[...] created Mice Templar. I didn’t know Taki Soma was also an artist; I recalled her from the harassment fiasco that tarnished both the CBLDF and Friends of [...]

go to a high school or college campus and ask about their sexual harrassment policy. i think youll find it is zero tolerance.

ask about the anti- date rape measures being taken, chances are youll see posters saying things like “no means no, no excuses”

even if, it was exactly as brownstein stated, it is to much. this isnt just my opinion johanna, its the law and also our new societal norm.

im not advocating hanging brownstein or even sending him to prison. i do feel however, for me and my $$, if cbldf keeps this guy on they lose beaucoup credibility.

if he was such an honorable guy hed know how badly he screwed up and offer to step down so as to avoid any further embarrassment to his employer because of this situation.

Jackie Estrada

[...] up on the Journal coverage of gropegate, Newsarama posts Brownstein’s side of the story, including his apology. I feigned to lift up [...]

I’m defending Brownstein in this conversation because you’ve been bound and determined to believe everything reported about Soma, regardless of whether it contradicts the police statements or how often her vocal supporters have contradicted themselves. I’m trying to show you a more balanced viewpoint.

I’ve said several times that I’m very sorry for Soma, whatever happened, because evidently it was traumatic for her. That doesn’t mean she’s above question or not responsible in some way for how this all has played out.

what i took from this statement is that she was also engaged in alcoholic behavior, therefore tainting her side of the story.

did you know that as of 5 years ago there were still 3 states in america where a man couldnt be charged with rape if his alleged victim was drunk? what do you think of that?

maybe im not seeing this correctly but it sure seems as if your really stretching to defend this brownstein guy and assume the worst of soma. any reason?

The biggest question right now, in my opinion, is why Soma’s spokeswoman said that “she didn’t refuse to press charges” when the police say that’s exactly why the case wasn’t pursued.

thats the same sort of attitude as the “well did you see how she was dressed? she deserved it!” arguement and im very surprised to hear that coming from you.

even if she was drunk off her ass its no excuse for what he did.

and yes, its quite easy to call his actions alcoholic behavior. blacked out and acting aggressively and sexually aggressive are BIG TIME indicators of alcoholic drinking.

i do not know a substance abuse professional (and i know many) who would diagnose it as anything but.

Gus, I don’t know why TCJ is making that choice (although I could guess the obvious reason: to drive magazine sales) but I think it’s a poor one.

Johanna: thanks for the pointer; I probably would have missed this until later in the week. It’s a good piece; why do you suppose that TCJ is indicating they’re going to redact portions of the online story for print, but not leave the full version up on the web indefinitely?

im sure this guy feels terrible for what he did. and it definitely sounds like alcoholic behavior to me, which is often displayed by people who are otherwise incredible individuals until the booze takes over.

unfortunately, in our society, and especially in close knit micro societys like comics is, once you bear the scarlet letter, its nigh impossible to cast it off.

no matter if brownstein sobers up for it and redeems himself 1000 times over, most will associate him as being the guy who sexually assaulted taki soma. and rightfully so in my book. it is sexual assault after all, not puking on joe quesada or something.