Reddy

QUOTE (bmags @ Nov 2, 2017 -> 12:40 PM) The VA Gov campaign underscores how bernie should be the candidate in 2020 despite age. He's the only democrat-aligned politician capable of effectively playing offense. Because he's also authentic when he's being an ass?

QUOTE (GoSox05 @ Nov 2, 2017 -> 12:37 PM) Something tells me Bernie didn't have the same deal. Which is fine, allowed, and deserved.

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Nov 2, 2017 -> 11:25 AM) It was sarcastic. Rabbit kept trying to avoid arguments by saying I should create another thread. If you read the previous posts I try to explain it's the Democrat catch all thread. So I was just joking about the post. Hahaha touche. That's what I get for not reading

QUOTE (Iwritecode @ Nov 2, 2017 -> 11:15 AM) In your first 2 points you seem to be trying to justify his actions somewhat. Consent or not shouldn't matter and shouldn't even be part of the conversation. There is obviously some law in place. Just watch some of the old 'To Catch a Predator' episodes with Chris Hansen. Those dudes were never even in the same room as a minor. But the intent was clear and they were all taken to trial and punished. So just because "nothing happened" doesn't mean a crime wasn't committed. There is some gray area in the terminology but if the victim felt uncomfortable then it was harassment at the very least. Gotchya. Appreciate this post.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Nov 2, 2017 -> 10:13 AM) Your "context" comes off as straight up victim blaming. Even though I've said repeatedly that Spacey is to blame and deserves his condemnation. Ok. A 14 year old being alone at said party doesn't concern you whatsoever? That's totally normal to you? His parents deserve absolutely NO scrutiny?

QUOTE (Dick Allen @ Nov 2, 2017 -> 09:53 AM) There is no doubt it happens everywhere and it is wrong. It isn't something new, but it does appear that it being wrong is now more of a popular opinion. Anita Hill didn't get nearly the sympathy these other get and deserve. People have always known and joked about the "casting couch". I'm glad these people have been inspired and strengthened to come forward with these deeds. Expose these pricks. Hollywood is getting most of it, but it goes on everywhere else. A guy who bragged about it got elected POTUS. Kevin Spacey won't be able to play fake POTUS anymore, but the real one does the same sort of things. I hope this will spur change, but I can't help but wonder if this won't be something that will just fade away. I think this time it's going to be big. I think it's going to keep snowballing. But the real solution comes from people like you and me - men - who stand up and say enough is enough. We talk to our male friends and call them out when they're doing or saying something wrong. We don't stand idly by when we see it happening, etc. It's up to US to actually fix this problem moving forward. Like I said, I'm just worried about it going too far the other direction. I did and said things when I was 18-20 that could be constituted harassment (not assault or anything worse) and if I do end up becoming high profile, I pretty much expect it to come bite me in the ass. Is that fair? I've apologized over the years to anyone I felt I wronged, I've been doing the work necessary to re-train my brain (we're all products of a hyper-masculine upbringing and society), I speak out daily about the need for men like me to do better. In real life, I'm doing everything a man who was a "part of the problem" should be doing to help change the way things are. But if/when I were to run for office and become high profile enough, none of that would matter, because if someone wanted their 15 minutes or their settlement check, I'd be powerless. That's what concerns me. Call it selfish. It's a scary thing to look ahead to. If you were wondering why people who SHOULD run for office don't, this is one of those reasons (not saying that's me. I'm plenty flawed as y'all know. But in general).

Expect the Uranium One non-scandal to become as big and as real as Benghazi. Trump and his team know they're screwed, and that their only recourse is to get rid of Mueller. They can't fire him, and they can't publicly and directly attack him. But they can try and muddy the water to indirectly discredit him. See, Bob Mueller was the head of the FBI during the Uranium One "scandal". If and when the GOP announce a special prosecutor and full investigation of the incident, that will not only put Hillary back under investigation, but it will mean that the man investigating Donald Trump will, himself, be under investigation. If you don't think that's all the ammo and cover the GOP needs, then you don't know this GOP. Mueller better act fast.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Nov 2, 2017 -> 08:33 AM) In my opinion, an adult having sexual relations with a 14 year old is wrong. In your world, because 14 year olds grow up faster in Hollywood and get drunk at adult parties, it's cool. I find that disgusting. Where the f*** did I say that?? It IS disgusting. I'm just giving y'all context. Sweet lord.

QUOTE (LittleHurt05 @ Nov 2, 2017 -> 12:28 AM) That first paragraph is just disgusting and wrong on so many levels. Why? Explain it to me instead of just condemning it. I've seen that life first hand. Literally seen it dozens of times with my own eyes. I've been at parties (either as a guest, or working as a cater waiter in the Hamptons) where teenagers are literally given free reign to get blasted. The parents don't just not care. They enable it. One such party was with Ralph Lauren this past Summer. There were minors drinking everywhere. And they may or may not have been teenagers, but Lauren was certainly surrounded constantly by very young guys, a few of whom stayed over. I'm curious why your knowledge and experience gives you the credibility to say what I said was disgusting and wrong on so many levels. Please elaborate.

