 13 Democrats. Ernst is one of the Republicans. She knows if she votes against a Trump appointee he will respond by running a MAGAt against her in a primary and she could lose her Senate seat.

She has no confidence in her own ability to defend her seat against a MAGAt, so, she takes the coward's way out -- bow to Trump and do as he wishes.

MLWR

(289 posts)
17. While I agree with you
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:45 PM
Jan 2025

I wonder if donald is going to have any semblance of a functioning brain in two years from now.

AverageOldGuy

(2,543 posts)
14. I'm an old soldier
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:42 PM
Jan 2025

Active duty 1967 - 1995, one combat tour in Vietnam.

Hegseth talks about "lethiality" and "warriors." I know a few warriors who, along with me, used lethal force damn near every day.

Hegseth is a phony. He is covered with tats, wears his dog tags. He reminds me of the barstool warriors who hang out in the bars just outside the front gate of any large military base where a lot of infantry are stationed, telling war stories until they get punched out and tossed out of the place.

Arazi

(7,730 posts)
31. I was really hoping Duckworth would ask if he thought she wasn't lethal
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:29 PM
Jan 2025

She has that stare… Since he’s said women, and especially mothers, can’t be lethal she really needed to put him down, in the most public manner.

What’s crazy is he’s so wrapped in his bubble he appears to have no idea how ferocious females can be. One or two of our female rangers need to come toe to toe with him - he’s not that tall - and let him look up to them and tell them they’re not “lethal” enough.

I’m glad she shamed him about his lack of even basic knowledge about other international military alliances like ASEAN but I had hoped for more.

Ernst was never going to confront him. She’s joined the cult like the rest of the GOP

legallyblondeNYC

(91 posts)
15. The behavior is neither manly nor leadership.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:42 PM
Jan 2025

And our military deserves better.
Isn't this DEI of another sort?
Will he be drunk on the next 9/11?

elleng

(139,229 posts)
18. I didn't watch today, but a 'takeaway,'
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:50 PM
Jan 2025

I've disliked ernst FOREVER. 'Spectacular fraud' says it all.

Initech

(104,550 posts)
19. Hegseth is pure fucking evil.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 06:56 PM
Jan 2025

Like I wouldn't be surprised if he was the kind of kid in high school who shoved people into lockers and then got away with it by playing the Jesus card.

Evolve Dammit

(20,539 posts)
20. Well said. Ernst is a good old boy and they are all marching to Maga and the Chosen Orange manchild. Fascism is here
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:00 PM
Jan 2025

Peregrine Took

(7,573 posts)
21. Trump's iron fisted control of our future with no one to stop him terrifies me.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:03 PM
Jan 2025

We could see that today at the Hearing. No one seriously landed a glove on that greasy headed smirker.

No rethug will have the courage to try to stop him.I keep thinking about the movie Brazil. Everyone living in fear with an occasional monkey wrenching act by black clad Robert de Niro and everyone cheers. Who will be our de Niro?

rasputin1952

(83,497 posts)
25. Some of you know me, some of you don't...
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:08 PM
Jan 2025

I will therefore start with this caveat:

I am a 72-year-old (73 as of tomorrow) straight, white, male, atheist. I believe that everyone has the right to live their lives as they see fit, unless the objective is to harm others. I am a combat vet from an ill-conceived war over 50 years ago, spending 13 years on active duty.

With that said, I was there when women came into the military in significant numbers. As a Medical Plt Sgt, I told my platoon that if I heard of any harassment or inappropriate behavior, they would answer to me first and then I would go to the CO to rectify such behavior, ZERO tolerance. My platoon was the only one in the entire Brigade, that never had a complaint from the women we came in contact with.

There is never a justification for unwanted advances upon anyone, end of story.
I have NO respect for those who abuse others, such behavior can never be tolerated.

