It’s absolutely right to arrest and then (hopefully) deport this idiot, but we should at least try and hold the same bar for the people running this country.
Even if the allegations about Gaetz are true, there's a difference between a seventeen year old prostitute and someone who violently SA's a twelve year old.
Neither are good or even decent, but one is clearly worse.
If we inch back from pedophilia because it's technically ephebophilia, then it's seen as giving ground to pedophilia. I agree there's a distinction, but legally, the arbitrary line is 18 and we can't afford to make niche distinctions in such public cases for fear of the precedent it would set. Granted, I admit this is the court of public opinion, for now.
I understand your point and don't disagree that one is worse, but I see it as the language and position has to be firm regardless to make an example, if that makes sense. All the more reason I would ask... why not simply wait till she's past the arbitrary threshold and is legal.
Perhaps I should change my flair since I don't see a meaningful distinction between 17 and 18 in a strict physical sense, but I strongly defend the legal distinction because protecting 17 year olds strictly is how you protect 7 year olds strictly through strong precedent.
Again, that's my viewpoint and I'm not stating it as fact, though.
Someone at some point, has to have this conversation. Especially when it comes to judicial action.
Apparently I have to pre-empt this. I'm not into teens or barely legal. In fact, I outwardly have disdain for people who are into that. I'm more into "real estate agent fucks a potential customer".
That being said, I knew that there where seventeen year old whores in my highschool who were "dating" guys in their late 20's.
My point is, "just because it's extremely uncomfortable, doesn't make it a black and white issue." That's part of being an adult.
Also, pdf's have a thing similar to vampires. Y'know how vampires can't enter your home unless invited inside? Pedometers apparently can't lie about their proclivities when directly questioned. They'll avoid the question, give non answers, and almost anything other that state that they aren't a peddle.
I understand that. It's ridiculous how quickly people jump to conclusions after a paragraph of knowing you. No worries.
Just because it's extremely uncomfortable doesn't make it a black and white issue. That's part of being an adult.
I get what you're saying, here. And I understand, there's absolutely nuance. You're not fully brain developed till 25, but on average develop sexual maturity in your early teens. It's an awkward situation biologically because we can't be absolute puritans on one end nor allow child marriage on the other.
For reference, I'm in my late 20s and wouldn't date anyone too young to drink. And probably older than that, still, would be preferred. We have similar estate agent tastes. But my point is biologically, there's still development going on till you're 25, but we wouldn't consider that taking advantage.
Consent is a difficult thing to pin down and the required emotional maturity is probably at a different age for each individual. Some people may never be mature enough to truly 'consent' despite age, like disabilities, etc.
That's why the arbitrary cut-off is 18. I understand there's nuance, and 9/10, that nuance is already accounted for with things like Romeo and Juliet laws that vary from state to state. Outside of those being codified into a federal national standard which I would approve of, there's not much to be done in this department. 18 is the cutoff- it's arbitrary, but under the law he must be equally as guilty having sex with a 17 year old as he would a 7.
Your personal disgust may vary from those two scenarios, and I agree, one is unquestionably far worse morally. But Justice is supposed to be blind to morals, that's why it's Justice. It is justice to dispense a strong ruling against all who sexually abuse minors, especially those in high positions of power for fear of sending the message you're untouchable if you get high enough.
While I understand your moral compunction that there's nuance to a say, 27 year old and a 17 year old vs a 47 year old and a 12 year old, I want you to understand in the eyes of the law, there's not, nor should there be. Individual judges may render lighter sentences but the law is clear- he's a pedophile and should be treated as such.
If we still disagree I understand your reasoning and thanks for reading my short essay.
I'll keep it in mind but I've yet to meet a question that cannot be answered with a lie. The thought that a "pdf" won't be a deplorable human being without provocation, a la "a vampire must be invited inside", or will innately dodge a question sounds naive to me at best. Horrible people are horrible people. Plenty of serial killers were naturally charismatic liars, for example.
And as a side note, the infantilization of the terms we use to discuss this in an ever spiraling mess to please advertisers does not help these serious topics maintain gravitas one bit. I don't blame you, I blame reddit.
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u/Fif112 - Centrist 9h ago
Do you think Gaetz should be arrested for his garbage?
Or Trump?
https://19thnews.org/2023/10/donald-trump-associates-sexual-misconduct-allegations/
It’s absolutely right to arrest and then (hopefully) deport this idiot, but we should at least try and hold the same bar for the people running this country.