The Brett Kavanaugh hearing raised deep concerns about the message sent to Hawaii’s women and girls, when Dr. Christine Blasey Ford courageously told her story of sexual assault and was met with disbelief. How many women need to come forward to be credible?

The message sent to men and boys when they saw Kavanaugh’s denials delivered with rage and anger is that powerful men can have “alternate facts” if delivered with sufficient force.

We watched as dishonesty and disrespect for our elected officials was accepted during congressional hearings.

We learned partisan politics in the three branches of government prevails over truth, justice, fairness and common decency as well as character and judicial temperament.

But we are hopeful that fair-minded women and men will speak out and vote in November for candidates who will believe women with the courage to tell their stories of harassment and assault and will fight for accountability.

Amy Monk

Hawaii Kai

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