Whatever happened to the idea of fairness in America?

Like many Americans, I watched the testimony of Dr. Ford and Judge Kavanaugh before the Senate Judiciary Committee. At the halfway point, following Ford’s testimony, I was convinced Kavanaugh was toast.

Ford’s demeanor as well as her words were compelling. In today’s America, a woman’s accusation is more credible than a man’s denial. Thus, at that point, I didn’t think he had a chance. I believed her.

Kavanaugh’s rebuttal, however, was equality compelling. He presented himself as a victim, both injured and angry. In addition, he had done his homework. He had sworn statements refuting the allegations. I believed him.

During breaks in the testimony, a panel of expert commentators took the opportunity to explain to us mere mortals what the witnesses really said. One of them thought both witnesses were believable, but there was no way they both could be telling the truth. I disagree.

While in the Air Force, I was called on to investigate aircraft mishaps as well as allegations of misconduct. I found it rare that witnesses lie. They tell the truth as they know it.

The role of the investigator is to find a scenario that fits the testimony. I have no doubt that both Ford and Kavanaugh were absolutely open and sincere in everything they said. Given what we know about long repressed memories, there are several reasonable scenarios here, none of which will satisfy the entrenched positions on either side. The biggest loser is the American people’s confidence in the political process and in our elected representatives.

Our government was founded on debate and compromise. It doesn’t work that way anymore. Our political parties are so polarized that the perceived good of the party takes precedent over all else.

One member of the committee said several weeks ago that he would do whatever it takes to derail the confirmation of Kavanaugh. This attitude had nothing to do with qualifications for the job. It had everything to do with derailing a Republican nominee. The most visible “bad guy” here is Senator Feinstein. She orchestrated the Ford allegation from start to finish. She withheld all information until the last minute.

She got Ford to negotiate the conditions of her testimony for 10 days and even withheld information from her own witness. She was, and is, more dedicated to beating the Republicans than she is about the truth.

I use her as an example because her actions were obvious to those who watched the hearings, but there are Republicans with the same mindset. Many of our elected representatives on both sides of the aisle wouldn’t think twice about sacrificing Kavenaugh for the sake of the party. Some would even put their reelection chances ahead of the well being of the country. I think that’s a shame.

I thought President Trump’s call for an FBI investigation limited in time and scope to be a viable compromise. I fear, however, it won’t make any difference. Yale University, Kavanaugh’s alma mater, and the American Bar Association withdrew their endorsements before the FBI investigation even got started. So much for justice.

They are so afraid of criticism by empowered feminists that facts and findings are no longer relevant. I seriously doubt that the FBI will find any evidence to prove Ford’s accusation, nor will they find proof that Kavanaugh wasn’t at the gathering. In other words, the FBI investigation will be inconclusive.

Republicans will declare victory and Democrats will claim that a week wasn’t enough time to do anything but a whitewash investigation. There is little chance, however, for Kavanaugh’s confirmation.

Senators will bow to the new political reality that accusations by women need no proof. The accusation itself is enough. Truth is no longer an asset.

Kavanaugh’s character has been assassinated. His professional reputation and the honor of his family have been sacrificed on the alter of radical feminism. In politics, what goes around comes around. In the near future, it will be a Democrat fighting a similar battle. Welcome to the new political normal.

Frank Watson is a retired Air Force Colonel and long-time resident of Eastern Washington. He has been a free-lance columnist for over 19 years.