Hegeseth is a knuckle-dragging idiot. For the short time I watched his hearing, he never answered anything pertaining to his previous behavior. It was obfuscation, "rumors", give me a break. For all of his time in the NG, and he could not make it to Major, speaks volumes.

Brenda

(1,544 posts)
29. Thanks rasputin1952
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:23 PM
Jan 2025

You probably saved a lot of women from being raped and hopefully taught some young men to respect women as people, not objects.

Attilatheblond

(5,682 posts)
33. Thank you, rasputin1952, for laying down the law with your platoon. That was REAL leadership
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:33 PM
Jan 2025

And as someone not far behind you in years, I wish you a very happy birthday and a good journey on your new spin around the sun. Looks grim for us all, but know you are well thought of for your work and words.

calimary

(85,966 posts)
39. He's probably been well-coached.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:57 PM
Jan 2025

The Yellow-Haired Power-Junkie will tolerate nothing but steady genuflecting.

LNM

(1,172 posts)
59. Thank you for your service, Rasputin1952
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 09:10 PM
Jan 2025

I’m a white female not many years younger than you and, ya know, I really thought we would be through with this shit 40 years ago. There was sexual harassment training then but I guess it was just something you attended and then went on your way. The guys joked that it was to teach them how to sexually harass women. My co-workers (male) knew they’d get in trouble for sexist talk so they reverted to bashing gays. None of it ever went away. God, I’m sick of it. Thank you for being a man who recognizes this for being the wrong thing to do.

electric_blue68

(21,031 posts)
67. Thank you for the Respect you gave to your fellow Women Soldiers...
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 12:39 AM
Jan 2025

Being Medical don't if you were in dangerous areas. If you were, I'm glad you made it through.

And Happy Birthday! 🎂 Enjoy!

rasputin1952

(83,497 posts)
85. I did my first tour as Infantry...
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 11:10 AM
Jan 2025

I told them I'd re-up if I could become a Medic.
Did my second tour as a Combat Medic.

I've taken, and I've saved lives, the paradox still haunts me from time to time.

J_William_Ryan

(2,679 posts)
28. "He reminds me of Matt Gaetz."
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:15 PM
Jan 2025

He should remind everyone of Trump.

They’re all reprehensible, wrong, and unfit to hold any public office.

kozar

(3,063 posts)
35. People use the word,
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 07:48 PM
Jan 2025

Some people, lived the word.
Its like, a person, with a burger, in their mouth, that looks at the word, hunger.

You don't understand it,till, you have lived it.

kimbutgar

(24,911 posts)
47. I used to work with guys like him when I was younger working on a stock trading desk
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 08:15 PM
Jan 2025

They were sexist and made rude comments. I finally figured out how to defeat them by smiling and giving them the silent treatment and only spoke to them if it was necessary. It drove them crazy!

We are in a world of trouble if that guy gets anywhere near the pentagon. And we will see a lot of career type military retiring. Then Putin can step in and overthrow our government.

madaboutharry

(41,854 posts)
56. I am sure Pete Hegseth thinks he is pretty.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 08:49 PM
Jan 2025

And some women who are into that.

I also find men like him creepy.

Mike Nelson

(10,547 posts)
58. The worst...
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 08:52 PM
Jan 2025

... part of all this (covered in responses by others above) is that this kind of behavior is now acceptable. Also, Joni Ernst is a complete failure. She promised to castrate male politicians in Washington, if she won... as far as I know, she hasn't castrated a single man. She wanted to cut and "make them squeal." i guess she thinks it's okay to make women squeal, too.

MontanaMama

(24,392 posts)
60. I can't rec your OP enough
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 09:37 PM
Jan 2025

I’m terrified…and as a middle class white woman, I’m probably safe. I fear for my sisters who don’t have my privilege. There are so many women who don’t have our backs.

