A guest piece from Cody Woodruff, ISU student and school board member.
“We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” -Elie Wiesel
Since the story about sexual misconduct allegations against Senator Nate Boulton broke, I’ve been struggling with a torrent of thoughts and emotions. Sadness that this ever took place; anger at Nate; and heartbreak for the women who came forward, his wife Andrea, and the many young people who believed in him.
These actions are inexcusable, but, as difficult as it’s been to reconcile with them, I’m glad they’ve been brought to light. I appreciate that he’s not denying the allegations and has offered an apology, which I believe is sincere. Despite this, I and many others are dissatisfied and left wanting more. There needs to be a recognition that there is inherent societal power in being a man, regardless of the setting. We may not always recognize it, but it’s there. If Nate really wants to use his mistakes to advance the #MeToo discussion, and I think he does, then this must be acknowledged.
To other supporters of Nate who are still grappling with the allegations: I understand what you’re feeling, but I believe these women, and you should too. I poured my heart and soul into his campaign, and to see all of the work we put into a candidate that we deeply believed in disappear is crushing. Do not feel sorry for Nate – feel sorry for the women this happened to, the incredible people surrounding him who this affects, and the young people who’ve been let down by someone they looked up to.
To those young people: do not give up the hope you felt, do not let your passion falter, and do not let future leaders be defined by the actions of one man. You can carry the torch now, you have the ability to set the course forward, and you have the potential to be the brightest beacons of good that our state has ever seen. I believe in you.
I can’t take back the work I’ve already done or the vote I’ve already cast, but I can speak out and take a stand. As an elected official, a young man, and a human, I feel a responsibility to do so. I’m sorry it’s taken me this long to form a response, but my spirit has been broken and my core has been shaken, so I ask you forgive my brief silence on the issue.
To Nate: you know how much admiration and respect I’ve had for you. Show the state and our party the person I know you to truly be and step aside, help heal the wounds you’ve inflicted, and face the consequences that await. You may not be able to be governor, but you can still leave a positive impact. There is more than just an election at stake; it’s the fight for the soul of our state.
by Cody Woodruff
Posted 5/23/18
2 Comments on "Don’t Lose Hope, But Do Accept Responsibility"
with all due respect Cody, these were allegations. no one has verified them as truth. this is politics at its ugliest.
Correct. Will Sen Boulton get his day – No.
If a member of the correct group makes an allegations, it is therefore law – not our constitutional law.
Did these women file public compliant or notify appropriate people/entities of this conduct at the time?
Did these compliants resulted in charges?
Did prosecutors investigate and come to a conclusion?
Believe the answer is no to all three.
In this country we have the constitutional right to confront our accuser(s) in accordance with the laws. Their credibility, motives and associations are part and parcel of their allegations. If they can be proven true, then our system of justice has prevailed. But if false, justice will also have prevailed. And we all should accept the outcome. But the accused should not have to lose everything before justice has been rendered.
Agree, in politics perception is more important then reality but the demand for justice is then thrown out the window.
So why now – Julie is correct its likely politics, so lets explore:
1. helps women candidates who trailed both Boulton & Hubbell
2. definitely helps Cathy Glasson & consistent with tactics of WFP (started by former head of ACORN)
3. not sure if it stops Hubbell getting 35% but conventional wisdom says difficult to win if it does go to convention
4. consistent with party’s feeling they need a women to win against Reynolds
This just might be the internal fight that determines the base and policies going forward for Iowa Democratic Party – traditional Democrat union base or new progressive radical left backed and supported by outside of Iowa organizations (using Sen Saunders – not a Democrat by the way & Glasson has backing of Our Revolution (his organization)).
Just some thoughts – thanks Julie for starting this conversation.