I wasn't much older than my daughter is today when the Anita Hill hearings went on TV. I remember them vividly because shortly after in my first job, I had a copy editor anonymously call me for months saying the most sickening things, promising to rape me and so on. 1/
I was shocked when the police finally tracked down the calls. The detective couldn't have been kinder when he broke the news that the calls came from my own newsroom but they didn't know who yet. He said he was worried about me and that I should be careful. 2/
So I went to the newsroom for weeks not telling anyone but wondering who it could be, even though I had to stay until late at night waiting to be copy edited by the same sicko who would call me a few hours later. 3/
When the police finally figured it out, I remember being called in for a meeting w/the editor in chief & publisher. The vibe I felt instantly was not one of shame and sorrow, but of fear & disbelief. Fear that, as they put it, I might ruin the life of a pious Christian father. 4/
It was up to me about whether I wanted to press charges they said. I was 23 years old. Gee thanks. 5/
I didn't press charges, quit my job and left journalism and Ohio behind. The bastard called me on the day I moved out. Jesus Christ John, I know it's you I said. He hung up. 6/
My story isn't unique, it isn't the worst. I rarely talk about it, but I've never forgotten it. And I can't help thinking about my own daughters and son in this moment. I'm grateful for the courage of Anita Hill and Christine Ford. I didn't have it. 7/
And I'm sickened that a morally bankrupt cabal of Republicans could imminently approve a second sexual predator to the highest bench in the land at the behest of the predator in chief while my children watch. Vote these monsters out. 8/
Vote those monsters out of office. Believe women. Then elect them. And God help us in this world. #Kavanaugh /end
