Rules of Engagement
November 8, 2011 - by
A TAPster offers advice for people in politics – or any calling – who want to avoid being the next Herman Cain, or the next victim:
“Sexual harassment is wrong. Period. When a man, woman or child says no, it must stop immediately.
“Having said that, there are lessons for us all in the Herman Cain situation, especially those of us who venture to the Washington political circus.
“First lesson: Washington is an intoxicating place. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to get messed up on power or whiskey or both and put your hands where they don’t belong. Plenty of DC politicos have become convinced they are invincible, invisible and irresistible and have talked, groped or kanoodled their way into trouble.
“Second lesson: Don’t put yourself in a position where you may have to say no, whether you’re in DC or Mt. Olive. If you need to meet with a powerful person to discuss something important, meet in an office in broad daylight and keep it all business. Flirting isn’t businesslike, and drinks and dinner is a date.
“Herman Cain and his friends, like countless others over the decades, ignored these lessons. So, now we get to enjoy the spectacle of another politician trying to wriggle out of a big, avoidable mess.”
Rules of Engagement
November 8, 2011/
A TAPster offers advice for people in politics – or any calling – who want to avoid being the next Herman Cain, or the next victim:
“Sexual harassment is wrong. Period. When a man, woman or child says no, it must stop immediately.
“Having said that, there are lessons for us all in the Herman Cain situation, especially those of us who venture to the Washington political circus.
“First lesson: Washington is an intoxicating place. If you’re not careful, it’s easy to get messed up on power or whiskey or both and put your hands where they don’t belong. Plenty of DC politicos have become convinced they are invincible, invisible and irresistible and have talked, groped or kanoodled their way into trouble.
“Second lesson: Don’t put yourself in a position where you may have to say no, whether you’re in DC or Mt. Olive. If you need to meet with a powerful person to discuss something important, meet in an office in broad daylight and keep it all business. Flirting isn’t businesslike, and drinks and dinner is a date.
“Herman Cain and his friends, like countless others over the decades, ignored these lessons. So, now we get to enjoy the spectacle of another politician trying to wriggle out of a big, avoidable mess.”