Opinions: October 16, 2018

Susan Collins made compelling presentation to the Senate, reviewing Judge Kavanaugh’s decisions, his adherence to precedent, (stare decisis) his ruling on issues that have helped women in access to contraception, Justice Kavanaugh for whom he clerked statement of gay rights being law of land, his colleagues universal praise for his legal skills, and many experienced lawyers praise. His legal quality and fairness and adherence to precedent are not on issue.

Senator Collins then went through how the Ford letter might have gotten to the newspaper and was gracious to Ms. Ford who I think must as a reasonable person have expected her allegations to be looked into thus her personage would be known and her allegations defended against.

Senator Collins was also charitable to Senator Feinstein who I have long admired, contributed to, like and supported, even very recently. Senator Feinstein in my view should have discussed the letter with the FBI in August and Judge Kavanaugh in her office. The way it came out looked like if all else fails to challenge his credentials, ruin his reputation. They did that in the old days calling political opponents pysphlis.

I lost respect for Senator Feinstein over this.

Senator Collins concluded the Ford allegations uncorroborated, there were pieces missing are not enough facts to prevent Judge from being consented to by the Senate.

Senator Collins was eloquent, thoughtful, did her homework, and at great risk to herself made the difference. She is gotten new stature.

I hope all women who have been sexually wronged look at the facts as Senator Collins did and direct their understandable anger to their attackers.