And y'all. I guess this probably won't be a popular sentiment either... But the reality is that Hollywood and Broadway ARE different. Kids grow up WAY too fast. They're at parties they shouldn't be at. They're drinking and doing drugs crazy young. This isn't real life. Why do you think so many kid stars grow up to be disasters of human beings? If there was a situation where an adult and minor are in the same place and both under the influence, and a pass is made, but no harassment, no assault, no abuse and no rape is committed, and we don't hear about it until 30 years later and we're relying on the memory of a 14 year old, what's the appropriate response? (do you find your memories of the way the world "was" at 14 to be accurate?) I don't know y'all. I just think we're toppling over an incredibly slippery slope where every single man who gets accused of something is guilty until proven innocent in the court of public opinion. The reality is that MOST - the VAST majority of men - have at one point done or said SOMETHING (no matter how innocuous) that could be construed as sexual harassment. Should every single man have their careers destroyed for mistakes they made years ago? Halperin, Weinstein, O'Reilly, Cosby, NPR guy, others absof***inglutely deserve every single thing they're getting. Men that systematically use their power to abuse, assault and harass women are despicable and deserve to be ruined. Women also deserve to be heard and believed FAR more often than they typically are. I am ALL for the #MeToo movement. I'm just now concerned about where it's heading. Spacey has a track record of this and deserves to be called out and investigated. Key word: investigated. But it's a slippery f***ing slope when he's able to lose his career over no ACTUAL charges and no ACTUAL evidence that any of this took place beyond word-of-mouth. And Rapp's description doesn't even include any illegal activity, does it? That should worry people as well. We can't solve the problem by going the exact opposite direction and abandoning justice and the rule of law in this country (though I imagine this is a lost cause). Like... literally every high-profile man in America is probably in talks with their lawyers drawing up a response for when the inevitable allegation comes out, and the veracity of those claims won't even matter one tiny bit. Does no one see that as a problem? (and mods, if you disagree with this, don't ban me like last time, just delete the post. I'm not trying to cause s***, I'm just trying to have a discussion with other men that I can't have anywhere else. If I'm wrong, show me how I'm wrong, and I'd be happy to change my perspective)

QUOTE (KyYlE23 @ Nov 1, 2017 -> 09:39 PM) Reddy, you are coming off as accepting of Rapp getting molested/proposed/whatever happened because crazy things happen in Hollywood. Your entire angle the last two pages has been both condescending and uncomfortable to read, and I completely agree with CWS that you brought Rapps character into the discussion when it really had no place. Bottom line for me is it doesn’t matter if the 14 year old wanted it, initiated it, participated willingly. It is pedophilia on the part of Spacey. And apparently he is known for it. There is no world in which I'm accepting of it, or think it's ok. If I gave that perception then I apologize. All I'm doing is giving context from a different perspective than any of you have, and trying to shed light on why this hadn't come to light until now. I've said repeatedly that I condemn it, and I agree with you - obviously - that pedophilia is never acceptable.

CWS, go back to the last page and scroll up til you find this: Read better.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 1, 2017 -> 09:35 PM) How the hell did I call you a pedophile? But whatever man, nice way to deflect. And all I really want to know is how you’re an expert on this subject as you implied multiple times in this thread. If you’ve been a legit actor for 10 years (no idea if that’s what your suggesting) then simply come out and say it. It would at least add some credibility to your statements instead of simply using the “let me tell you how it is” approach you’ve been using. I DID SAY IT! Hahaha you're unreal.

And not one person here is denying Rapp's story. YOU, cws, are making that up to fit your personal vendetta of a narrative.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 1, 2017 -> 09:25 PM) You’re more familiar with 14 year old boys being sexually assaulted? Why is that again? Because you and your friends made a documentary about your adventures across the USA? Again, I must be completely missing the point or how you’re an expert in this area. What the hell is wrong with you? Mods can we cut this off before it gets even more ridiculous? Did he just insinuate that I'm a pedophile? And why does he insist on insulting the career I spent 10 years (and my entire adolescent life) building? This is really f***ing ridiculous. Why doesn't anyone else have to give their resume and receipts? Do you WANT my resume? Like what the f*** are you asking of me? Why on earth would I have talked about every job I've had and every person I know in the entertainment industry prior to now?

