Betty Ussach-Schwartz: Are we more permissive or more perverse?

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Fox New host Pete Hegseth, accused of misogyny, sexual assault and Islamaphobia, continues to be President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be secretary of defense as he vows not to step aside.

Fox New host Pete Hegseth, accused of misogyny, sexual assault and Islamaphobia, continues to be President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be secretary of defense as he vows not to step aside. AP

Published: 12-04-2024 7:28 PM

Historically, many an elected legislator, political candidate or prospective cabinet nominee accused of deviance, infidelity or sexual felonies has been held accountable, ostracized or drummed into oblivion. But in this decade voters have disbelieved the accusations, even in the face of irrefutable evidence, discounted their relevance or made excuses for the perpetrator.

With a greater understanding of human nature, undoubtedly many voters chose to disregard the allegations, demonstrating forgiveness or conversely applauding and rewarding misogynistic behavior. The whiff of scandal had sunk many candidacies, and proven indecencies were punished financially or by forced retirement. Now it seems as though it is a precondition for consideration for appointment, or a reward for reprehensible behavior toward women.

Betty Ussach-Schwartz

Southampton

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