Martin68

(25,537 posts)
61. When I'm triggered, I don't blame anybody. I reflect on my own issues and refrain from reading or listening
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 10:37 PM
Jan 2025

further if it is too painful. When my wife and I are watching a movie and it turns out to be a gratuitous splatter fest, we turn it off and watch something else. Adults know their own limitations and deal with them as they are challenged. Leave the room if you can't stand the situation. If it happens at work or another situation where you cannot avoid the person who keeps bringing up extremely uncomfortable subjects, directly state that fact and leave. If it continues, bring it up with a manager or supervisor. If that doesn't work, either leave or take legal action. Take responsibility for your own needs.

58Sunliner

(5,663 posts)
63. I really worry about the younger generations. They grew up with an expectation of equanimity in the future.
Tue Jan 14, 2025, 10:43 PM
Jan 2025

Their bodies and lives are at risk. I feel like I have failed a good many people, much as I have tried to contribute to put this country on the right path. I feel like we have to be realistic and realize that they are coming for women at every level. What can we do to support our younger generations?

The Third Doctor

(434 posts)
73. This is no surprise. Most of the cons
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 02:04 AM
Jan 2025

I've seen lack empathy and are selfish. Her experience is all that matters.

Laurelin

(725 posts)
76. I'm triggered too
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 06:43 AM
Jan 2025

I'm actually surprised that I'm struggling so much i thought i had dealt with those scars.
I'm scared for my daughters and all women.

True Blue American

(18,496 posts)
79. Joni Earnest
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 08:15 AM
Jan 2025

Is one of the worst pieces of so called womanhood I have ever seen.

Wasn’t she the one who boasted about cutting the balls off of bulls?

Then in the face of sexual harassment she claimed happened to her, she refused to meet with the victims of a rapist so she could kiss a** to another rapist.

She is sickening a real wet noodle.

mucholderthandirt

(1,455 posts)
80. I get you. Been there, experience that, suffered the trauma.
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 09:14 AM
Jan 2025

The entire world has fallen to madness. There's no one coming to help us. The EU is hardly in a position to judge, nor is the UK. All these other countries are electing people just as bad. All of the good people all over the world will suffer, and it's a nightmare that won't end anytime soon.

Except, South Korea may have nipped it in the bud. I can't say for sure, I seldom saw anything about how SK citizens voted. But somehow, they decided not to let their president bring them down. We should think about that.

I fear for all the women who will be abused under this regime. P2025 has plans that are not to our benefit. I'm old, don't much care about myself.

Vinca

(51,946 posts)
82. There will be a certain pleasure in watching it all implode. Hegseth, who looks like he'll be confirmed,
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 09:27 AM
Jan 2025

will fall off the wagon in a couple of weeks and show up at the Pentagon reeking of booze. Hope they interview Ernst after that comes out.

LaMouffette

(2,488 posts)
83. At their core, sexual abuse, racism, and wealth inequality are about injustice. Republicans are cool with injustice
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 10:52 AM
Jan 2025

because it's the best way they know how to get what they want: power and money.

akbacchus_BC

(5,814 posts)
86. You hit the nail on the head. After seeing clips of Hepseth
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 11:12 AM
Jan 2025

confirmation hearing, the double standard is sickening. It reminds me of clarence thomas hearing against Anita Hill and the confirmations of the orange menace Supreme Court picks, they all lied and were still believed and got confirmed. This other pos bondi will get confirmed even though she sided with the menace that the 2020 election was stolen. I’m done with these hearings, no point getting my blood pressure up. Rethuglicans are sick pieces of shit.

True Blue American

(18,496 posts)
87. I gave it up after Grassleys
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 11:32 AM
Jan 2025

Long winded rant, the Durbin congratulated him. I amd with Micheal Steele that civility is a 2 way street and Trump did not give civility to President Biden..

?si=juvIwIgEQS-epgIx

SupportSanity

(1,400 posts)
89. A large group of criminals being pushed through.
Wed Jan 15, 2025, 02:58 PM
Jan 2025

The magas all in line.

Hitler all over again.

Depressing

And this is just the beginning.

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