Important conversation on sex harassment

I applaud Jan Smith's recent letter. It is about time that the huge problem of sexual disrespect and abuse is finally brought to the forefront and addressed.

Prior to about 41 years ago, "implied consent" laws made it virtually impossible for women to press charges, and social attitudes endorsed male sexual aggression. Nothing was made of JFK's heavy womanizing. Jackie Kennedy expressed acceptance and implied support when she said, "Isn't that the way all men are?"

Lyndon Johnson bragged that he had many more women than JFK. That stuff was accepted and even admired back then. Although laws changed in the mid "70s to "No means no," many people have not changed, and the legal system has been slow to change.

In the mid '80s, Playboy magazine published an article that explained how many men use sex as a substitute for hitting and punishment of women. I believe that is true of men in power. But there are some women who are sexually aggressive and as bad toward men as many men are toward women.

It is time to bring it all into public discussion and study.

Sexual abuse creates tremendous, often permanent, harm to the victims. It can lead to early deaths and it can create killers. People who abuse others need to pay the consequences.

#MeToo

Rich Lorimer

Streamwood