Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: notesfiles - hp internal release 1.2; site inmet.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!philabs!seismo!hao!hplabs!hp-pcd!harpo!inmet!mazur
From: mazur@inmet.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.women
Subject: Re: prisons
Message-ID: <10900027@inmet.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 30-Jan-84 02:16:00 EST
Article-I.D.: inmet.10900027
Posted: Mon Jan 30 02:16:00 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 27-Jan-84 11:22:41 EST
References: <226@ccieng5.UUCP>
Lines: 31
Nf-ID: #R:ccieng5:-22600:inmet:10900027:37777777600:1364
Nf-From: inmet!mazur    Jan 22 23:16:00 1984

> If a person reacts to a rape, indecent exposure, bad joke or
> gift of flowers with a mental breakdown, that is the weakness
> of the victim

Well, jbf is right about that statement (as far as inviting more
flames).

Jbf's statement helps prove my point: that the reaction to rape/sexual
assault is largely emotional (and lasting).  I think that the point of
the original note was to protest the jailing of innocent men in rape
cases.  I agree with that.  Innocent people shouldn't have to go
to jail.  Then again, guilty people should always go to jail, and
that doesn't always happen either.

The problem is that jbf takes the stand that going to prison 
mistakenly is a much worse alternative than rape; in fact, jbf is 
so cynical about rape, his arguments lose credibility.  I am
certainly not proposing that all alleged rapists go to jail so
that not one who is guilty goes free. 

I also find it interesting that jbf made no (public) comment about
the other response (about jbf making sure that the public saw
that his date was "willing" beforehand, so that he could "avoid"
any rape charges).

I've received a few comments about my initial response (with no
flames except in the previous note from jbf).  I'd appreciate any
other responses (posted or mailed).

                         Beth Mazur
                         {ima,harpo,esquire}!inmet!mazur