This whole thing where we can't even have a reasonable conversation because you're going to pitch a hissyfit about some failing of mine to be politically correct when I'm not even saying what you apparently have decided I'm saying gets really old, man.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 1, 2017 -> 09:16 PM) Good god man...this is seriously some terrible s***. No, it really isn't. Nothing in it is unreasonable, or any different than what shack is saying.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 1, 2017 -> 09:01 PM) I actually agree with the majority of your “politics”, I just don’t like when self-absorbed, arrogant people make important issues about themselves. There was zero reason to bring up Rapp’s character in this discussion, none whatsoever. He was clearly the victim of disgusting actions by a grown man. Hell, even Spacey doesn’t deny it. I still have no idea why you felt the need to bring his character into this discussion other than to use it as outlet to brag about your cool “Hollywood” inner circle. Or to give more context to a situation y'all are less familiar with? But sure. Paint it however you want.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 1, 2017 -> 08:47 PM) I don’t get where you’re going with this “inability to legally consent” in relation to Rapp though. Whether Rapp was 14 or 40 he didn’t express any desire to engage in sexual activities with Spacey. There was clearly no consent, legal or not. This story is simply about an adult who tried to sexually assault a 14 year old boy. There isn’t any gray area here which is why I find Reddy bringing up Rapp’s character to be bizarre and counter-productive to the discussion at hand. 1) you don't actually know that. None of us do. 2) there was no consent, but also, nothing happened. What in the description Rapp gives constitutes sexual assault or rape? Spacey made a move, Rapp rebuffed it and left, and nothing further happened. OBVIOUSLY I condemn Spacey for even MAKING the move in the first place, and he's a really skeezy dude and deserves this backlash, but I guess my question is what crime did he actually commit? Like... endangerment of a minor or something? Honestly asking. Don't know much about the laws here. 3) In the context of the point I was making, I brought up his character to strengthen the argument that he wasn't trying to use Spacey to get a leg up in the business. Read the whole damn post and stop extrapolating they way you want to.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 1, 2017 -> 06:19 PM) I’m sorry, but what business are you in Reddy? I guess I’m missing your connection to Kevin Spacey here. I spent over a decade in the acting business in NYC (I just quit to go back to grad school this past summer, though I still do gigs on occasion). I have many connections to a lot of big players in the business and am personal friends with many broadway stars, friends of Anthony Rapp, etc. Anthony is a far more famous stage actor than anything else, and my degrees of separation from most people in the entertainment industry is one or two at the very most.

QUOTE (iamshack @ Nov 1, 2017 -> 07:39 PM) I'm not sure what Rapp describes rises to the degree of sexual assault, although I must admit I am not up to speed on what New York courts are currently considering the elements of sexual assault of a minor to be. Throwing around terms like "sexual assault" or "rape" or "molested" may be unfair, even as inappropriate as the behavior may have been. Agree with this.

QUOTE (Chicago White Sox @ Nov 1, 2017 -> 06:38 PM) This is just a bizarre post. What does Rapp being a “pretty good guy” have to do with anything? He was a successful child actor that was sexually assaulted by a grown-ass man. There’s no alterior motive here or with any other child stars (like the Corey’s for example) that are victims of predatory actions by powerful adults. This s*** is disgusting & simply unacceptable, so whether Rapp is a “good guy” or not is simply irrelevant and quite frankly takes away from the issue at hand. FAUX OUTRAGE BECAUSE YOU DON'T LIKE MY POLITICS SO YOU'RE TAKING PARTS OF MY POST OUT OF CONTEXT YAAAARRR

QUOTE (Soxbadger @ Nov 1, 2017 -> 05:31 PM) Stick to the topic at hand, which is the Middle East is more dangerous than America. You serious right now? I hadn't read the other recent posts. I'm allowed to post about whatever the hell I want to post about.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Nov 1, 2017 -> 05:29 PM) I don't know what you mean by anything other than the bolded but I agree with the bolded. Extremism has exploded since the GWOT because of American foreign policy. This has not translated over to a relative increase in muslim extremism in the US though. Whoa. We agree on something that typically polarizes partisans. This is quite a moment.

QUOTE (raBBit @ Nov 1, 2017 -> 05:21 PM) I'll leave on this - the US can't go around toppling regimes, killing civilians and disrupting the middle east as a whole, and then take in mass amounts of people who have a bone to pick with the USA for the transgressions our government has committed and in many cases, have nothing to live for. Our governments racketeering destroys stability in the middle east. The lack of stability gives power to extremists. The war on the terrorists results in more dead civilians. The civilians who have lost family members and their way of life as a result of the actions of the US military/CIA/Mossad/contractors, etc. become sympathetic to extremists who have malcontent for our country. This creates more extremism and more concern for immigration policies regarding the middle east. Of course, I wish our government never partook in these atrocities, but I don't think we should open the floodgates for refugees who will inevitably be accompanied by terrorists. It also can't do the above then blame people for radicalizing... WE created ISIS. End stop.