Republican Presidential Candidate Herman Cain is currently fighting off three questionable claims of sexual harassment that allegedly occurred between 10 and 20 years ago. Two of the claims were reported as settled quietly and one was never disclosed until recently and after most applicable time limits on filing lawsuits have run out. From the viewpoint of this writer (TMV’s alleged misogynist as some past commentators have wrongly implied) all I can say is “so what?”

Mr. Cain has never been charged and convicted of any criminal sexual conduct or any felony as far the public records can reveal. He is a black man who was born in this country and rose to be the CEO of a nationwide chain of Pizza Parlors called “Godfather’s Pizza.” He also served as the President of the National Restaurant Association and was on the Board of one of the 9 regional Federal Reserve Banks. I have never eaten at this pizzeria; I do not have genetic proof to the contrary with respect to his racial background; and I am willing to accept public records concerning his American birth certificate – which has not been produced or requested. Where is Maricopa County Sherriff Joe in all this?

With all the massive problems facing this nation (and those facing Kim Kardashian) and the many questionable policy positions Mr. Cain has presented to address those same problems, why are parts of the Liberal blogosphere, media and silly activists on again one of their frequent hyper-sensitive, over-the-top, politically-correct, and knee-jerk Feminine-Nazi witch-hunts? Do they have to over-react to any such allegations in order to maintain their extreme liberal credentials and justify their periodic media attention? Don’t they have anything better to do with their excess time and limited brain power?

I practiced law as a licensed attorney in Ohio for over 15 years, working in private practice and also as an in-house counsel. From time to time, I had to deal with sexual harassment claims in many jurisdictions across the nation. In my experience, and from legal research and discussions with other attorneys well-versed in this area, there are some valid sexual harassment claims. Attorneys from both sides of the litigation game have recognized clear, outlandish, despicable and highly damaging words and actions – but these cases are in the minority.

Most harassment cases turn on personality conflicts within the workplace. More depressing but very human, many claims turn on the positive or negative personality and overall physical traits of the alleged perpetrators. Drawing a clear line between consensual flirting and unwanted attention is not so easy. As with date-rape and other similar allegations arising from the work-place and inter-personal relations, the frivolous and highly-debatable claims have diminished the legitimacy of the real claims. Thus objectivity, reasonableness, and the rule of law left the Courthouse years ago in this area of the law. When too many people cry “wolf” too often when nothing is there, then when a real “wolf” is present, very few uninvolved people will believe it.

Too many non-attorneys believe that settlements imply admissions of liability, or fault, or something even worse. Even establishing a pattern of behavior may require more than a handful of claims and pretty clear factual allegations. Often settlements are concluded to save months or years of wasted time, wasted money on legal fees, and possible embarrassment of many individuals involved. Often in litigation, every detail of each individual’s past will be investigated and twisted out of context as to make paying money the best option so that each party is able to get on with his or her life. Sometimes during the process, the most petty, nasty, hyper-sensitive, unreasonable, socially maladjusted, frigid misanthropists and haphephobics might financially profit from their exaggerated claims, while generally innocent – but frequently just plain-looking but not beautiful people – suffer simultaneously.

Mr. Cain is not competent to be elected President for a wide variety of reasons. His policy proposals are mostly junk, and his attacks on some unemployed and poor Americans coupled with his opinions on other subjects, are reprehensible. Anyone proud of not knowing major parts of history, geography, politics, economics and a host of important subjects is unfit for higher office. Running the biggest empire in world history; dealing with a gridlocked and partisan Congress and large, greedy corporate cartels; and leading to a very divided, angry, fearful, and uneducated electorate; has been beyond the intelligence and cunning of most of our Presidents during the past 30 years. However a pizza tycoon as President would be working way beyond his abilities that principally cover the profitable making and selling of heated dough, sauce and cheese with various extra condiments.

But if some narrow-minded liberal activists and like-minded mental midgets in the Media are able to destroy a person’s political career on the basis of a few specious charges as they have leveled against Mr. Cain, then they will likely further reduce the potential number of very competent people willing to run for any elective office down to a small group of asexual monks. Many successful businessmen, politicians and public figures are often tactile and gregarious characters that love being around and working with people. Then there are a number of individuals who suffer from haphephobia and who are just the opposite. When they meet, there is frequently misunderstanding and pointless conflict.

Mr. Cain would not make a viable Republican nominee for President or Vice-President. However, he should be eliminated from consideration by Republican primary voters due to his extremely unworkable political, economic, tax, and social views. It should not result from any allegations of past sexual harassment by a few individuals who might not be able to withstand rigorous scrutiny and impeachment as protected under our legal system for anyone so charged. This nation really needs to move onto more important debates.

Submitted on November 3, 2011 by Marc Pascal ranting from Phoenix, AZ. Of course, suggestions and comments from TMV readers are always welcome. You can reach me directly at [email protected].