Editorials
Monday, November 11, 1996
The Army takes aim
at sexual harassment
IRONICALLY, as the nation honors its veterans today with parades and tributes, the Army is embroiled in a hauntingly familiar behind-the-scenes scandal. Last week, 20 training instructors at the Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland were suspended while being investigated for charges ranging from sending unwanted love notes to rape and sodomy. The disturbing investigation indicates that the armed forces may still have far to go before achieving "zero tolerance" of sexual harassment and abuse.
The phones have been jangling at a toll-free telephone hotline, which is fielding complaints about treatment of female service members at Army installations, especially Aberdeen. Last weekend, investigators at the 94-year-old training center were checking into more than 100 new reports of sexual misconduct in the military.
Already, the defenders of the status quo are worrying that "innocent soldiers will be caught up in the scandal and their careers will be ruined," according to a Los Angeles Times report. But even consensual relationships between superiors and trainees violate the military's strict ban against fraternization, and rightly so.
Like a liaison between a student and professor, the lines between those who have power over those who don't must not be overstepped. At the very least, it conveys the appearance of misuse of authority; on the other extreme, it results in unwanted sexual advances and intimidation.
Previously it was the Navy that bore the brunt of scrutinization over sexual misconduct between service personnel, particularly in the notorious Tailhook convention. Now the Army joins the Navy in probes into the sexual conduct - or misconduct - of its personnel.
Aberdeen's commander, Maj. Gen. Robert Shadley, who announced the criminal charges, has vowed to get to the bottom of the allegations. Interest on just how deep that "bottom" is will keep the media spotlight trained on Aberdeen and other military establishments long past this Veterans Day.
Those pesky vendors
THE state Parks Division wants to clear the vendors of T-shirts and other merchandise from Diamond Head Crater, but the entrepreneurs have been elusive. They know when conservation officers tend to make their rounds. Now that the division has posted signs warning visitors of the illegal vending activity, more visitors may refuse to do business with the brash and lawless solicitors.
Bedlam at the ballot
ONCE again, emotion-packed propositions at California's polls have created legal havoc. Adoption of laws banning race or gender preferences in government, and legalizing marijuana for medical use, are resulting in court clashes and confusion. It all serves as a reminder that direct voter legislation makes for chaotic democracy.
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Rupert E. Phillips, CEO
John M. Flanagan, Editor & Publisher
David Shapiro, Managing Editor
Diane Yukihiro Chang, Senior Editor & Editorial Page Editor
Frank Bridgewater & Michael Rovner, Assistant Managing Editors
A.A. Smyser, Contributing Editor