We tend to think of “x/2+7” as an adult creepiness threshold, but it also pretty well defines the Romeo and Juliet exclusion. Depending on how you round, it implies 14/14, 16/15, 18/16.
The problem I foresee here, is that it’s not particularly abnormal for a middle aged man to find some teenagers attractive. It is certainly wrong for him to follow through, because among other things, lifelong irreparable psychological trauma. But we are already in the business of excusing Trump for doing things that are wrong.
In the end I think Republicans will assume it’s okay for him because other people also did something similar.
My reaction is visceral. I remember when my three daughters were 14-15 years old and I would have despised any older man taking advantage of them.
Hard for me not to look at this situation through this lens. I hope all the perps are revealed.
Got it. As long as it’s “just” sex trafficking teenagers, it’s totally fine. I see how that fits the law and order, family values, etc platform.
Or they were discussing quantum physics.
Larry Krauss has a history of other sexual harassment allegations, he’s not a good guy. He’s also apparently an all around asshole (per someone who used to work with him).
This was how some Clinton apologists thought.
I had not heard of Krauss until I saw this article in today’s Globe and Mail. He does not sound like a good guy.
oh, I already accepted thats mostly BS that they use to cover up their desire to control women and minorities.
And their political opponents who don’t fit in that category.
This could also go in news that makes you say WTF, as it reads like “Remember the good old days when all NY elites could hang out and bang kids with impunity”
Too much of a Gone With the Wind vibe, eh?
I read the article and was disappointed that they did seem a bit nostalgic for this old clubby Manhattan world rather than condemn it. Not quite as wishful about the old days as Margaret Mitchell though.
Make Gatsby Great Again!
From Bluesky in response to the NYT headline:
Morgoth Emails Reveal A Lost Middle Earth
- Gondor Times
Next level of excuse: “He does what you always think about: banging teenagers! Jealous?”
Trump now demanding epstein files get released. In other news we’ve always been at war with east asia.